ESPN picks Kentucky to win the SEC, debates Final Four potential

The college basketball preseason is officially upon us, meaning national outlets are rolling out their conference previews. ESPN’s SEC primer dropped today and two of the Worldwide Leader’s three college hoops writers picked Kentucky to win the league. Myron Medcalf and Jeff Borzello have the Cats taking home the SEC title, while John Gasaway has Kentucky finishing in third place behind Alabama and Tennessee. Boo, John Gasaway!

Among the topics in ESPN’s SEC roundtable is a debate over Kentucky’s Final Four potential. The Cats’ last trip to the Final Four was in 2015. While the group is skeptical Kentucky can get a No. 1 seed, they all agree the Cats have what it takes to make it to the final weekend of the season. Here’s Borzello’s take on the 2021-22 squad:

I think Kentucky is just outside that top tier of Final Four contenders, so I think it’s certainly possible to see the Wildcats playing in New Orleans come early April. It’s a roster built differently to the freshmen-heavy teams we’ve seen Calipari utilize in the past, but it’s still loaded with newcomers — which makes role allocation and chemistry two of the bigger questions entering the season. But if Calipari figures those things out, Kentucky has the personnel to win the SEC and push for a high seed on Selection Sunday.

Kentucky’s biggest issues last season came on the offensive end, with turnovers and outside shooting near the top of the list. Calipari has addressed those issues. Washington is one of the best point guards entering college; Georgia transfer Sahvir Wheeler led the SEC in assists, and the veteran Mintz is back. To improve shooting, Calipari went out and landed high-scoring Davidson transfer Kellan Grady and the Iowa transfer Fredrick, arguably the best shooter in the portal. There’s more experience than usual in Lexington. There’s plenty of size in Oscar Tshiebwe, and Collins and the upgrades on the perimeter will be felt immediately.

ESPN

As someone who missed out on the Blue-White Game due to vacation, I cannot wait for my first look at the Cats tomorrow night vs. Kentucky Wesleyan. Bring it on.