Rank the best jobs in the SEC

[hogfan064]

How would you rank them?  I'd say

1. Kentucky- Best job in college basketball if you can handle the pressure

2. Arkansas-Great fan support, big facility, tons of tradition

3. Florida- Huge, populated state.  Good atmosphere in its building.  2 NCs

4. LSU- Lots of talent in its city and state. No competition in the state

5. Tennessee- Good arena, fan support is great when team is good.  Big city with some tradition

6. South Carolina- Very nice arena, great fan support, near some recruiting hotbeds, but is surrounded by ACC schools.  They have won ACC and SEC titles

7. Alabama- Average tradition, average facility, average fanbase.  Overall, they are average

8. Miss State- Great atmosphere at the Hump.  Best basketball school in the state

9. Georgia- Bad facility, poor fan support, no tradition.  Close to Atlanta, but has to compete with too many ACC schools for talent

10. Auburn- Very little fan support, but they do have a new facility coming next season.  Not to far from Atlanta which is a plus

11. Vandy- Good fan support, but a strange facility.  Private school that does get some smart players to come in.

12. Ole Miss- Poor facility, lacks fan support, very little tradition.  But it is near Memphis

[The Hogfather]

Kentucky
Arkansas
Florida
LSU
Tennessee
Georgia
Alabama
South Carolina
Mississippi State
Vandy
Auburn
Ole Miss

[Hogbody]

Kentucky
Arkansas
Florida
LSU
Tennessee
Georgia
Alabama
South Carolina
Vandy
Auburn
Ole Miss

Miss State doesnt even qualify for the list lol

[The Hogfather]

Miss State doesnt even qualify for the list lol

Oops!  I'll edit it.

[HeathWimp]

I'm all for supporting the team, but this level of homerisim is pretty silly....

[donewithdale]

1.  Kentucky

2. Florida - still a football school but its attractive to recruits plus they have invested in facilities as well

3. Arkansas - great past tradition and support, no current national attraction to recruits and poor in state base

4. LSU - about to pass us once their facilities upgrades are in place because we can't come close to their recruiting base

5. Tennessee

6. Alabama

7. Miss St

8. S Carolina - similar problem to Georgia as far as recruiting competition

9. Vandy - private schools can compete in basketball, but the difference in what they accept vs the rest of the conference is different from what it would be if they were in the ACC or Big 10

10. Ole Miss - new practice facility and close to Memphis

11. Auburn - new arena, practice facility but no tradition and little support and appeal to recruits

12. Georgia - poor facilities and poor image with recruits and fans for basketball despite recruiting base

[The Hogfather]

I'm all for supporting the team, but this level of homerisim is pretty silly....

??

[hogfan064]

??

That was my thought.  I don't think calling Arkansas the 2nd best job in the SEC is being a Homer.  We have 2nd best fans, 2nd best tradition, some say the best atmosphere, and a top 4 arena. 

The only thing Arkansas lacks is tons of instate talent, which isn't all that makes a basketball program.

[The Hogfather]

That was my thought.  I don't think calling Arkansas the 2nd best job in the SEC is being a Homer.  We have 2nd best fans, 2nd best tradition, some say the best atmosphere, and a top 4 arena. 

The only thing Arkansas lacks is tons of instate talent, which isn't all that makes a basketball program.

Our in-state talent is improving (2011 class will rival most other states' talent) and Memphis isn't far away.  We just have to tap into that pool a bit.  Pelphrey is trying, it seems.

[hogfan064]

Our in-state talent is improving (2011 class will rival most other states' talent) and Memphis isn't far away.  We just have to tap into that pool a bit.  Pelphrey is trying, it seems.

Yeah, I'd agree the instate talent isn't bad, but its still behind some SEC states. 

[The Boar War]

Kentucky
Florida
Arkansas
LSU
Alabama
MSU
Tennessee
Georgia
South Carolina
Vanderbilt
Auburn
Ole Miss

[chiefsfan]

Kentucky  and Florida are both ahead of us, and LSU and Bama are gaining ground

Thankfully for us, Tennessee is still a womens basketball school

[Pork Twain]

1. Kentucky - Nobody comes close

2. Florida - 2 NC to our one and they have BD. 

3. Arkansas - We were great in the 80's, up till the mid 90's and have great facilities

4. Tennessee

5. LSU

6. Alabama

From this point on who really cares.  They all pretty much suck.

