Thursday, March 09, 2006

It Ain't Over Yet... but Do They Care?

Vanderbilt's basketball team beat Kentucky twice this season. It's the first time that's happened in my lifetime. Now, here we are on the eve of the SEC tournament, and Vanderbilt stands at a disappointing 16-11. The season that started with such promise looks like a bust, unless they can get at least two wins in the tournament. Even then, they probably won't make it into the NCAA tournament.

Sure, Vandy's taken their share of tough losses this season, including five in the heart of the SEC season by a total of 18 points (with two losses in overtime by a total of 5), but I've also watched them wilt under defensive pressure after leading opponents at halftime on several occassions. So what's the deal? Is it the coach? Is it lack of oncourt leadership (read: Mario Moore)? Is it just tough competition in the SEC? Who knows? The difference between good teams and bad is so razor thin for most schools that there are just a few plays that separate a successful season from a disappointing season.

Regardless of Vandy's performance in the SEC tournament, they're still gonna be my team, and I'd love to see them put on a run and make people take notice. Unfortunately, the 'Dores still seem to be looking for answers to some basic questions, questions that successful teams shouldn't be asking themselves this late in the season. They might be content to go back to the drawing board for next year.

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