Jimmy Dykes, Dick Vitale spar over which SEC team is the best in the country

As Alabama was wrapping up a victory over Kentucky, discussion in the broadcast booth began over who is the best team in college basketball. ESPN’s Jimmy Dykes and Dick Vitale gave out names, both coming out of the SEC. In fact, they are currently the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams in the AP poll.

Dykes was first up, taking the Florida Gators. Most people would slot Auburn in the top spot because of the loaded resume and only having two losses throughout the year. However, Florida is one of those losses, and in Dykes’ opinion, playing better through their wins than Auburn.

“Auburn, I’m not sure they’re the best team right now,” Dykes said. “I think it’s Florida. But man, the three or four at the top of this league are legitimate national championship contenders.”

Currently on a six-game win streak, not many of them have been too close. Five have been by double digits as the Auburn win for Todd Golden was by nine points. Not too shabby considering they were in Neville Arena and looked incredibly impressive.

Even so, Vitale decided to still roll with Auburn. He cites how the Tigers are still atop the SEC standings with a two-game cushion. A game can be dropped in the final weeks of the regular season and Auburn could still come home with a conference championship.

Until somebody else is able to take over in the SEC from a record standpoint, Dykes is going with Auburn.

“I disagree with Jimmy,” Vitale said. “I still think Auburn is the best team right now. I really do. They got six guys averaging double figures. Until somebody can knock them off the top, I still say they’re best.”

Since the Florida loss, Auburn has been in a few close contests. None bigger than the Alabama win — a huge plus in Vitale’s argument. But Dykes would point to the likes of Arkansas and even Georgia playing Auburn close in recent games.

There is not another Auburn-Florida matchup on the schedule as of now. Many would predict them to play in Nashville at some point though, likely in a semifinal or championship game. Meeting in San Antonio may not be too big of a surprise either.

A few other teams might want to throw their name into the conversation too. But for Dykes and Vitale, they’re sticking with these two teams in the SEC.