Player of the Week
Trevon Brazile, Arkansas
When thinking about the Arkansas Razorbacks, most people tend to focus on their young core of Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas. Yet the Razorbacks’ top performer this past week has been fifth-year senior Trevon Brazile. Standing at 6’10” and 230 pounds, Brazile brings a commanding presence on both ends of the floor and is currently averaging 15.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. In Arkansas’ victory over No. 19 Texas Tech, Brazile led the team in both scoring and rebounding with 24 points and 10 boards. He followed that effort by topping it with a 26-point performance in the Razorbacks’ most recent matchup against Queens University.
Who’s Hot
Vanderbilt Commodores
Coming into the season, few expected Vanderbilt to be the last remaining undefeated team in the SEC. Yet as the calendar approaches the final weeks of December, the Commodores remain perfect at 11–0. Their streak nearly came to an end on Wednesday night, but Vanderbilt escaped FedExForum with a 77–70 overtime win over the Memphis Tigers. Much of the team’s success this season can be attributed to its “big three”: Duke Miles, Tyler Tanner, and Tyler Nickel, all of whom are averaging over 14 points per game.
Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State
Despite a disappointing 6–5 start to the year, Josh Hubbard has been one of the few bright spots for Bulldogs fans. Hubbard ranks among the top scorers in the NCAA, averaging 21.6 points per game. The junior guard posted a season-high 34 points on Tuesday night in Mississippi State’s win over Long Island University. Scoring seems to come naturally for Hubbard, as he has reached the 20-point mark in seven of his 11 games this season.
Who’s Not
Alabama Crimson Tide
Saturday’s matchup against the Arizona Wildcats marked one of the few times Alabama has looked completely outmatched this season. After entering halftime with a two-point lead, the Crimson Tide suffered a defensive meltdown that resulted in a 96–75 loss. With stars like Labaron Philon Jr. and Aden Holloway on the roster, Alabama is by no means a bad team. However, if the Crimson Tide hope to make a deep March Madness run, they must start winning games against top-10 opponents. The loss dropped Alabama to No. 16 in the AP Poll.
Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
After a terrific start to his freshman season, Meleek Thomas turned in a performance worth forgetting on Tuesday night. In Arkansas’ 108–80 win, it seemed that everyone on the roster was clicking except Thomas. Despite playing 27 minutes, he struggled offensively, finishing with just three points on 1-of-11 shooting. For a player competing to be a first-round pick, outings like this can hurt his résumé. Following several weeks of offensive struggles, Thomas has lost his spot in the starting lineup, while his backcourt partner, Darius Acuff Jr., has solidified himself as the team’s lead guard.
Top 5 Forwards in the SEC
5. Alex Condon, Florida
It’s no secret that the Florida Gators boast one of the best frontcourts in the NCAA. As a starting forward, Condon ranks among the team’s top three in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks. His 6’11” frame helps him collect 8.8 rebounds per game on a roster filled with proven rebounders. Condon has stepped up defensively and shown growth as a scorer, looking far more comfortable with the ball in his hands. He has also continued to make strides with his mid-range game.
4. Trevon Brazile, Arkansas
Another player who has made a name for himself this season is fifth-year senior Trevon Brazile. Across his first four seasons at Missouri and Arkansas, Brazile saw limited time in starting lineups and primarily served as a bench contributor. This year, he has become Arkansas’ everyday starting forward. In his expanded role, Brazile is averaging 15.1 points and a team-high 7.1 rebounds. He patiently waited for his opportunity and has made the most of it, giving NBA teams plenty of reasons to keep an eye on him despite being the oldest player on this list.
3. Nate Ament, Tennessee
Perhaps the most recognizable name on this list is Nate Ament, and for good reason. The 6’10” freshman is a projected lottery pick and one of the most exciting players in college basketball. Despite a few lackluster performances during Tennessee’s recent losing streak, Ament is still averaging 16 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. At just 19 years old, inconsistency is expected at times. With such an explosive offensive skill set, it will be difficult for NBA teams to pass on a talent like Ament.
2. Thomas Haugh, Florida
While Condon anchors the defense, the Gators’ other junior forward leads the team offensively, averaging 17.4 points per game. The biggest difference between the two lies in Haugh’s shooting ability. He can consistently put up 20 points when he finds a rhythm from beyond the arc. After serving as a backup over his first two seasons, Haugh’s move into a starting role has allowed his offensive talent to shine. If he continues to develop as a playmaker and long-range shooter, he could work his way into this year’s NBA Draft conversation.
1. Keyshawn Hall, Auburn
After transferring to his fourth team in four years, Keyshawn Hall has quickly proven he belongs against SEC competition. Despite standing just 6’7”, Hall leads Auburn with 20.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Entering the season, many experts were unsure what to expect from Hall. Through 11 games against some of the nation’s top programs, he has looked nothing short of dominant. If he continues at this pace, Hall will establish himself not only as one of the SEC’s best players, but as one of the top performers in the entire NCAA.