When it comes to college basketball in the Southern Conference (SoCon), there's always a buzz surrounding the competition. From powerhouse programs to up-and-coming teams, SoCon basketball is full of surprises, intense rivalries, and high-stakes games. In this article, we’ll break down each SoCon basketball team, ranking them from best to worst based on recent performance, overall history, and player development.
The Contenders: SoCon’s Elite Teams
1. Furman Paladins
At the top of our list is the Furman Paladins. Consistently one of the most successful programs in the Southern Conference, Furman has earned its reputation as a powerhouse. Known for its fast-paced offense and disciplined defense, the Paladins have made their mark on the conference with multiple appearances in the NCAA tournament in recent years. The team’s ability to recruit top-tier talent and develop players has propelled them to the top, and they are a perennial favorite in the conference.
2. Chattanooga Mocs
Next up are the Chattanooga Mocs. The Mocs have had a strong presence in the SoCon, consistently challenging the top teams. With a balanced approach to offense and defense, Chattanooga is a tough opponent for any team in the league. Their recent success, including multiple NCAA tournament appearances, makes them one of the top teams in the SoCon. A solid mix of experienced upperclassmen and emerging young talent ensures that Chattanooga remains competitive season after season.
3. East Tennessee State Buccaneers
The East Tennessee State Buccaneers are another force to be reckoned with in the SoCon. The Bucs have a rich history in the conference, with a focus on strong defense and efficient scoring. Their up-tempo style and relentless pressure make them one of the toughest teams to beat. ETSU has historically been one of the more successful programs in the conference, with consistent tournament appearances and a well-rounded roster.
4. Western Carolina Catamounts
The Western Carolina Catamounts have made a name for themselves in the SoCon with a scrappy, determined playing style. While they may not have the same level of historical success as the teams ahead of them, the Catamounts are always in the mix. Their ability to compete at a high level, especially in critical conference games, makes them a team to watch. With a solid core of players, Western Carolina continues to improve and has the potential to surprise many in the coming seasons.
The Middle Pack: Competitive but Inconsistent
5. Mercer Bears
The Mercer Bears have been a consistent presence in the SoCon, but they’ve had their ups and downs in recent years. With a deep roster and solid recruiting classes, Mercer is capable of competing with the best, but their inconsistency has often been a major factor in their standing within the conference. They’ve had moments of brilliance, but in a league full of talented teams, Mercer struggles to maintain consistency. Despite this, the Bears have had solid tournament runs and will continue to be a challenge for the top teams.
6. Samford Bulldogs
Samford has had a mixed record in the SoCon, often finding themselves in the middle of the standings. With a balanced roster, the Bulldogs can play competitive basketball but have struggled against the top-tier teams. Their defense-oriented style and efficient offense make them a solid team, but they need more depth and consistency to crack the top ranks. Despite these challenges, Samford has had its moments of brilliance and is always dangerous when playing at home.
7. Wofford Terriers
The Wofford Terriers have a storied history in the Southern Conference, particularly under former head coach Mike Young. However, their success has waned in recent seasons as they rebuild their program. While still competitive, the Terriers are in the process of developing younger talent and figuring out their identity. Their past success in the conference can't be denied, but for now, they remain in a rebuilding phase, which places them in the middle tier of the SoCon standings.
The Underdogs: Teams with Potential, But Room for Growth
8. The Citadel Bulldogs
The Citadel Bulldogs have had a rough go of it in recent years, often finishing near the bottom of the SoCon standings. Known for their gritty style of play and a never-quit attitude, the Bulldogs can occasionally pull off upsets but struggle to maintain consistency over the course of the season. Their defense-first approach limits their offensive options, and they lack the overall depth that other SoCon teams boast. Nevertheless, they’re a scrappy bunch and always play with heart.
9. VMI Keydets
Rounding out the rankings is the VMI Keydets. With a challenging season-to-season performance record, VMI often finds itself near the bottom of the SoCon standings. They have moments of brilliance, but their inability to consistently compete against the stronger teams in the conference has kept them at the bottom. The Keydets play with an intense style, but lack of depth and experience has been their undoing in many games. Still, there’s potential here, and with the right recruitment and development, VMI could make a jump in the future.
Conclusion
The Southern Conference is one of the more competitive mid-major conferences in college basketball, with a rich history and a promising future. Teams like Furman, Chattanooga, and East Tennessee State continue to dominate, while teams like Western Carolina and Mercer are consistently competitive. While the bottom half of the league, such as The Citadel and VMI, struggle to keep up, they remain competitive in the right circumstances. No matter the ranking, one thing is clear: SoCon basketball is never boring, and every team has the potential to surprise at any given time.
Over the years, I've witnessed the rise of certain programs and the struggles of others. Teams like Furman and Chattanooga have shown how consistency and strong recruiting can keep them at the top, while others, like VMI, are still figuring out the formula for success. The SoCon is unique because it’s a conference where every game counts, and upsets are frequent. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the league is its ability to produce underdogs that rise to the occasion during tournament play.
As the years pass, it’s clear that the Southern Conference is evolving. With new coaching staff, revamped facilities, and changing strategies, SoCon basketball has become more competitive than ever. The future looks bright for the top teams, and it will be exciting to see how the rankings shift in the coming years. For now, we can continue to appreciate the history and excitement that makes SoCon basketball one of the most thrilling mid-major conferences in college sports.