SEC Tournament 2012: Alabama and Sleeper Teams to Watch

When looking for sleepers in the 2012 SEC Tournament, the question should really be: Which teams are possibly capable of hanging around with Kentucky?

There aren't many, if any, that can do it.

The Wildcats went unbeaten in conference play this year and left Florida, Vanderbilt and Tennessee to battle it out for the No. 2 spot.

The Gators couldn't get within single digits of Kentucky, but the Commodores and Volunteers both played them relatively tough on their home courts and within single digits.

But we know about these three teams, the real question is this: Who are the sleepers in the tournament?

Alabama

The Tide finished the year 20-10, with a 9-7 conference record. They beat Tennessee at home and played the Wildcats to within six points on the road.

They open against South Carolina—a team that upset them once already this year—and will get get a shot at Florida if they win. A win there would pit them against the Wildcats (assuming they win their opener). They'll have to run through the best to make this tourney count.

Mississippi State

The Bulldogs were 21-10 on the year, with an 8-8 conference record. They lost to Kentucky by nine, but knocked off Tennessee, Alabama and Vanderbilt this year.

They open as the No. 6 seed against Georgia and with a win would advance to play the Commodores. They would then likely have to go through Tennessee before they get a shot to play in the Final.

Ole Miss

The 18-12 Rebels went 8-8 this year in conference play. They knocked off Mississippi State and Alabama once each this year (lost to each of them as well) and were beaten by Kentucky by 15 points. 

This team has had ups and downs and been beaten pretty badly a few times as well, but they could surprise.