SEC Basketball

Walker Kessler's time with the North Carolina Tar Heels is over after one season.

On Monday, the big man used his Instagram page to announce he is transferring to the Auburn Tigers. He message read: "I am excited to play for a great coach at an awesome school and be close to home and my family. War eagle!"

Kessler was a 5-star prospect and the No. 22 overall player in the 2020 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

Brendan Marks of The Athletic noted Auburn, led by head coach Bruce Pearl, was one one of Kessler's finalists during the recruiting process before he chose the Tar Heels.

The Georgia native did not live up to the expectations that came with being such a highly regarded prospect during his one season with North Carolina. He averaged 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 8.8 minutes a night over 29 games.

The Tar Heels lost to Wisconsin by 23 points in the first round of the 2021 men's NCAA tournament, and Kessler finished with two points and one rebound in 13 minutes.

His best performance came when he notched a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds along with eight blocks during an ACC tournament win over Notre Dame. He also posted 20 points, eight rebounds and four blocks in a February win over Florida State but was unable to establish much consistency throughout his brief tenure.

Kessler joins an Auburn team coming off a disappointing 13-14 effort during the 2020-21 campaign, although the Tigers went to the 2019 Final Four and would have been a contender for another long run had there been a Big Dance in 2020 given their 25-6 record.

If Kessler lives up to the expectations that accompanied him when he arrived at North Carolina, he can help Auburn quickly return to form and compete in the SEC.

Vanderbilt guard Scotty Pippen Jr. has declared for the 2021 NBA draft, but he will maintain his college eligibility by not hiring an agent. 

Pippen announced his decision Saturday in a statement on Twitter:

✨🙏 pic.twitter.com/AwDQr6UH0s

— Scotty Pippen Jr (@spippenjr) April 10, 2021

Pippen has two years of college eligibility remaining. He was rated as a 3-star prospect coming out of California's Sierra Canyon High School in 2019. 

B/R's Jonathan Wasserman didn't include Pippen in his most recent ranking of the top 50 2021 NBA draft prospects posted on Monday. ESPN.com doesn't have the 20-year-old among the top 100 players eligible for this year's draft. 

Despite those rankings, Pippen is going to test the draft waters coming off two strong seasons at Vanderbilt. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman team in 2019-20. 

Last season was a leap forward for Pippen. He led the Commodores in scoring with 20.8 points per game on 42.8 percent shooting and 4.9 assists per game in 22 starts. 

Pippen was named to the All-SEC first team in 2020-21. He became the first Vanderbilt player to make the All-SEC first team since Luke Kornet in 2016-17. 

Despite a disappointing 2020-21 season, South Carolina has given men's head basketball coach Frank Martin a contract extension. 

Per Pete Iacobelli of the Associated Press, Martin's extension was approved by the school's board of trustees and ties him to the Gamecocks through the 2024-25 season. 

Iacobelli did note that Martin's extension doesn't come with a raise, nor will he receive a buyout if the school fires him in the final two years of the deal.

Martin has been at South Carolina for nine seasons since being hired in March 2012. The 55-year-old previously spent five years as head coach at Kansas State, where he led the program to the NCAA tournament four times. 

During his nine-year run with the Gamecocks, Martin has posted two 20-plus-win seasons in 2015-16 and 2016-17. Their one appearance in the NCAA tournament during the 2016-17 season included a run to the Final Four before losing to Gonzaga. 

South Carolina's 6-15 record in 2020-21 was its worst since going 8-21 in 1998-99. It was also the program's first losing season since Martin's second year at the helm in 2013-14. 

The Gamecocks have gone 153-134 overall with Martin as head coach. 

Center Lee Dort is joining Vanderbilt next year, announcing his commitment to the Commodores alongside fellow 4-star recruit, teammate Noah Shelby, on Wednesday.

