Chris Dortch

Chris Dortch

Chris Dortch has been editor and publisher for Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook — considered the “bible” of college hoops — for the last 26 years. Before that, he covered college basketball for four newspapers. His work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, NBA.com, ESPN.com, The Athletic, Lindy’s, Athlon’s, the Washington Post, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and SECSports.com. Dortch has also taught sports writing and narrative non-fiction writing at East Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He is a member of the East Tennessee State Communication Department Alumni Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Hall of Fame, and the United States Basketball Writers Association Hall of Fame.
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Alabama's Labaron Philon has been the favorite for the award — but Auburn's Keyshawn Hall and Arkansas' Darius Acuff Jr. are putting up tough competition.

SEC Player of the Year Race: Keyshawn Hall, Darius Acuff Rising

Jan 30: The Player of the Year race is coming down to a duo of players from Alabama schools and a fantastic freshman out of Arkansas. PLUS: Tennessee's revamped lineup.

By Chris Dortch
Ole Miss guard Patton Pinkins prepares to drop a buzzer-beater against Mississippi State

"Born To Play Basketball": Patton Pinkins Is Becoming Ole Miss's Mr. Clutch

After back-to-back game-winners, freshman guard Patton Pinkins is building momentum — and a reputation — at Ole Miss

By Chris Dortch
The Longhorns have responded with two huge victories since head coach Sean Miller publicly questioned the team's effort

Inside the SEC: Coach Sean Miller Lights a Fire Under Texas

Miller's tough love strategy is controversial but it's getting results. PLUS: Tyler Tanner rises on NBA draft boards, Kentucky deals with a major injury and more news from the SEC.

By Chris Dortch
NIL has changed, but success is more lucrative than ever

Twenty Charged in NCAA Basketball Point-Shaving Scheme

At least 39 college players on more than 17 Division I teams were accused of fixing games. Affected matches involved St. John's, DePaul, Tulane and others. Additional indictments span across the NBA and Chinese Basketball Association.

By Chris Dortch
The Vanderbilt Commodores are one of just six remaining undefeated teams

SEC Superlatives: Picking the Best Team, Coach, Freshman and Player So Far

Jan 2: Why is Vanderbilt so good? What makes Keyshawn Hall special? Our SEC correspondent dishes out superlatives and makes predictions for the conference season ahead.

By Chris Dortch
After engagements with six other schools, Duke Miles is saving the best for last during his final stop with Vanderbilt

After Playing or Committing to 7 Schools, He's Finally Found a Home

Point guard Duke Miles has signed with seven teams over six years. His veteran leadership and savvy ball-handling have pulled his undefeated Vanderbilt Commodores to the top of the SEC.

By Chris Dortch
LSU was picked to finish 15th in the SEC but Dedan Thomas is a big reason the Tigers have defied preseason predictions

Inside the SEC: Star Transfer Lighting It Up at LSU

Dedan Thomas has the Tigers defying expectation. PLUS: More firepower at Bama and more drama at Kentucky

By Chris Dortch
Micah Handlogten led Florida's front court before his injury in March 2024

No Handlogten, No Title: Meet Florida’s Comeback Kid

A compound fracture sustained in the 2024 SEC Tournament led Micah Handlogten to opt for a medical redshirt. He called an audible when Florida needed him most.

By Chris Dortch
Jake Wilkins' elite vertical and trademark slams have him racking up highlights just seven games into his NCAA career

Dominique Wilkins’ Son, Jake, Gives Georgia Fans Déjà Vu

INSIDE THE SEC: Vanderbilt's offensive renaissance, a Tennessee injury scare, Mark Mitchell becomes the man at Mizzou and more news from around the SEC

By Chris Dortch
Labaron Philon earned SEC Player of the Week honors for his 25-point outing against St. John's

Inside The SEC: Alabama's High-Octane Offense Delivers

A Frenchman makes his mark in Mississippi, and one of the best dunks you’ll see all season

By Chris Dortch
Otega Oweh wants to mold himself into an NBA lottery pick this season

Everything Has Led Otega Oweh to This Moment

Driveway pickup games against his NFL brother prepared Kentucky’s Otega Oweh to be a basketball star. Now, the SEC Preseason Player of the Year is primed for a deep Tournament run.

By Chris Dortch
Tyler Lundblade quietly became the most efficient three-point shooter in the nation last season

68 Three-Pt. Shots In a Row. But No Coach Wanted Him.

Tyler Lundblade walked on at Belmont and proved that self-belief can work miracles

By Chris Dortch
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