Prestige Rankings: The Best SEC Men’s Basketball Programs

Mar 12, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Florida Gators guard Eli Carter (1) drives the ball during the first half of the second round against Alabama Crimson Tide of the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports

2. Florida Gators

NCAA Tournament Appearances: 19

Sweet Sixteens: 10

Elite Eights: 8

Final Fours: 5

National Championship Appearances: 3

National Championships: 2

SEC Tournament Championships: 4

The Florida Gators may not have as many NCAA Tournament appearances as nearly half of the SEC, but they’ve made almost every single one of them count, and they have several SEC Tournament titles to their name as well.

Before the 2000’s, Florida’s NCAA Tournament success was somewhat minimal, making it to the Sweet Sixteen in 1987 and 1999 and reaching the Final Four in 1994. But once the turn of the century occurred, the Gators took off.

From 2000- 14, the Gators only missed 3 tournaments and established themselves as an elite NCAA Tournament team. In that 15 year span, Florida made 3 National Championship game appearances, winning back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007. The Gators made 3 straight Elite Eights from 2011-13, and they went a round further in 2014, reaching the Final Four.

Although the Gators missed the 2015 tournament, the 2000’s have been one of the most successful runs by any team in college basketball in terms of postseason play.

Florida owns 4 SEC Tournament championships, winning 3 straight from 2005-07 and earning their 4th in 2014. They also made it to the championship game in 1989, 1994, 2004, 2011, and 2013.

The Florida Gators are easily one of the most elite teams in the SEC, and their accomplishments measure up to any other top program across the country. They own 2 National Championships and 4 SEC Championships, and that is enough to put them at the No. 2 slot in the rankings.