Why has the SEC been so weak in basketball for the last few years?

[volsboy]

Why are the top recruits going elsewhere (except for UK)? Great

[101stDad]

It's not just the SEC.  College basketball overall is not as strong as it was a few years back.  More of the better players are doing ones and done or best case they are only staying a couple of years.  Money in the NBA and overseas has made a big difference. 

[Jedi Master]

Yep, one-and-done and leaving early has gutted college basketball. 

I remember back when the 1984 Akeem Olajuwon-led Houston Cougars lost to the Patrick Ewing-led Georgetown Hoyas for the NCAA title.  Or the 1990 UNLV team (with Larry Johnson, Stacey Augman, etc) lost to Duke (with Christian Laettner and Grant Hill) in the Final Four. 

You just don't get those epic matchups any more.

[73Volgrad]

IMO, AAU coaches and sports companies leading the difference-makers to teams not in SEC other than Kentucky. AAU coaches are paid by sports companies to steer players to teams they sponsor and are always in NCAA tournament Sweet 16.

Also, other than Kentucky, Florida, and UT when Pearl was here, name a SEC team with a head coach than is any good. I will save you time.  Most SEC coaches are not heavyweight coaches that teams are beating down the doors to take away. Terrible coaching in SEC other than Kentucky and Florida. Just pitiful.

[Volznut]

Capitalism and rampant corruption has happened. College sports in general has gotten this way.