The saddest thing about that was that the selection committee was led by SEC commissioner Mike Slive, who either didn't or couldn't help his own league.
But that's history. The question now is if Jeff Lebo's
program has turned the corner or that was a one-year aberration. Most of the voters in the SEC's preseason poll obviously thought it was an aberration. They voted Auburn last in the West.
I don't believe that for a second. I think Lebo's sixth Auburn team is going to be pretty good. The backcourt, led by senior point guard DeWayne Reed, is as good or better than most. The question, as has been the case for most of Lebo's tenure, is on the inside.
We'll get our first look at the Tigers tonight in an exhibition game against Miles College. But it won't tell us much. These exhibition games are really nothing more than practices.
It's been a long, hard climb for Lebo. He's dealt with NCAA sanctions not of his own making, injuries, defections and dismissals. He's dealt with crowds that sometimes number in the hundreds and a decrepit arena.
But now a glittering new arena is going up just across the street and will open next season. He has his best recruiting class on campus and another good one on the way next season.
If Lebo can build on last season and have another good record this season, Auburn basketball will be on the rise at the last.
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