re: SEC Basketball: Is it the Big 3 compared to Big 6 of football?

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Like in football there is a Big 1 and then a 2nd tier.

Unlike football, the 2nd tier is only 2-3 schools as opposed to 4-5 schools.

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While partly true, this type of thinking is GREATLY exaggerated by Bama fans. Alabama is certainly way out front in football at #1... but its not even in the same ballpark compared to how out front at #1 Kentucky is in basketball.

As for football, Alabama is the #1 program of all-time at a national level... but you have Tennessee at #9, LSU and #11, and Georgia, Auburn, and Florida all in the mix in some order at #13, #14, and #15. All six of these could be described as "elite" programs in the college football world. Even still, Texas A&M, Arkansas, and Ole Miss are all somwhere in the Top 25 or 30 all-time, with Mizzou somewhere in the 30-35 range.

So yes, while Bama is the clear #1 in the league, there are a ton of other SEC programs that have had major success on a national level.

SEC basketball is a different story. Nationally speaking, Kentucky is a Top 2 or 3 program... possibly #1 all-time (along with UCLA and UNC).

Behind them, Arkansas and Florida are somewhere between #20 and #25 all-time. LSU comes in somewhere in the 30s. And those are probably your only Top 50 programs of all-time, nationally speaking, from the SEC. Missouri, Tennessee, and Alabama would be next, but they are probably all between #50 and #60.

While some will argue that there are more teams in basketball, they would be correct. Being Top 25 in basketball is probably about like being Top 10 or 15 in football. However, Kentucky's dominance of the SEC is unprecedented compared to other major conferences.

The ACC of old has produced two Top 5 programs of all-time (UNC and Duke) with NC State also in the Top 20.... and that doesn't even count newish member Louisville who is easily a Top 10 program.

The BIG 10 has produced Indiana, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Michigan... all Top 20 programs all-time. Plus Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Purdue are all easily Top 30 or Top 40. Newcomer Maryland is Top 30.

The BIG 12 has produced Kansas (Top 5) along with Oklahoma State (Top 15), Kansas State, and Oklahoma (both Top 25). Texas is also just outside the Top 25 all-time.

The PAC 12 has produced UCLA who is Top 3... along with Arizona (#15-#20 range), plus newcomer Utah (Top 20). Honestly its probably the closest to the SEC in terms of being top-heavy.

But while the SEC has just 3 Top 30 programs all-time (Kentucky, Florida, and Arkansas), even it needs some asterisks by two of those teams. The majority of Arkansas' basketball success came while they were a member of the Southwest Conference. In fact, 80% of their Elite 8 appearances came prior to their joining the SEC. While their lone National Title came in Year 2 of being in the SEC, their program has fallen off significantly since the mid-90s.

And while Florida has got to be counted as a Top 25 program all-time thanks to their two national titles, they have by far the fewest NCAA Tournament appearances and Sweet 16 appearances of any Top 25 program. This is a program that counts its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1989. So historically speaking, they are actually a bottom-feeder in the SEC.

Kentucky just outright dominates this league. And its domination makes Bama's lead in football look minuscule.