BREAKING: Noah Shelby & Lee Dort commit to Vanderbilt 🎓

"I think Vanderbilt was the best fit for both of us...We get the best of both worlds with academics and athletics."

FULL INTERVIEW 👇🏾https://t.co/OtarAdxJyn @NoahShelby5 @LeeDort @VandyMBB pic.twitter.com/lLBC9I2Smu

— The Circuit (@TheCircuit) April 8, 2021

The 6'9", 240-pound Texas native is ranked the No. 9 center in the class of 2022 and the No. 59 player overall by 247Sports. He chose the Commodores over offers from Memphis, Arizona, Arizona State, Kansas, Baylor, California and more.

Evan Daniels, then 247Sports' director of basketball recruiting, evaluated Dort in 2018 and projected him as a future first-round NBA pick:

"Dort is bruising post prospect. He's physical in the paint and excels at rebounding. Most players his age can't handle Dort's combination of size, strength and physicality. He finishes off plays close to the rim, plays with good energy and can impact the game with shot blocking. There's fine tuning to do with his post moves, but there's quite a bit of potential here."

The addition of Dort and Shelby gives Vanderbilt its first ranked recruits for 2022 and moves the program's recruiting class up to No. 3 in the country, behind Ohio State and Kansas, which both have a pair of 4-star recruits incoming.

Tennessee first-year guard Keon Johnson has announced his intention to file as an early-entry candidate for the 2021 NBA draft.   

"The NBA has always been my goal, but I never expected it to come this soon," Johnson told Jonathan Givony of ESPN. "I really don't care what number I get drafted at. I just want to go somewhere I fit in that organization. Where I can keep developing and find my niche."

Johnson was ranked as the No. 19 overall prospect in 247Sports' class of 2020 men's high school basketball composite rankings. The Bell Buckle, Tennessee, native was also fourth among shooting guards.

Jerry Meyer, 247Sports' director of basketball scouting, compared the 19-year-old to Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Malik Beasley and offered this write-up on his game:

"A well-built, physical and explosive athlete. A well-rounded and versatile offensive player. Primarily a slasher who can both finish and find open teammates. Capable and improving outside shooter. Room for improvement as a full-court ball handler. Quality rebounder for position and versatile defender. Should hear his name called in the first round of the NBA draft whenever he declares."

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman placed Johnson seventh to the Washington Wizards in his March 11 NBA mock draft and seventh in his March 2 big board.

He wrote in the big-board piece:

"Keon Johnson averaged 14.0 points in February and looked more confident in his skills and less reliant on athleticism and effort. 

"Early as an NBA pro, he still projects as more of an energizer and defender, but the flashes of ball-handling and shot-making create optimism over his potential to become a tougher half-court scoring and playmaking threat.

"Johnson started the season at No. 7—outside the top five because of a lack of offensive polish but top-10 based on long-term upside fueled by physicality, explosion, aggression and room to improve his off-the-dribble game and shot. Nothing has changed in his scouting report or projection with March Madness looming."

Johnson played an integral role for a Vols team that improved after going 17-14 overall and 9-9 in the SEC last year. Those marks jumped to 18-9 overall and 10-7 in conference play this year, with the team sitting in the top 25 of the Associated Press poll all year.

However, the Vols did fall short in the first round of the NCAA tournament, losing to a scorching-hot Oregon State team that rolled into March Madness after winning the Pac-12 title.

For the season, Johnson averaged 11.3 points on 44.9 percent shooting, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

It's no surprise that Johnson will be heading to the NBA draft, and it won't be a shock if he safely lands in the lottery portion of the first round, either.

Alabama got a major upgrade at center, as 4-star prospect Charles Bediako committed to the school Tuesday:

https://twitter.com/CBediako/status/1379464579206496258

The 6'11" and 215-pound Bediako is considered the No. 5 player from Florida, the No. 4 center prospect and the No. 26 prospect overall in the Class of 2021, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.

