SEC Men’s Basketball 2021 Season Preview

Story posted November 8, 2021 in CommRadio, Sports by Christian Smith

A new college basketball season is upon us, which means the race to the NCAA Tournament is commencing.

One of the conferences that almost always has numerous teams representing it in the tournament is the Southeastern Conference, which is expected to be strong once again throughout the 2021-2022.

Five SEC teams landed in the first AP Top-25 Poll, which is tied with the Big Ten for the conference with the most teams representing in the first poll.

The teams include No. 10 Kentucky, No. 14 Alabama, No. 16 Arkansas, No. 18 Tennessee and No. 22 Auburn. Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee were three of nine SEC teams to reach the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

So, without further ado, let’s examine these teams.

No. 10 Kentucky

After an unusually disappointing season in 2020-2021, John Calipari’s squad is looking to return to its winning ways.

The Wildcats have a solid recruiting class this season, which includes freshman point guard Tyty Washington Jr., who was the fourth-ranked point guard in his class.

They also received a number of key transfers, including big man Oscar Tshiebwe from West Virginia, shooting guard Kellan Grady from Davidson and junior point guard Sahvir Wheeler, who led the SEC in assists a year ago as a member of the Georgia Bulldogs.

Kentucky is loaded this season, and will get its first major test of the season right off the bat, as it takes on No. 10 Duke in the Champions Classic on Tuesday, November 9.

No. 14 Alabama

The Crimson Tide had one of its best seasons in program history last year as they won the SEC Tournament and reached the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament.

They welcome back several key players, including junior guards Jaden Shackelford and Jahvon Quinerly, who both decided to return to Alabama instead of declaring for the NBA Draft.

In addition, head coach Nate Oates’ team welcomes five-star freshman J.D. Davison.

As long as the Crimson Tide stay healthy, the 2021-2022 season should be another big season for this program.

No. 16 Arkansas

Coming off one of their best seasons in program history, the Razorbacks are looking to advance even further than the Elite Eight and compete for a National Championship in 2021.

Eric Musselman’s team welcomes back rising sophomores Davonte Davis and Jaylin Williams, who were an imperative part of the team’s success in the 2020-2021 season.

Senior guard J.D. Notae also returns, and first-year guards Au’Diese Toney and Chris Lykes are expected to be key players for this year’s squad.

No. 18 Tennessee

The Volunteers are looking to continue their recent success in the SEC.

Freshman Kennedy Chandler is expected to be a standout, and senior guard Victor Bailey Jr. and junior guard Santiago Vescovi return for this team.

Junior guard Josiah-Jordan James, who is a strong defender, also returns for Tennessee. Forward John Fulkerson returns for a sixth season in the post.

Head coach Rick Barnes also added two top-40 recruits in Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and Jonas Aidoo.

No. 22 Auburn

After a disappointing 2020-2021 season, coach Bruce Pearl’s team is expected to be more competitive this year.

That is because they brought in freshman forward Jabari Smith and North Carolina transfer Walker Kessler.

In addition, junior guard Allen Flanigan returns coming off a breakout season, and transfers Zep Jasper, K.D. Johnson, and Wendell Green are expected to be key contributors to this year’s squad.

Other teams to look out for: Florida, LSU and Mississippi State

Though not ranked, each of these teams made the NCAA Tournament last season and each of them have several key players returning.

 

Christian Smith is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email cfs5591@psu.edu.