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SEC vs. ACC: 5 Reasons the SEC was the better basketball conference in 2016-17

By Dustin Gunter

GREENVILLE, SC - MARCH 19: Duane Notice
GREENVILLE, SC - MARCH 19: Duane Notice /
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Mar 9, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Avery Johnson during the first half of game four of the SEC Conference Tournament against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Avery Johnson during the first half of game four of the SEC Conference Tournament against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

The Coaches

Let’s not be naive. The ACC is bursting at the seams with talent. No one’s denying this, but the authentic greatness we usually see stems from the coaches in the league. Roy Williams, Coach K, Jim Boeheim, Rick Pitino — the list goes on.

Things are changing in the SEC, and it starts with the men in charge. While John Calipari may be considered the only elite coach in the conference, there are several philosophers of the game who are contributing to the league’s success. Both new names and old are on the rise.

As far as new names go, Frank Martin has to be the poster child, as he took his South Carolina Gamecocks to the Final Four for the first time in school history this year. He built that program from the floor up, and its paying off for the fans in garnet.

Michael White is also a name to remember. The young coach has done an excellent job of filling the void left by Billy Donovan’s departure. White guided Florida to a 27-9 overall record this year, and led his team to their first Elite Eight appearance since 2014.

Some have forgotten that Vanderbilt also made the tournament in the first year of Coach Bryce Drew’s tenure. The future looks promising for the Commodores.

In Alabama, two proven coaches are revamping the programs of the Iron Bowl rivalry. Bruce Pearl led Auburn to their first winning season since 2008 this year, while Avery Johnson took the Crimson Tide to the NIT for the second year in a row. Both schools will have their eyes on the big dance next season, and this year’s performance from the SEC may help them with that.