Josh Gerson of 247Sports noted in his scouting report on Bediako that he has a "high ceiling" and is on the "path to be a high major starter with professional upside depending on [his] skill development."

Gerson listed his strengths as his mobility, size, "long arms and budding athleticism." Weaknesses included a raw offensive game and "footwork and face-up ability" that "could improve." As for areas where he's shown growth, Gerson noted he's improved as both a rebounder and rim-protector, adding that he should be able to add more weight to his frame.

Bediako said in February that he was happy with the progress he was making in certain parts of his game.

"I'm definitely more confident with the ball, and I'm confident in my shot even when it doesn't fall," he told Evan Daniels of 247Sports. "My ball-handling has gotten better, and my passing, too. Last year I was a role guy that would wait and see what happens, now I make things happen."

Alabama will be happy to see that continued growth, especially if it translates to immediate dominance at the next level. Namely, Bediako has the ability to control the paint if he continues to add strength, and given the modern NBA trending toward rim-protectors and floor-spacers over post-up scorers, living up to that potential could bode well for his chances to play at the next level.

For now, though, the Crimson Tide has bolstered its Class of 2021 with one of the top centers available. 

Bediako could see immediate playing time for the Crimson Tide, which will be an intriguing team to watch once he hits campus.

Schools like Kentucky, Tennessee and LSU won the 2020 recruiting cycle in the SEC, but Alabama is back on the map with this addition. Crimson Tide fans have a lot to be excited about with Bediako on board. 

The Marion County (Indiana) Health Department is investigating whether patrons attending the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament were exposed to COVID-19 after reports that Alabama basketball superfan and student Luke Ratliff, who was in attendance for the Crimson Tide's three games, died from complications related to the disease Friday.

Per Emily Hopkins of the Indianapolis Star, the department confirmed that it contacted Alabama's Department of Public Health regarding whether anyone in Indianapolis was exposed to COVID-19 by an Alabama resident. 

Marion County did not mention Ratliff's name in particular but said that its research efforts were based on a news report.

"We are conducting an investigation following the county and state's standard contact tracing procedures," the department stated. "We continue to encourage residents and visitors to practice the simple and important habits that keep us all safe: wearing a mask, washing hands, and social distancing."

Hopkins made it clear that it's unknown where, how or from whom Ratliff contracted COVID-19: "It is unclear whether he had contracted the virus before, during or after his visit to Indianapolis, or where he contracted the virus. It's also unknown whether he was symptomatic while in Indianapolis."

Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News reported Saturday that "multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed" Ratliff's death due to COVID-19.

Alabama's NCAA tournament run ended after the Crimson Tide lost to UCLA in the Sweet 16 last Sunday. The Crimson Tide also played on March 20 and 22.

Ratliff returned to Tuscaloosa on Monday, but he was shortly hospitalized thereafter at DCH Regional Medical Center.

Many people associated with the Alabama program expressed their condolences upon news of Ratliff's death, including head coach Nate Oats and SEC Player of the Year Herbert Jones:

Devastating news. Doesn’t seem real. Fluff has been our biggest supporter since day one. Put all he had into our program. Loved sharing this ride with him. You’ll be missed dearly my man! Wish we had one more victory cigar and hug together. Roll Tide Forever.@fluffopotamus88 pic.twitter.com/1igys6NdHh

— Nate Oats (@nate_oats) April 3, 2021

RIP Fluff !!! Praying for your family bro 😭!! pic.twitter.com/IX2F7ekrNQ

— Herbert Jones (@_hoopinglife) April 3, 2021

The beloved Ratliff, who grew up in North Carolina, spoke with the Tuscaloosa News about his relationship with the school.

“They’ve taken me in. They’re good people and I appreciate how close they’ve let me get with the program. I feel like I owe them something. Because I feel like I don't deserve half the things, half the recognition, half the acknowledgement, half the accolades that I get because I'm just doing what I love.”