7. Miss St

8. S Carolina

9. Vandy

10. Ole Miss

11. Auburn

12. Georgia

[want2be]

If you base it from this decade, I am afraid we would slide below several.

Yes we have a great fan base and facilties, but our tradition means nothing to an 18 year old. He was 4 year old the last time we were in the Final 4.

[HeathWimp]

If we are the 2nd best job in the SEC, why can't we get a top-tier coach?

I agree that the facilities and tradition are good, but we can't draw the good coaches or top recruits anymore.  Why is that?  Personally, I don't think there is one particular answer, but rather several contributing factors:
   1.  The incompetent past administration may have scared off some potential coaches.  It may
        take a while for the current AD and Chancellor to establish a track record of "normalcy."
   2.  Unrealistic expectations of a portion of the fanbase.
   3.  Like it or not, Nolan was right when he said that Fayetteville is not the best town for
        attracting young athletes, especially those from larger cities.  I live in Fayetteville and love it
        dearly, but I could see how college-age kids would find it boring.

It sounds like we have some good in-state talent coming up in the next few years, which might help.  In the meantime, though, I would put this job behind Kentucky, Florida, Tennesse, LSU, and maybe some of the others.

[hogfan064]

If you base it from this decade, I am afraid we would slide below several.

Yes we have a great fan base and facilties, but our tradition means nothing to an 18 year old. He was 4 year old the last time we were in the Final 4.

No, but a kid is impressed when he goes into BWA and sees 18,000 call the Hogs. 

Especially when he goes into the Tad or Stegeman and sees 6,000 empty seats.

[Pork Twain]

I would say the top 6 all fill up their areans so that is not a big deal. 

[hogfan064]

I would say the top 6 all fill up their areans so that is not a big deal. 

Arkansas has been in the top 15 nationally for attendance since BWA opened, many times in the top 5.  Only UK can say that.  The other schools struggle to get in the top 25

[Pork Twain]

Arkansas has been in the top 15 nationally for attendance since BWA opened, many times in the top 5.  Only UK can say that.  The other schools struggle to get in the top 25

Since 1999?

[heathtits]

For those of you who rate LSU over TN how come? The talent? Somewhat of a tradition with pistol? Just curious.

And I've got to disagree with the original poster, its hard to say UNC isn't the best job in the sport. Way too many All World players have come out of there and want to go there for it not to be IMO.

[Lard]

I would say the top 6 all fill up their areans so that is not a big deal. 

You'd be wrong then.  Only Kentucky consistently fills their arena.  Arkansas will fill it if we are mediocre to good.  After that, the rest can't even fill their arenas when they are really good.

[heathtits]

Since 1999?

Yup, it's surprising if we aren't in the top ten even with Nolan down years and Heath.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/2005-06-23-ncaa-attendance_x.htm

That was 05, we were 8th in 2008 according to Rivals.

I really hope we show that statistic to every recruit who steps on campus.

[kingofdequeen]

Florida
Kentucky
Tenner
Arkie
LSU
Vandy
Miss State
Ole Miss
Bama
Aubie
Ga
SC

[Lard]

Kentucky - Best job hands down

Great jobs:
Arkansas
Florida

Decent Jobs:
Tenny
LSU

Sucky jobs:
Bammy
MsState
GA
Vandy
South Carolina

Really, Really sucky jobs:
Auburn
Ole Miss

[Pork Twain]

Yup, it's surprising if we aren't in the top ten even with Nolan down years and Heath.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/2005-06-23-ncaa-attendance_x.htm

That was 05, we were 8th in 2008 according to Rivals.

I really hope we show that statistic to every recruit who steps on campus.

