The S-E-C S-E-C WBB Thread

[TempestHorn]

Our future conference approved the scheduling format for WBB. This format doesn't really excite me.

Women's Basketball

• Regular season: Each season a team will play one rotating opponent home and away, plus the 14 remaining teams in single contests either home or away, for a total of 16 conference games.
• SEC Women's Basketball Tournament: All 16 teams will compete in a single-elimination format, consistent with the current format but with two additional games. The top four seeded teams will continue to receive a bye through the first two rounds of the tournament

Six SEC sports future scheduling formats are approved

 

[utfannforlife]

Wonder why mens and women’s play in a different format

 

[Born in ATX]

Our future conference approved the scheduling format for WBB. This format doesn't really excite me.

Six SEC sports future scheduling formats are approved

Thanks for posting TempestHorn. I wondered how this would work. I guess they probably had to do this to allow each team to get its preferred non-conference scheduling done. We played 12 non-conf. games last season, 18 conf. games + 3 conf. tournament games. If we played home & homes will all SEC conf. teams, that alone would be 30 games. And if we went into pods, that likely wouldn't be fair. The only thing I think is odd is the one rotating home and away. To me, if you are going to do that, you might as well let us go play another preferred non-conf. opponent. It will be strange only seeing teams here every other year, but I guess we'll have to live with that. Vic is likely going to still schedule a mix of cupcakes and elite teams in non-conf. play. And I guess our conference schedule will be a little tougher. But this is one sport for sure that I think we'll thrive in with the change of conferences, as our coach has been there before.

 

[HornView]

I’m relieved there’s no pods. Never enjoyed the North/South Divisions in the Big 12 when the South was stacked with powerhouses and beat up on each other twice in the regular season while the top North team(s) had an easier conference schedule

 

[loyallonghorn]

I'm disappointed that the Big 12/SEC Women's Basketball Challenge was ended. But I look forward to ACC/SEC Women's Basketball Challenge that will begin next year and incorporate Oklahoma and Texas once they join the conference.

SEC also ended the Big Ten/SEC Men's Basketball Challenge. It'll be ACC/SEC Challenge for men's as well.

But I do note ACC has 15 teams with Notre Dame, SEC will have 16 once Oklahoma and Texas joins. Someone will miss out each year.

ACC/SEC hoops challenge to kick off in 2023-24

 

[DFW_Horn]

I'm disappointed that the Big 12/SEC Women's Basketball Challenge was ended. But I look forward to ACC/SEC Women's Basketball Challenge that will begin next year and incorporate Oklahoma and Texas in 2025-2026.
ACC/SEC hoops challenge to kick off in 2023-24

Added an important note. Until I read the article, I thought Texas and OU (sux) would be joining next year - before officially transitioning to the SEC.

"The ACC/SEC Challenge will feature 28 games across men's and women's basketball until 2025-26, when Texas and Oklahoma join the SEC and the event expands to 30 games."

 

[loyallonghorn]

Added an important note. Until I read the article, I thought Texas and OU (sux) would be joining next year - before officially transitioning to the SEC.

"The ACC/SEC Challenge will feature 28 games across men's and women's basketball until 2025-26, when Texas and Oklahoma join the SEC and the event expands to 30 games."

Sorry for the confusion. I've edited it to make it more clear.

 

[HornView]

It appears the Big 12 has come to an agreement for Texas and OU to join the SEC after the 23-24 season for a mere $100M, so say goodbye to playing in Lubbock and the like after next season

 

[Moooooo]

I'm disappointed that the Big 12/SEC Women's Basketball Challenge was ended. But I look forward to ACC/SEC Women's Basketball Challenge that will begin next year and incorporate Oklahoma and Texas once they join the conference.

SEC also ended the Big Ten/SEC Men's Basketball Challenge. It'll be ACC/SEC Challenge for men's as well.

But I do note ACC has 15 teams with Notre Dame, SEC will have 16 once Oklahoma and Texas joins. Someone will miss out each year.

ACC/SEC hoops challenge to kick off in 2023-24

I was thinking about the ACC/SEC challenge and who we could potentially face. At first, I was thinking of the current ACC member schools. Then I recalled that Stanford, Berkeley, and SMU will be in the ACC next season.

If the ACC wants to limit some of the West coast teams' travel, I could see Texas getting paired up with Stanford and OU getting paired up with Berkeley. Yo Tara! You might not be done facing Vic's defenses just yet!

