Expansion, rule changes OK with SEC hoop coaches

By: Associated Press

Posted: Mon 5:31 PM, Jun 25, 2012

Kentucky's outspoken men's basketball coach John Calipari has long championed the talent and depth in the Southeastern Conference - even when the NCAA tournament selection committee didn't share his optimism.

And he's even more bullish about the league's future now that Missouri and Texas A&M have made the switch from the Big 12 to the SEC.

Calipari says he believes seven teams will make the NCAA tournament next season, which would be half of the newly-expanded 14-team league.

Perhaps that is overly optimistic.

But there's little doubt Missouri and Texas A&M add some hardwood flavor to the football-crazy SEC, which has been considered top-heavy on the basketball court during recent years.

The SEC had just four teams in the NCAA tournament last season, including Kentucky, which won the national championship.

Gregor single lifts Vandy past South Carolina, 4-3

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