College Basketball Preview: SEC

It looks like its safe to come out and play again SEC. Those big bad Gators from Gainesville have gone from experienced to green almost overnight. Gone is Joakim Noah and his fist pumping antics along with his runningmates Al Horford, Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, and Lee Humphrey. But now the beast of the southeast is Bruce Pearl's gang in Knoxville. Any team looking to take the SEC crown will have to make the arduous climb up Rocky Top to do it. These guys are experienced, deep, and motivated after last years near upset of Ohio St. in the Sweet Sixteen. Up front, Tennesse will not wilt at the likes of a quality big man a la Horford, Oden etc because they have beef in Wayne Chism and Duke Crews. Both are on the short side (neither of the two go taller than 6-10) but they can play in the blocks and more importantly are athletic and quick to run and thrive in Pearl's up tempo in your face 40 minutes of straight fast breaking and full court pressing. These two big men are flanked by speedy and athletic scorers. Leading the way is senior SG Chris Lofton, who never met a shot he didn't like...or make. Running with Lofton is JaJuan Smith and sophomore PG Ramar Smith. JaJuan is a defensive ace while Ramar runs the show. Off the bench is a talented group of freshman and one exciting transfer. Tyler Smith comes in from Iowa to provide another scary shooter off the bench to compliment Lofton and to take away pressure from him. Also on the bench are athletic wings Cameron Tatum, Marques Johnson, and Josh Tabb.
Kentucky was originally a big favorite for second place under new coach Billy Gillespie but after their recent upset loss at the hands of Gardner Webb (ten bucks if you know what state they are in and BTW if you go to gardner-webb.edu there is a terrfic sign stating "Who you callin' cupcake?") That loss takes away any intimidation opponents may have of the guys from Lexington. Stepping into their spot and challenging Tennessee for the SEC is the very good and talented Arkansas Razorbacks. New coach John Pelphrey (UK star baller) inherits immense in and out talent in do-everything SG Patrick Beverley and the top post roatation in the SEC with Steven Hill, Charles Thomas, and Darien Townes. JUCO transfer Sonny Weems comes in to breath new life into the newly created running game while NYC PG Gary Ervin holds the keys and really lit it up down the stretch last season. Mike Washington, Stefan Walsh, and Mike Sanchez round out the deep and tough bench.
The rest of the SEC has talent but is not surrounded by equal talent on their team. The SEC will be hotly contested and any team from LSU to Mississippi State could make some noise this year. My predictions for the 2007-2008 SEC season.

Winner: Tennessee
Player of the Year: Chris Lofton SG Tennessee
Freshman of the Year: Nick Calathes G/F Florida
Most Improved: Marresse Speights PF Florida
Surprise Team: Mississippi State

All-SEC
C Richard Hendrix Alabama
PF Korvotney Barber Auburn
SF Tasmin Mitchell LSU
SG Patrick Beverley Arkansas
PG Jamont Gordon Miss. St