 

[brnkj]

I was thinking about the ACC/SEC challenge and who we could potentially face. At first, I was thinking of the current ACC member schools. Then I recalled that Stanford, Berkeley, and SMU will be in the ACC next season.

If the ACC wants to limit some of the West coast teams' travel, I could see Texas getting paired up with Stanford and OU getting paired up with Berkeley. Yo Tara! You might not be done facing Vic's defenses just yet!

I'd much rather be matched up with someone we haven't played in a while like NC State, UNC, Duke, UVA, Notes Dame, etc.

 

[Moooooo]

I'd much rather be matched up with someone we haven't played in a while like NC State, UNC, Duke, UVA, Notes Dame, etc.

My choice isn't necessarily wanting Stanford as our opponent; but, I could see the logic in why we'd get matched up against them. These challenges usually do have logic in that the projected top, middle, and bottom level teams are paired up.

SEC would have: South Carolina, LSU, Texas, and Tennessee most likely at the top level. ACC would have: NC State, Notre Dame, Duke, Stanford, North Carolina, and Louisville. And, if some of the teams already have non-conference games scheduled, that could eliminate another matchup in the Challenge.

 

[WCBBNUT]

It’s about location and ratings. We’d be easier to get to for Stanford and we’re a good ratings pair, but Tara absolutely does not like Vic’s style of play. She was very vocal about that when we beat them last (?) season.

 

[Moooooo]

The other thing to consider is that the new kids on the block (Texas, Oklahoma, Stanford, Berkeley, and SMU) could all get shut out of hosting a game in the Challenge next season; getting the short end of the stick wouldn't be a surprise, that's for sure.

But, if ESPN wants a game in this Challenge in the Pacific time zone, then Stanford hosts over Berkeley, IMO.

 

[Moooooo]

One year from now we'll be playing our conference games on Thursdays and Sundays. Goodbye to Wednesdays and Saturdays. I think the SEC does that to not conflict with their men's games which are mainly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

 

[Born in ATX]

One year from now we'll be playing our conference games on Thursdays and Sundays. Goodbye to Wednesdays and Saturdays. I think the SEC does that to not conflict with their men's games which are mainly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Its going to be wild next season. Every game is going to be a whole new experience. But my guess is that Vic is respected in that conference and won't have any concerns with going back into the conference, even through it will likely be better overall competition. Its going to be wild to have darth mUlkey on the schedule at least once a year now.

 

[cynt]

I wish these large conferences would have mini basketball tournys within the conference. So like the Thanksgiving tourny they play 4 mini tourny games, round Robin where you play every team. 4 teams, 4 tournaments. And then maybe another mini 4 team, 4 tourny games, round Robin around New Years Eve. So that's 6 conference games during the 2 mini tournys and then they start conference play and play the remaining 24 games.

I figure they are playing tournaments anyway just make 2 of the tournaments mini SEC preseason tournaments.

It could be like a super mini SEC tourny. One location in the Bahamas. 4 quadrants, each quadrant has 4 teams. And then have another super mini SEC tourny, same concept in New Orleans or somewhere fun. Me as a fan, would love it. 4 days of mini tournys 16 teams playing. OMG! I'm there!

I'm just a fan dreaming. LOL!

Or they could have 4 different neutral locations.

I just think they should play every team twice. They could even start the conference play with these mini tournys and then another one in the middle of the season. I just think it would be an option in getting several games played in a weekend.

 

[brnkj]

I wish these large conferences would have mini basketball tournys within the conference. So like the Thanksgiving tourny they play 4 mini tourny games, round Robin where you play every team. 4 teams, 4 tournaments. And then maybe another mini 4 team, 4 tourny games, round Robin around New Years Eve. So that's 6 conference games during the 2 mini tournys and then they start conference play and play the remaining 24 games.

I figure they are playing tournaments anyway just make 2 of the tournaments mini SEC preseason tournaments.

It could be like a super mini SEC tourny. One location in the Bahamas. 4 quadrants, each quadrant has 4 teams. And then have another super mini SEC tourny, same concept in New Orleans or somewhere fun. Me as a fan, would love it. 4 days of mini tournys 16 teams playing. OMG! I'm there!

I'm just a fan dreaming. LOL!

Or they could have 4 different neutral locations.

