How Greg Sankey became college football's most powerful person

One word pops up repeatedly in conversations about SEC commissioner Greg Sankey: Preparation. That traces its roots to his affinity for John Wooden.

The SEC's commissioner is a skilled communicator, a pragmatic thinker, and 'the most prepared person in every room.'

Greg Sankey grew up listening to Final Four basketball games on a transistor radio. His career took him South, where he's become the most powerful figure in college football.

The most powerful man in college football counts two signed copies of books about a legendary basketball coach among his prized possessions.

John Wooden , the coach, autographed one of the books for Greg Sankey after they met in attendance at a Final Four many years ago, when Sankey was commissioner of the Southland Conference.

The other book, “Th