I did not realize that.  Pretty impressive.

http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/resources/file/ebbe964a5740725/top25.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

[heathtits]

I did not realize that.  Pretty impressive.

http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/resources/file/ebbe964a5740725/top25.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

If we could ever get a good team going, no doubt we'd EASILY be top 5. I can only think of 3 larger arena's, the Dean Dome, Rocky Top and Rupp. Oh yeah the orange dome. so 4. Am I missing one?

2003 was rock bottom and we were still top 15. BWA really is freaking huge.

BTW 1994 says the average was well over 20k how is that possible if the amount of seats are 19,800ish?

[Lard]

If we could ever get a good team going, no doubt we'd EASILY be top 5. I can only think of 3 larger arena's, the Dean Dome, Rocky Top and Rupp. Oh yeah the orange dome. so 4. Am I missing one?

2003 was rock bottom and we were still top 15. BWA really is freaking huge.

BTW 1994 says the average was well over 20k how is that possible if the amount of seats are 19,800ish?

they count ushers, concession stand workers, media, photographers, players, coaches, everyone.....when you add it all up.....you have a top five team that is getting a lot of attention then you get over 20,000 per game.

[kingofdequeen]

BTW 1994 says the average was well over 20k how is that possible if the amount of seats are 19,800ish?

sunshine was the SID then.  that's how.

[Tusks]

how about ranking them by overall NCAA tourney appearances, tourney wins.....sweet 16's......elite 8's and final 4's and then NC games and wins.

even with the recent success of UF....I still say the hogs are #2.

I saw some people say TN....thats funny.....you guys got to realize some of these SEC schools have never been to the sweet 16 much less final 4.
hell missou had never been to a sweet 16 until 3 or 4 years ago.

when I called them out on it they said it was more important to beat Kansas than to go to a sweet 16  WHATEVER dude.

[regi]

Depends on what you mean by best? If you are talking about history matched with facilities and fan interest.

1. UK



2. Arkansas
3. Florida
4. Tennessee (more interest than LSU)
5. LSU
6. Bama
7. Carolina
8. Vandy
9. UGA
10. Miss State
11. Auburn
12. Ole Miss

If you measure potential (thanks JFB).

1. UK
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Arkansas (facilities, history, edge out LSU)
5. LSU
6. Bama
7. UT
8. Carolina
9. AU
10. Vandy
11. Alcorn State
12. Mississippi Valley

[Tammany Tom]

For those of you who rate LSU over TN how come? The talent? Somewhat of a tradition with pistol? Just curious.

Final Fours:
LSU 4 (1953, 1981, 1986, 2006)
Tennessee 0

NCAA Tournament Appearances:
LSU 20
Tennessee 17

SEC Championships:
LSU 10
Tennessee 9

LSU has a far better recruiting base than Tennessee. LSU can sign kids from just Louisiana and have a very competitive team. Here are just a few NBA greats from Louisiana: Pete Maravich, Bob Pettit, Elvin Hayes, Willis Reed, Karl Malone, Marques Johnson, Bob Love, Robert Parrish, Joe Dumars. The kids from Louisiana that star for other college programs would astound you.

[regi]

Final Fours:
LSU 4 (1953, 1981, 1986, 2006)
Tennessee 0

NCAA Tournament Appearances:
LSU 20
Tennessee 17

SEC Championships:
LSU 10
Tennessee 9

LSU has a far better recruiting base than Tennessee. LSU can sign kids from just Louisiana and have a very competitive team. Here are just a few NBA greats from Louisiana: Pete Maravich, Bob Pettit, Elvin Hayes, Willis Reed, Karl Malone, Marques Johnson, Bob Love, Robert Parrish, Joe Dumars. The kids from Louisiana that star for other programs would astound you. Back in 2002, the state of Louisiana had

The Boot?

[jamie72921]

Kentucky
LSU
Florida
Bama
Georgia
Miss St
Tennessee
South Carolina
Arkansas
Auburn
Ole Mrs.
Vandy

I ranked the programs based on recruiting potential. Arkansas' recruiting base is limited and in competition with Texas, OU, OSU, and Memphis as well as KS and no MO.

It takes a special coach to come here and get us to the point Nolan did now that we are a member of the SEC. This ain't the SWC.

[Tammany Tom]

The Boot?