I just think they should play every team twice. They could even start the conference play with these mini tournys and then another one in the middle of the season. I just think it would be an option in getting several games played in a weekend.

What I don't understand about the SEC scheduling is that you play one team twice during the regular conference season, and all the others once. The team that you play twice changes with each year. Why not just play each team once and leave it at that? Someone help me make sense of this.

 

[Moooooo]

I wish these large conferences would have mini basketball tournys within the conference. So like the Thanksgiving tourny they play 4 mini tourny games, round Robin where you play every team. 4 teams, 4 tournaments. And then maybe another mini 4 team, 4 tourny games, round Robin around New Years Eve. So that's 6 conference games during the 2 mini tournys and then they start conference play and play the remaining 24 games.

I figure they are playing tournaments anyway just make 2 of the tournaments mini SEC preseason tournaments.

It could be like a super mini SEC tourny. One location in the Bahamas. 4 quadrants, each quadrant has 4 teams. And then have another super mini SEC tourny, same concept in New Orleans or somewhere fun. Me as a fan, would love it. 4 days of mini tournys 16 teams playing. OMG! I'm there!

I'm just a fan dreaming. LOL!

Or they could have 4 different neutral locations.

I just think they should play every team twice. They could even start the conference play with these mini tournys and then another one in the middle of the season. I just think it would be an option in getting several games played in a weekend.

From a fan's perspective, that would be great to see.

But, what that would ultimately do is guarantee more losses to just about every SEC program's record; when you are playing true non-conference opponents, every SEC team has a 50% chance to get a win instead of a loss. Losses hurt your RPI and reduce the number of teams getting invites to the NCAA tournament.

I just hope the annual rotations of the conference schedules create more interest across the board.

 

[Moooooo]

Watching the SEC tournament being held in Greenville, SC where it will be for the foreseeable future. Tennessee fans definitely show up; and, obviously the SC fans do was well. It will be tough for a lot of our fans to make it there in future seasons, and definitely tough to win a "road" game when playing either of those two programs there.

 

[brnkj]

Watching the SEC tournament being held in Greenville, SC where it will be for the foreseeable future. Tennessee fans definitely show up; and, obviously the SC fans do was well. It will be tough for a lot of our fans to make it there in future seasons, and definitely tough to win a "road" game when playing either of those two programs there.

I read somewhere that it's only contracted to be in Greenville through 2025.

 

[HornView]

SEC is in a three year contract with Greenville, SC Bon Secour Wellness Arena for 2023, 2024 and 2025 unless that has changed since it was signed in February 2022

 

[brnkj]

SEC is in a three year contract with Greenville, SC Bon Secour Wellness Arena for 2023, 2024 and 2025 unless that has changed since it was signed in February 2022

I'd like to see it go back to the Atlanta area.... more flight options for fans.

 

[Moooooo]

Had posted this in another thread:

In the women's tournament's history, 14 cities have hosted; Albany, Ga. (1987-1992); Athens, Ga. (1984, 1986); Baton Rouge, La. (1981); Chattanooga, Tenn. (1993-1997, 1999-2000); Columbus, Ga. (1998); Duluth, Ga. (2007, 2010, 2013, 2014); Greenville, S.C. (2005, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021); Jacksonville, Fla. (2016); Knoxville, Tenn. (1980, 1983); Lexington, Ky. (1982); Oxford, Miss. (1985); Memphis, Tenn. (2001); Nashville, Tenn. (2002, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2022); and North Little Rock, Ark. (2003, 2006, 2009, 2015).

Based on those locations, seems like they've stayed away from large cities hosting the women's tourney, with Nashville being the main exception. But, the men's tourney has selected Nashville through 2030 with the option to extend through 2035.

I know Greenville, SC wants it beyond 2025; wont' surprise me if they get it.

SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament in Greenville spurs $16M economic impact - Charleston Business

“We are excited that the final year of our agreement includes the expanded conference, and we want to make the case that this is the tournament’s forever home,” said Dillard. “We are working through 2026 and beyond conversations now.”

 

[loyallonghorn]

I pray not Moooooo, that the tournament will be kept in Greenville, SC. I look forward to Nashville 2026. I'm hoping the SEC will perhaps establish a footprint in Dallas with the additions of Oklahoma and Texas, and previously Texas A&M.

A return to Little Rock will be welcomed as well.

