Matt Jones is the online sports director for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. A double graduate of the University of Arkansas, he is a member of the Football Writers Association of America and National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, and voter for the Heisman Trophy.
Longtime official Mike Eades to oversee SEC basketball officiating
By:
Matt Jones
Published: Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Minnesota head coach Richard Pitino, rights, argues a call with official Mike Eades during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
FAYETTEVILLE — The Southeastern Conference on Tuesday appointed Mike Eades as its coordinator of men’s basketball officials.
Eades is a 24-year college basketball official who has worked in three Final Fours, most recently in 2017. He replaces Mark Whitehead, who resigned the post last month.
The SEC’s officials coordinator is responsible for selecting, training, evaluating and assigning officials for games at SEC arenas.
SEC basketball officiating was under scrutiny during the 2019-20 season.
Prior to the final week of the season in March, the Montgomery Advertiser reported there were 39.6 fouls per game called in SEC games, compared to between 33.1 and 35.4 fouls averaged in ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-12 games. SEC teams collectively ranked higher in total fouls and free throws attempted.
Arkansas played in three conference games last season when the teams combined to shoot at least 73 free throws, and played in four games when the teams committed 50 or more combined fouls.
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