Ratliff was 23 years old.

DeVonta Smith has already won one national championship for Alabama this year and apparently wants to help win another one.

The star receiver tweeted a picture of himself with a basketball jersey Sunday asking to join the Crimson Tide for their upcoming Sweet 16 battle against UCLA.

Put me in coach ! @AlabamaMBB @nate_oats #RollTide pic.twitter.com/UhpwnUFS6t

— DeVonta Smith (@DeVontaSmith_6) March 28, 2021

While Smith has been training for the 2021 NFL draft, basketball head coach Nate Oats probably wouldn't mind adding another elite athlete to the roster. The team is seeking its first trip to the Elite Eight since 2004.

Everyone knows what Smith can do on a football field, winning the Heisman Trophy this season while leading the nation with 117 catches, 1,856 yards and 23 receiving touchdowns. He was a major reason the Crimson Tide went 13-0 with the program's third national title in six years.

The 6'1" player was also skilled at basketball in high school, earning a second-team All-State selection in Louisiana as a senior in 2017 while averaging about 18 points per game.

"He could play," Amite football coach Zephaniah Powell told Mike Rodak of AL.com. "You could play [point guard], he could play [shooting guard], he could play [small forward]. He could shoot it. He could play defense."

The shooting would fit right in with the current Alabama basketball team, which leads the country with 341 made three-pointers during the season. The squad went 16-of-33 from deep in the second-round win over Maryland.

As LSU's men's basketball team saw its season come to an end with a second-round loss to Michigan in the NCAA tournament on Monday, Shareef O'Neal, the son of Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, revealed he has been sidelined by a stress fracture in his foot:

https://twitter.com/SSJreef/status/1374173488022425601

The younger O'Neal, who started his collegiate career on the UCLA Bruins, played just 10 games for the Tigers this season.

He averaged 2.8 points and 4.4 rebounds during that span and has not appeared in a game since a Feb. 3 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

O'Neal was a 4-star prospect and the No. 41 overall player in the 2018 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings, but he played just 13 games for the Bruins last season. He also missed his first season because of an anomalous coronary artery that required open-heart surgery.

His mother, Shaunie O'Neal, said he "could've died" from it.

While living up to his father's reputation as a four-time NBA champion and three-time NBA Finals MVP may be a tall ask, O'Neal was adamant he is going to "work as hard as ever" this offseason.

That would seem to suggest he will be a contributor for the Tigers in 2021-22 as they look to build on this season's appearance in the NCAA tournament. They pushed the top-seeded Wolverines but ultimately fell 86-78 in a hard-fought, back-and-forth contest.

LSU has not made the Final Four since 2006, and O'Neal will surely try to help change that if he is healthy and ready to go next season.

No. 2 Alabama avoided a first-round setback with a 68-55 win over No. 15 Iona on Saturday.

Herbert Jones scored 20 for the Crimson Tide to kick off their run in the 2021 NCAA men's basketball tournament. The SEC regular-season and conference tournament winners are seeking their first Sweet 16 since 2004.

There was some concern for the favorites after a wild Friday that saw Oral Roberts become the ninth No. 15 seed to beat a No. 2 with a win over Ohio State. Iona head coach Rick Pitino also made the Gaels a popular sleeper pick with a resume that includes seven Final Fours and championships with both Kentucky and Louisville.

Iona trailed by just one point at halftime and was still within one possession with less than 10 minutes remaining in the game. Isaiah Ross had 19 points for the Gaels to stay within striking distance nearly the entire day.

Poor outside shooting from Alabama also kept things close, but the favorite made enough shots to stay ahead, while a 42-26 rebounding advantage played a major role.

It helped the Crimson Tide evade disaster to remain a dangerous team going forward.

