Player of the Week
Jeremiah Wilkinson, Georgia
The Georgia Bulldogs are off to an 8–1 start for the first time since 2006 and continue to emerge as one of the SEC’s biggest surprises. They’re riding high after a dominant 107–73 road win over Florida State, where Wilkinson (pictured) scored 22 points on 7-of-13 shooting and reaffirmed himself as Georgia’s clear offensive leader. With the Bulldogs averaging 99.9 points through nine games, Wilkinson’s efficiency has been central to their surge. If he can maintain this level of production, another trip to March Madness is firmly in play.
Who’s Hot
LSU Tigers
As December arrives, LSU stands as one of only two undefeated SEC teams. The Tigers are 8–0 and recently captured the 2025 Emerald Coast Classic with a commanding 96–63 win over DePaul. What makes LSU particularly compelling is its balance: four of the five starters average over 12 points per game despite the absence of a true go-to scorer. With No. 19 Texas Tech up next and no additional ranked opponents looming until January, LSU is poised to build even more momentum heading into conference play, making them a potentially dangerous team come March.
Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt improved to 9–0 with an 88–69 win over SMU, and sophomore guard Tyler Tanner has continued to shine. Tanner delivered 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in Wednesday’s game and ranks second on the team in total scoring. His strong decision-making and efficient play have been crucial in sustaining Vanderbilt’s undefeated start.
Who’s Not
Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky fell to 5–3 after a tough loss to North Carolina, continuing a disappointing start to the season. The Wildcats have yet to win a ranked game, and their upcoming stretch—No. 11 Gonzaga, No. 22 Indiana, and No. 23 St. John’s before Christmas—offers no relief. The anticipated return of standout transfer Jayden Quaintance in the coming months is one of the few bright spots on the horizon.
Ilias Kamardine, Ole Miss
Ole Miss has now lost three straight, and their struggles were evident in a recent loss to Miami. Senior guard Ilias Kamardine had a rough outing, shooting 1-for-11 from the field after entering the game averaging 13.8 points. The entire roster shot just 23-for-66, but Ole Miss needs Kamardine to stabilize his efficiency if they want to remain competitive in the SEC. Kamardine is not draft eligible, having already passed his draft class, and he joins a small group of former European professionals now playing in the NCAA—such as Fru and De Ridder—who are also no longer eligible for the NBA Draft.
NBA Draft Prospects From the SEC
5. Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)
Five-star freshman Darius Acuff Jr. has lived up to expectations in his first college season. The 6’3”, 190-pound guard is averaging 17.4 points and 4.4 assists while leading a deep Razorbacks offense. Even in Arkansas’s recent loss to No. 4 Duke, Acuff stood out with a team-high 21 points. His shot creation, poise, and competitive drive keep him firmly in the lottery mix.
4. Meleek Thomas (Arkansas)
Meleek Thomas forms one of college basketball’s strongest freshman backcourts alongside Acuff. At 6’5”, 185 pounds, Thomas brings defensive versatility, rebounding, and smooth offensive polish. He averages 4.6 rebounds and posts similar scoring numbers to Acuff. While close in projection, Thomas’s more complete two-way profile gives him a slight edge, though the duo remains one of the sport’s most interchangeable and dynamic tandems.
3. Thomas Haugh (Florida)
Facing one of the nation’s toughest early schedules, Thomas Haugh has consistently delivered for Florida. The 6’9”, 215-pound forward is averaging 18.6 points and 7.6 rebounds while contributing on both ends with physicality and smart positioning. His 24-point, 6-rebound, 1-block, 1-steal showing against No. 4 Duke highlighted his potential as an impact two-way forward and boosted his standing among NBA scouts.
2. Labaron Philon Jr. (Alabama)
Labaron Philon Jr. has made one of the biggest sophomore leaps in the conference. He is averaging 20.6 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting an impressive 56.4 percent from the field. Philon’s efficiency, shot selection, and composure with the ball have turned him into one of the SEC’s most dependable guards and a rising NBA prospect.
1. Nate Ament (Tennessee)
Nate Ament continues to establish himself as one of the premier freshmen in college basketball. The 6’10” forward is averaging 17.1 points and 7.4 rebounds while showcasing advanced scoring instincts, defensive versatility, and fluid movement for his size. His two-way impact and positional adaptability draw strong comparisons to Jonathan Isaac, and he has quickly cemented himself as the SEC’s top NBA prospect.