SEC West Preview
In the SEC West, LSU was the ruler and the overall league champion. Second year coach Trent Johnson will have to wave that magic wand a few times to lead the Tigers to a repeat title. Only two starters will eventually take the floor for LSU and it may take some time before both are on the floor. Tasmin Mitchell will be moving back to a small forward position, which should be more to his liking. Although he was the team’s second leading scorer and top rebounder a year ago. This season, Johnson expects to start 6-11 Garrett Green and 6-7 Storm Warren to the inside game. Green was injured last year. Bo Spencer may need some rehab time since his shooting arm wrist surgery. LSU needs to bring in a few players, only nine on the current roster are on scholarship. Depth likely will be an issue. Walk-ons will have a real chance to contribute.
Auburn’s second place finish in the West was a surprise. They even won a couple of games in the NIT. To make it to the bigger dance, Jeff Lebo’s team will have to overcome quite a few issues. The largest issue is filling the holes left by three graduations in the starting lineup. At least the point guard is returning. That’s DeWayne Reed who led the team in scoring.
Tony Neysmith transferred in from Oklahoma and should help the numbers situation. While there are some experienced players inside, a few physical, younger players may be the answer. JC Sophomore Kenny Gabriel, and frosh, Ty Armstrong and Rob Chubb look the part. Lucas Hargrove has outside shooting ability and can bang some too.
With all five starters returning and the possible addition of one of the top freshmen in the country, Mississippi State is expected to win the West. Freshman Renardo Sidney’s status is still iffy, so he may not be able to be a part of the Bulldogs’ surge, but the others surely are expected to have a great season. Point guard Dee Bost did better than anyone expected at his position and will be running the show again.
Jarvis Varnado is a key player as well. He was the top shot blocker in the country and was the team’s leading scorer too. Three solid shooters in Barry Stewart, Ravern Johnson and Phil Turner will resume their quest for the SEC Championship. Sidney’s amateur status is in question. Another freshman, 7-2 John Riek could make shooting in the paint a near impossibility against Mississippi State.
Anthony Grant is the new coach at Alabama. Attack will be the key word for the Crimson Tide. Grant wants his team to be up tempo. Four of Alabama’s starters return and seem well suited to that up tempo style. The only open position will be the point guard. 5-9 senior Anthony Brock might get the nod, but it’s more likely that he Mikhail Torrence and Ben Eblen will share time at the point. Grant also wants his team to apply pressure all over the floor. Sophomore JaMychal Green made the freshman all conference team a year ago. Brock shot over 44% from three point range, but didn’t shoot enough to qualify for the lead in that category. Alabama will be adjusting to the new style, their success will depend on how well the team gets it.
Last year’s rash of backcourt injuries turned this year’s Mississippi team into an experienced group at the guard position. Sophomore Terrico White was SEC Freshman of the Year and returns to lead the team. The three guards who were injured last season will all return. Previous starters Chris Warren and Eniel Polynice will join with Zach Graham and to form a solid backcourt. They could use four guards at times. There are newcomers to help in the forecourt. Murphy Holloway will be returning. A JC transfer, 6-9 DeAngelo Riley, should help coach Kennedy’s forwards become a more formidable group. Freshman Reginald Butler may help as well. No one blocked more shots in the Tennessee high school career.
Arkansas coach John Pelphry can’t imagine a worse season than his team had a year ago. Pelphry’s team should be a part of a league wide resurgence this season. Five starters return for the Hogs this season. 6-9 Forward Michael Washington and Guard Rotnei Clark, an outstanding shooter should lead the team back toward the top of the division. Courtney Fortson will run the team. He’s a sophomore and was second in assists in the SEC a year ago. There have been some defections from last year’s team, but there are plenty of newcomers to help fill the gaps. Three JC transfers and 6-7 forward Marshawn Powell will push the starters. Still, an NIT bid is more likely than a trip to the big dance.
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