Countdown to Atlanta

Sorry for the late update, I'm just trying to get everything back in order after spring break.

Shan Foster was named the SEC co-Player of the Week (along with Marcus Thornton, some joke from LSU). This marks the fourth time Shan has been recognized as Player of the Week this season, the most times a single player has received the award since the league started handing it out in 1985. Rivals.com also named Shan to their All-SEC First Team. Devan Downey (South Carolina), Tyler Smith (Tennessee), Richard Hendrix (Alabama), and Jamont Gordon(Mississippi State) were also recognized as First Teamers. Finally, Shan was named a Wooden Award Finalist. Tyler Smith, Chris Lofton, and Jamont Gordon also represented the SEC. Word.

The 'Dores will take on the Auburn Tigers at 2:15PM on Thursday in the first round of the SEC Tournament. Raycom will have the TV coverage, and as always you can catch the 'Dores on 104.5 The Zone here in the Nashville radio market. For Coach Stallings' and Auburn head coach Jeff Lebo's thoughts on Thursday's matchup check out the transcript from the Monday SEC teleconference here.

Vanderbilt and Auburn met earlier this year at Memorial Gym, with the Commodores emerging victorious. The 'Dores held a 14 point lead in the 2nd half of that game, but Auburn rallied to cut the deficit to one. Dolla Beal responded for Vandy with two steals and seven straight points to put the 'Dores safely ahead for good. Auburn's Frank Tolbert scorched Vandy for 32 points. A.J. lead the 'Dores with 19.

Obviously it's risky business to try to extrapolate on this game as it was played well over a month ago at Memorial. Vandy has been notoriously BAD in Atlanta, and I really am nervous about this game after the emotional no-show in T-town.

The 'Dores have responded well to adversity this season, and I can only hope they use the Alabama, Arkansas, and Miss. State games as learning experiences to improve their play for the SEC and NCAA tournaments. The 'Dores need to come out of the locker room firing on all cylinders and put Auburn away early.

Let's show the ATL how we do thangs up in Ca$hville.

Go 'Dores!