No. 15 Michigan State | No. 17 Wisconsin | Full List
No. 16: VANDERBILT COMMODORES
Last Season: 21-14, 9-9 SEC
Wait, what are the Commodores doing here?
It's OK if you thought that. This is, after all, the same team that finished 9-9 in the SEC a season ago and has whiffed on its past three NCAA tournament bids. But Vandy is here on merit. Well, that and shooting.
The Commodores ranked 34th in the nation in field goal percentage last year (47 percent) and 19th in 3-point percentage (39). Riley LaChance, Matthew Fisher-Davis and Wade Baldwin IV all return, each more seasoned sophomores instead of deer-in-the-headlight freshmen. The real difference-maker, though, is the one guy who doesn't drain 3s all day. Center Damian Jones turned heads at the Nike Skills Academy and is considered one of the top centers in the country.
It's been a long time since Vanderbilt was an SEC factor, but that could very well change this season. -- Dana O'Neil
Best Case: Vanderbilt has missed the NCAA tournament in three straight seasons, primarily because Kevin Stallings hasn't had the talent in Nashville. Well, he does now. Vanderbilt can be a matchup nightmare, surrounding 7-footer Damian Jones with four very capable 3-point shooters. Last season, Vandy led the SEC in 3-point shooting, good for 19th in the country. Watch out for Jones, who didn't even start as a high school junior. He will be in the NBA soon. He is big, athletic and can really run.
Worst Case: The Commodores need Riley LaChance, Luke Kornet and Wade Baldwin IV to take the next step in their development. Camron Justice has to come in and make shots and be ready as a freshman. Vanderbilt does not have McDonald's All Americans, but has a collection of really good players who have a good feel. Vandy hasn't been to The Dance in a while, and it's possible it doesn't break through this season. But it will eventually.
"They have the best returning player in the league in Damian Jones -- and are loaded on the perimeter with shooting and guys with high basketball IQs. Luke Kornet is the sleeper. He's a 7-footer who can shoot the cover off the ball."
No. 15 Michigan State | No. 17 Wisconsin | Full List
