So many things have changed for the SEC since last season that it’s almost hard to recognize the league.
Old coaches like Billy Donovan are gone, new coaches like Avery Johnson and Ben Howland have arrived. Kentucky, while still one of the nation’s top teams, don’t have a squad that anyone is predicting to go undefeated. It’s been a topsy turvy offseason, but now, we’re ready for our SEC preseason preview.
SEC Champion: Kentucky Wildcats
They might not look like the Wildcats of a year ago, but this year’s edition is still as lethal as anyone in the country. Tyler Ulis is set to take over point guard responsibilities, while freshman Skal Labissiere looks like the real deal for John Calipari. There are still question marks, like who the heck is scoring on the wing, but there’s no denying that this group gives UK a shot at another Final Four appearance.
SEC Runner-up: Vanderbilt Commodores
What a turn around job by Kevin Stallings. He’s got the conference’s deepest frontcourt, and things are anchored by a legitimate Conference Player of the Year contender on the outside. Vandy finally looks ready to be back in the national spotlight.
SEC Dark horse: Texas A&M Aggies
It’s hard to believe that it’s been five seasons since the Aggies were in the Big Dance, but that should change this season. Danuel House is a SEC POY candidate, but it’s the depth of this team that has them in the discussion as a dark horse.
SEC Player of the Year: Riley LaChance, Vanderbilt
Helping LaChance’s…chances, is the fact that Kentucky may not have any one player that sticks out more significantly than the others. LaChance, on the other hand, should improve on his 12.3 points per game from a year ago and could be a 15, 5, 5 guy this season.
SEC Rookie of the Year: Ben Simmons, LSU
He’s the top rated freshman in the country and one would think LSU will put him in a position to make as much of a difference as anyone.
SEC Coach of the Year: Kevin Stallings, Vanderbilt
He’s got the team that looks most ready to challenge UK for the league crown, while putting it together as part of a rebuild. Stallings deserves this award as much as any of our preseason picks thus far.
