The
SEC (today’s preview) is similar to the Big 12 (last week’s preview) in one
way… It’s a two-way, big boy battle to be the favorite:
Projected Standings
1.
Kentucky Wildcats – Despite being made up of basically all freshmen and
sophomores, Kentucky is the team to beat in the conference, and potentially in
the country. They failed to land Andrew Wiggins, but they pulled in one of the
best classes ever. Julius Randle will be a key to their success along with
fellow freshman guards Andrew and Aaron Harrison. Returning players Alex
Polythress and Willie Cauley-Stein will be leaned on early.
2.
Florida Gators – This is a team that will be much more experienced, but not with
each other. Joining returners Patric Young, Scottie Wilbekin, and Will Yeguete
are transfers Dorian Finney-Smith (Virginia Tech), Damontre Harris (South
Carolina), and Eli Carter (Rutgers). Two freshmen will likely help lead the way
as well bringing together a lot of talent.
3.
Tennessee Volunteers – It will be a battle for third as well, but a distant
one. They should be a lock for the NCAA tourney however with plenty of returner
starters (including Jarnell Stokes and Jordan McRae), and a few key additions.
Jeronne Maymon is one of those re-joining the team, as he was injured all of
last year. Antonio Barton will fill in as the PG after transferring from
Memphis. Look out for freshman Robert Hubbs III too.
4.
LSU Tigers – This is a squad that finished 19-12 last year and 9-9 in the
conference. They bring nearly everyone back (lost 1 key guy) and added a 5-star
recruit named Jarell Martin. He and Johnny O’Bryant III will be a tough tandem
to beat.
5.
Missouri Tigers – The second “Tigers” on the list lost a lot of talent (4
double-digit scorers). But they will have a core of Jabari Brown, Earnest Ross,
and a terrific recruiting class (Juco’s included) that will have them competing
for a potential at large birth.
6.
Ole Miss Rebels – There is only one name to know on this squad: Marshall
Henderson. He will shoot them into games this season or out of them.
7.
Alabama – Trever Releford will help lead the way in hopes of keeping Alabama in
the top half of the conference. Joining him are two top-100 recruits and two
other returning starters.
8.
Texas A&M Aggies – They lost Elston Turner (who averaged 17.5 points last
year), but they have 3 starters back and some nice incoming talent. The five
freshmen and JC player will have to produce though for them to finish this
high.
9.
Vanderbilt Commodores – I have a lot of respect for the program, which is why
they are this high. They were rebuilding slightly last season, so I think they
will improve a bit this year. Damian Jones is a nice recruit to build around.
10.
Arkansas Razorbacks – Bobby Portis Jr. is a McDonald’s All-American that will
help Arkansas stay competitive this year. They lost two dynamic players
however.
11.
Georgia Bulldogs – They have a decent nucleus, but not much depth.
12.
South Carolina Gamecocks – I’m probably underestimating Frank Martin, who will
likely have his team higher than this. But they need some time to develop.
13.
Mississippi State Bulldogs – They have most of last year’s team back, but they
weren’t any good.
14.
Auburn Tigers – Only 1 returning starter from a team that went 9-23. Ouch.
Preseason
Major Awards
Player
of the Year – Julius Randle (Kentucky)
Defensive
Player of the Year – Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky)
Freshman
of the Year – Julius Randle (Kentucky)
Most
Improved Player – Jarnell Stokes (Tennessee)
Coach
of the Year – Cuonzo Martin (Tennessee)
All SEC
Teams
First
Team:
G
Andrew Harrison, Kentucky
G
Marshall Henderson, Ole Miss
F
Julius Randle, Kentucky
F
Jarnell Stokes, Tennessee
C
Willie Cauley-Stein
Second
Team:
G
Trevor Releford, Alabama
G
Scottie Wilbekin, Florida
F
Alex Polythress, Kentucky
F
Johnny O’Bryant III, LSU
C
Patric Young, Florida
Third
Team:
G
Earnest Ross, Missouri
G
Jordan McRae, Tennessee
G
Jabari Brown, Missouri
F
Dorian Finney-Smith, Florida
F
Jarell Martin, LSU
By:
The Sports Guys
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