But if the conference wanted to make it equal distance for most conference members, Memphis would work.

Had posted this in another thread:

In the women's tournament's history, 14 cities have hosted; Albany, Ga. (1987-1992); Athens, Ga. (1984, 1986); Baton Rouge, La. (1981); Chattanooga, Tenn. (1993-1997, 1999-2000); Columbus, Ga. (1998); Duluth, Ga. (2007, 2010, 2013, 2014); Greenville, S.C. (2005, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021); Jacksonville, Fla. (2016); Knoxville, Tenn. (1980, 1983); Lexington, Ky. (1982); Oxford, Miss. (1985); Memphis, Tenn. (2001); Nashville, Tenn. (2002, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2022); and North Little Rock, Ark. (2003, 2006, 2009, 2015).

Based on those locations, seems like they've stayed away from large cities hosting the women's tourney, with Nashville being the main exception. But, the men's tourney has selected Nashville through 2030 with the option to extend through 2035.

I know Greenville, SC wants it beyond 2025; wont' surprise me if they get it.

SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament in Greenville spurs $16M economic impact - Charleston Business

“We are excited that the final year of our agreement includes the expanded conference, and we want to make the case that this is the tournament’s forever home,” said Dillard. “We are working through 2026 and beyond conversations now.”

 

[HornView]

Arkansas loved having the SWC Tournaments in Dallas and traveled very well…almost too well. They started calling Reunion Arena “Barnhill South”.

I’d be OK with Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans if the venues are good (I know Nashville has a great venue).

 

[brnkj]

Arkansas loved having the SWC Tournaments in Dallas and traveled very well…almost too well. They started calling Reunion Arena “Barnhill South”.

I’d be OK with Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans if the venues are good (I know Nashville has a great venue).

Agreed! I'm okay with any city that has good flight options.

 

[Moooooo]

Texas flights to Atlanta a lot more abundant than to most other cities in the southeast. But, with Atlanta having the football championship game for the foreseeable future, it's tough imagining they'd get another SEC championship event. And, spreading around the different sports should be the minimum expectation.

 

[loyallonghorn]

When I read what Greg Sankey was quoted last year, it sounds like the league will move the tournament to other locales and not host it in Greenville as often because it’s so far to the east.

“Commissioner Greg Sankey on Friday said, “We’ve really been pleased with Greenville. Our membership is going to ask us to look just given it’s on the east side (of the league). Just at least be open to other locations. I think we’ll continue one way or another to have a relationship with Greenville."

SEC considering future of women's basketball tournament in Greenville

 

[Moooooo]

I don't think there's a "perfect" option to host the women's tourney permanently every season. I also hope they will be open to rotating it annually or at least every 2 years. Lots of the arenas in the southeast are pretty old; whether that matters or not, we'll see. I do think they prefer to stay away from NBA arenas which is probably one reason why Nashville, TN hosts the men's tourney. NBA cities include Orlando, Atlanta, Memphis, New Orleans, OKC, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Memphis' arena is also used by the University of Memphis; so, that seems like a lot of conflicts as men's regular season still going on when women's tourney is being played.

So, if not Greenville, SC who else would be a candidate (assuming NBA cities are out which is just my opinion, and not a definite). Birmingham, AL has a big arena, but it is old. I don't think Tampa or Jacksonville would draw all that well being in Florida.

 

[brnkj]

I don't think there's a "perfect" option to host the women's tourney permanently every season. I also hope they will be open to rotating it annually or at least every 2 years. Lots of the arenas in the southeast are pretty old; whether that matters or not, we'll see. I do think they prefer to stay away from NBA arenas which is probably one reason why Nashville, TN hosts the men's tourney. NBA cities include Orlando, Atlanta, Memphis, New Orleans, OKC, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Memphis' arena is also used by the University of Memphis; so, that seems like a lot of conflicts as men's regular season still going on when women's tourney is being played.

So, if not Greenville, SC who else would be a candidate (assuming NBA cities are out which is just my opinion, and not a definite). Birmingham, AL has a big arena, but it is old. I don't think Tampa or Jacksonville would draw all that well being in Florida.

If I recall correctly, when the SEC women's tournament was in the Atlanta area, it was held at the Gwinnett Center Arena in Duluth. That's a great facility, been there some years ago to watch Maya Moore when she was playing in the Georgia HS State Tournament.