      

Notable Performances

Herbert Jones, F, ALA: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals

Jahvon Quinerly, G, ALA: 11 points, 2 assists

John Petty Jr., G, ALA: 10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks

Isaiah Ross, G, IONA: 19 points, 5 rebounds

Asante Gist, G, IONA: 16 points, 2 assists

Nelly Junior Joseph, F, IONA: 6 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks

     

Alabama Overcomes Poor Outside Shooting to Pull Away

Alabama's best offensive players forgot how to shoot at the worst time.

Leading scorer Jaden Shackelford couldn't get much going from the perimeter, and John Petty Jr. was even worse:

Petty has dented the rim on half his shots. Complete funk.

— Ryan Brown (@RyanBrownLive) March 20, 2021

The two combined to shoot 1-of-7 from three in the first half while finishing 2-of-10 for the game. It was part of the overall shooting issues for the Tide, who went more than 20 minutes of game time without a three on the way to 5-of-16 from beyond the arc.

The only starter who could do anything offensively was Jones, who succeeded by attacking the basket:

The give-and-go has worked forever and will continue to work forever. pic.twitter.com/GZVvhC1qXY

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 20, 2021

ROLLIN TO THE RACK pic.twitter.com/OwDSRblnqG

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 20, 2021

The SEC Player of the Year was huge on both ends, filling up the stat sheet as he has all year.

Of course, the true difference was the bench, as Jahvon Quinerly and Alex Reese stepped up with huge shots in the second half.

Bama locking in now 🔒 https://t.co/DrTdODRkWG

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 20, 2021

Alex Reese has changed this game.

— Joe Rexrode (@joerexrode) March 20, 2021

#RollTide with a nice surge on both ends, forcing a Rick Pitino timeout. Tide on a 10-1 run as Iona goes cold from 3-point range. Jahvon Quinerly starting to emerge for Bama.

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) March 20, 2021

Quinerly bringing a different dimension to Alabama this half. Iona having a ton of trouble keeping him in front.

— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 20, 2021

Offensive balance has been a theme for Alabama this season, and it was vital Saturday as different players were able to step up when needed.

MAAC leading scorer Isaiah Ross looked like the best plaery on the court in the first half. Iona down to second-seed Alabama by a point at haltime.

— Steve Edelson (@steveedelsonapp) March 20, 2021

If the shooting returns to form in later rounds, the Crimson Tide can go a long way.

        

Iona Falls Short of Upset Bid Despite 1st-Half Surge

Despite being the heavy underdog, it was clear Iona was not going down without a fight.

Alabama built an eight-point lead with under two minutes left in the half, but Ross keyed a 7-0 run to cut the margin down to one and take the momentum into halftime.

Talk about a momentum changer. pic.twitter.com/a5meGo4Kiq

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 20, 2021

MAAC leading scorer Isaiah Ross looked like the best plaery on the court in the first half. Iona down to second-seed Alabama by a point at haltime.

— Steve Edelson (@steveedelsonapp) March 20, 2021

Ross had 15 in the first half to give the No. 2 seed everything they could handle.

Pitino loomed large on the bench, both with the confidence he brought the team as well as his specific coaching maneuvers:

That’s a super impressive half from Iona. I think Alabama is gonna be fine but drawing a Rick Pitino coached team in this situation is almost unfair.

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 20, 2021

Iona closes out 1st half strong and trails Alabama by 1 at the break. Rick Pitino can coach a little.

— John Chandler (@JohnChandlerNBC) March 20, 2021

Fascinating wrinkle by Rick Pitino, putting in lightly used Parker Weiss to essentially take charges for Iona. He played a season high 8 minutes in first half and was Plus 10. He hadn’t played more than 4 minutes in a game all year.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 20, 2021

It was simply too difficult to keep up with the more talented team over the course of 40 minutes.

The Gaels were held to 23 points in the second half while Ross scored just four, preventing another dramatic March Madness moment.

       

What's Next?

Alabama will advance to the second round Monday to face the winner of No. 7 Connecticut and No. 10 Maryland.