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SEC Basketball: Top Six Players
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October 26th, 2008
by Jeff Fox
Tyler Smith - Tennessee
Pick Six: SEC
Throughout the week, check back for articles highlighting the Top 6 players in each BCS league. Then next week we’ll be rolling out the Top 6 at each position.
1. Tyler Smith – Tennessee – Junior
The Vols’ Mr. Do-It-All will have to do even more this season with all the roster departures on the team. That will mean playing in the post and on the wing again, defending, scoring, playmaking and rebounding. Shouldn’t be a problem for a guy who averaged 13.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.4 apg and 1.4 spg last season.
Stats: 13.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.4 apg
2. Andrew “A.J.” Ogilvy – Vanderbilt – Sophomore
While A.J. Ogilvy might not be the second coming of fellow Australian Andrew Bogut, he is still a stud player. Despite not being the Commodores’ primary offensive option last season, he still went off for 17ppg and 6.7rpg. With Shan Foster graduated, Ogilvy will be the top dog this season in Nashville and maybe in the whole conference.
Stats: 17.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.2 apg
3. Patrick Patterson – Kentucky – Sophomore
Billy Gillispie must have breathed a sigh of relief when big man Patrick Patterson decided to return to Lexington for another season. An explosive, powerful post player, his 7-foot wingspan helps him play bigger than his 6’8” height. Look for him to battle with Ogilvy for big man supremacy in the SEC.
Stats: 16.4 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.7 apg
4. Devan Downey – South Carolina – Junior
It is common practice in the world of sport fighting to call a guy “the best pound-for-pound” performer. Well in college basketball, you definitely could make the case that Devan Downey is the best “pound-for-pound” baller. The 5’9” 175lber put up ridiculous numbers last year.
Stats: 18.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 5.4 apg
5. Nick Calathes – Florida – Sophomore
Another SEC super sophomore is Florida’s combo guard/small forward Nick Calathes. Billy Donovan’s crew was in full rebuilding mode last season and lucky for him he had a perfect piece to build around in Calathes. In addition to playing multiple positions, he also posted impressive numbers in multiple categories.
Stats: 15.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 6.1 apg
6. Marcus Thornton – LSU – Senior
JUCO transfer Marcus Thornton brought some much needed offense onto the Tigers roster last season. His 19.6 ppg were second best in the conference and he topped the 20 point mark 17 times and 30 points three times. He did a lot of his damage from long-range as his 90 three-pointers were second most made in a season in the history of LSU.
Stats: 19.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.4 apg
Next in line: Scotty Hopson, Tennessee; Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi State; Chris Warren, Mississippi; Alonzo Gee, Alabama.
Tomorrow: Top Six Non-BCS Players
Comments
patterson
Submitted by Jeff Fox on Mon, 2008-10-27 15:13.
It wouldn't be a huge shock if Patterson does indeed with the SEC POY. However, I expect Ogilvy to have a bigger year this season. If you look at the numbers A.J. put up last year despite not being his team's first option on offense, you could project him to be close to a 20 & 10 guy this year (which Patterson could be also I guess).
I'm with the commenter on
Submitted by Shawn Siegel on Mon, 2008-10-27 15:18.
I'm with the commenter on this on one.. Patterson would be my top choice here. In terms of numbers, agreed Ogilvy will be around 20 & 10, but I don't see the boost in Smith's numbers that many expect. He's just not a go-to scoring type player so I see him maxing out at 16-17 a game.
it seems that the sec is
Submitted by dejuan (not verified) on Tue, 2008-10-28 19:26.
it seems that the sec is weaker than ever this year. I mean Tyler Smith is a good player, but he wouldnt be on any of the other lists.
wow
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 2008-11-13 17:40.
you people got to be playing ogilvy over patterson lol patterson is a clone of elton brand enough said
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About Jeff Fox
Columnist
NBA Draft & International Hoops
Contact
foxyjj@sympatico.ca
Background
Jeff Fox is a freelance journalist based an hour outside of Toronto, Canada. While attending University of Waterloo (Canada) earning a B.A. in Economics and Management Studies, Jeff managed to walk onto the school’s varsity basketball team, the Warriors, for 2 seasons. His final year riding the pine for the Warriors saw the team make it to the CIS (Canada’s NCAA equivalent) Final 8 tournament. In addition to this site, he is a regular contributor to SLAM magzine (& online) and The Hoops Manifesto. When he isn’t planted in front of his computer he spends the rest of his time with his wife, Lisa, his son, Adam and his dog Jeannie.
Location
Toronto, CA
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patterson
Patterson will be the best player in the SEC this year. Smith might be the better pro prospect, and Ogilvy is solid, but Patterson will win SEC Player of the Year, Book it.