Just weeks ago, many analysts appeared determined to dismiss Florida as a No. 1 seed, despite the Gators’ ongoing winning streak. For reasons unclear, these experts insisted that teams like Alabama and Tennessee were more deserving of the top seed.
One might argue that their skepticism gained traction when Florida suffered an unexpected loss against Georgia last week. However, a decisive three-game winning streak to finish the regular season at 27-4, combined with other results around the SEC and the country, has solidified Florida’s position as an undeniable No. 1 seed heading into Selection Sunday, regardless of outcomes in the SEC Tournament.
Florida Basketball: On Top
During Saturday’s game, ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi devoted half the broadcast screen to outline why Florida would clinch a No. 1 seed with a victory over Ole Miss. The Gators have secured outright second place in the SEC, finishing two games ahead of Tennessee and one game ahead of Alabama, whom they defeated on the road this week.
While Florida and Alabama could meet in the SEC Tournament semifinals, even a potential loss for the Gators shouldn't knock them off the top spot given overall résumé compared to the Crimson Tide’s. If you squint enough, the only other team remotely in contention for a No. 1 seed is Michigan State.
The SEC emerged as the nation’s most dominant conference during nonconference play this season. In any other league, Florida likely would have claimed a conference title. Ironically, one of the only reasons Florida didn't win the SEC regular season title was due to Mike White when the Gators stumbled to Georgia a week and a half ago.
Florida’s legacy will hinge on how deep they go in the NCAA Tournament, but earning a No. 1 seed is far from semantics. It is a testament to the program’s resurgence, reaffirming its status among college basketball’s elite.