How did the SEC ascend in hoops? The answer is players

The Southeastern Conference was dominant in men's basketball this past season, sending a record 14 teams to the NCAA Tournament out of the 16-team league. Mike Morgan of ESPN and the SEC Network points out on Inside the Gamecocks The Morning Show that the slow build and ultimate glory was largely based on the programs around the league going out and getting very, very good players, however they may have done so (portal or otherwise).