SWAC’S Best Shot Rest in Jackson

15 years ago the 14th seeded Southern University Jaguars shocked the world when they defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 93-78 in the first round of the 1993 NCAA Tournament. What’s even more shocking is the fact that, that’s the last time a school from the SWAC lasted longer then one day in the tournament. This year the final four will take place in Atlanta, and like most years pretty much the same teams from the same powerhouse conferences will be vying for a trip to the final four. However, along the way there are many small schools out there who will attempt to make the journeys of those major programs as tough as possible. Although the SWAC’s representative has yet to be named, in my opinion the conference best shot at possibly winning a game resides on the popular highway known as I-20. Sorry Grambling fans, I’m not talking about our beloved Tigers, I’m referring to the Jackson State Tigers.

Jackson State like most small schools scheduled schools from some of the top conferences in college basketball. Jackson State faced schools from the ACC, Big East, Big 10, Conference USA, SEC and the MAC. Most SWAC schools would have went zero for the century, however, Jackson State finished with a respectable 3-5 record in those games.
Jackson State features the best player in the conference, and arguably the best player in the nation that no one knows about. Trey Johnson has proven to be a legitimate next level prospect. Johnson is a 6-5 combo guard who can shoot the rock from anywhere on the court, and has proven it against some stiff competition. Trey hit 49 against UTEP, 36 against Alabama, 33 against Georgia Tech and 32 points against Memphis proving that the boys from the SWAC can shoot the rock also. Jackson State might not have captured the regular season title but very will may capture the all-important conference tournament title, which is an automatic bid into the field of 65.

I will have my fingers crossed and I sincerely hope that Grambling walks away the conference tournament champion this weekend. It would mark the first time in Men’s Basketball history that Grambling would have a spot in the tournament. However, for the SWAC to have a legitimate shot at competing and winning, the Jackson State Tigers need their name announced on CBS this Sunday.