The SEC’s rapid rise in college basketball has left fans and analysts buzzing. Once considered a football-first league, the conference’s transformation into the nation’s top basketball conference has prompted reflection on how this turnaround happened—and who deserves the credit.
As the SEC claims the “Best League” title, a key figure outside the conference is being praised for his behind-the-scenes influence.
How Did An Ex-Big East Commissioner Change the Tides on SEC Basketball?
When Greg Sankey stepped in as SEC commissioner back in 2016, the conference just wasn’t making much noise in college basketball. Most years, only a few SEC teams would even make it to the NCAA Tournament.
Sankey knew something had to change, so he made a big move—he brought in Mike Tranghese, the former Big East commissioner, as a special advisor for men’s basketball.
No,@SEC was easily the best league in college basketball this year. Perfect storm of fourth and fifth year players and some great coaching. They will remain very good because of NIL also. Plus the underrated influence of Mike Tranghese their basketball consultant.
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) May 30, 2025
Tranghese had already made a name for himself by turning the Big East into a basketball powerhouse, and he came to the SEC with a straightforward attitude and a solid plan to help the league step up its game.
His impact was immediate and direct. He challenged SEC athletic directors and coaches to stop making excuses and start leveraging their considerable resources.
As recounted by Tranghese himself, “I told the ADs, ‘This is the most unbelievably nonsensical thing I’ve ever heard.’… ‘You have the resources, the fan bases, great athletes in your backyards. Use football to your advantage.”
His tough talk and experience set the tone for a cultural shift within the league.
ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla recently highlighted Tranghese’s ongoing influence.
“No, @SEC was easily the best league in college basketball this year. Perfect storm of fourth and fifth year players and some great coaching. They will remain very good because of NIL also. Plus the underrated influence of Mike Tranghese their basketball consultant.”
RELATED: Analyst Defends CFP Committee, Questions Greg Sankey’s Push for SEC-Favored Criteria
This acknowledgment from Fraschilla underscores how Tranghese’s guidance, combined with strategic investments in coaching and player retention, has elevated the SEC to new heights.
Fraschilla’s shoutout really shows just how much Tranghese’s advice—and some smart moves by the SEC—have helped the league reach new heights. It wasn’t just about bringing in a consultant.
The SEC also hired experienced folks like Dan Leibovitz and Garth Glissman, prioritized getting top-notch coaches, and invested heavily in better facilities and tougher schedules.
Auburn’s Bruce Pearl even said that all these changes have pushed SEC basketball to a whole new level, especially with more teams making it to the NCAA tournament and doing well.
Even though Tranghese tends to downplay his part in all this, a lot of people say his focus on accountability and finding the right coaches has really helped turn things around for the conference.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