I didn't know there is a boot between LSU and Tennessee in basketball.

Thank you very much for posing that question. I will have to ask around and find out more about the boot between us and the Vols in basketball.

 

[ChicoHog]

As much as I hate Bruce pearl and Tennessee I think their program is more highly regarded than ours now. 

UK
UF
Tennessee
LSU
Arkansas
MSU
Bama
Vandy
SC
Georgia
Auburn
Ole Miss

[regi]

I didn't know there is a boot between LSU and Tennessee in basketball.

Thank you very much for posing that question. I will have to ask around and find out more about the boot between us and the Vols in basketball.

 

Doesn't affect you guys and Pat Summits School, but it may affect the perception of LSU by some Hog fans. Check on that next.

[IronHog]

If we are the 2nd best job in the SEC, why can't we get a top-tier coach?

Because more and more basketball success has less to do with tradition and more to do with football money.

[RedSatinHog]

Kentucky
Arkansas
Florida
Tennessee
Vanderbilt
LSU
Alabama
Mississippi State
South Carolina
Auburn
Ole Miss/Georgia (tie)

[Tammany Tom]

Doesn't affect you guys and Pat Summits School, but it may affect the perception of LSU by some Hog fans. Check on that next.

Thanks for the tidbit!

I did some mini research and the perception by Hog fans toward LSU is pretty good. Based on this thread most Hog fans consider LSU to be the better basketball job between LSU and Tennessee.

[ErieHog]

I have no idea why people have Vandy at 8th or lower.  Really-- they've got several Sweet 16 appearances, and a pretty nice all around basketball tradition.  You have to realize, they aren't Ole Miss or Miss Stake.   They've had a share of success, albeit not dominance.

[clutch]

I have no idea why people have Vandy at 8th or lower.  Really-- they've got several Sweet 16 appearances, and a pretty nice all around basketball tradition.  You have to realize, they aren't Ole Miss or Miss Stake.   They've had a share of success, albeit not dominance.

I agre Erie. I was thinking the same thing.

[chiefsfan]

For those of you who rate LSU over TN how come? The talent? Somewhat of a tradition with pistol? Just curious.

And I've got to disagree with the original poster, its hard to say UNC isn't the best job in the sport. Way too many All World players have come out of there and want to go there for it not to be IMO.

LSU over Tennessee is a tough call but for now they have a better tradition

Both schools have fan bases that only notice when they are good.  Both have womens basketball programs that easily could outdraw then Men.  but both are schools whose fans would gladly support the team if it gave them a reason to

LSU went to the final four just a couple years ago...Tennessee still got stuck in the sweet 16

[Beaverfever]

1.  Kentucky
2.  Florida
3.  Tenn
3.  Arkansas
5.  LSU
6.  Bama
7.  MSU
8.  South Carolina
9.  Ole Miss
10.Vandy
11.Auburn
12.Georgia

[Devil09]

Its hard to think of Arkansas as anything less than a top 3 job in the SEC considering there was a poll just done that said it was the 15th top job in nation right behind Michigan State and the fact that its the only big arena that is soley used for basketball. FedEx Forum has nba team play there and hosts events.  Rupp hosts events other than basketball and so does the Smith Center in Carolina as wel as Syracuses dome.

[Iwastherein1969]

2 categories required fan base support and administrative support

Fan Support 1) Arkansas         Adm. Support 1) Kentucky
                 2) Kentucky                            2) Florida
                 3) Tennessee                          3) Tennessee
                 4) Miss. St                              4) Alabama**
                 5) South Carolina                     5) Vandy
                 6) Vandy                                6)  South Car
                 7) Florida                                7) Miss. St
                  LSU                                    LSU
                 9) Ole Miss                              9) UGA
                10) Alabama                            10) Ole Miss
                11) UGA                                  11) Arkansas
                12) Auburn                              12) Auburn

** Alabama was ranked as highly as they were in Adm support based on their nice effort in hiring Anthony Grant and paying him 2 million to be their coach, thus locking him up for the long term

$$$ Arkansas was ranked so poorly in Administrative support because we have NEVER hired a name coach, always an "up and comer" and hope he makes it big