Player of the Week
Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State Bulldogs
Among all the scorers in the SEC, Josh Hubbard stands in a class of his own. No matter who the Bulldogs face, opponents have struggled to find any answer for him. Hubbard currently leads the SEC at 23 points per game and showed just how dangerous he is this week, tying a career high with 38 points in a win over Texas before following it with another 30-point outing against Oklahoma. After starting the season 4–5, Hubbard has sparked a six-game winning streak, breathing new life into Mississippi State’s season.
Freshman of the Week
Amari Allen, Alabama Crimson Tide
Despite Alabama’s loss to Vanderbilt, Amari Allen put the team on his back from start to finish. The 6’8” forward poured in a career-high 25 points while grabbing 11 rebounds, using his size and physicality to overwhelm defenders. Allen also took full advantage of Vanderbilt’s aggressive defense by going a perfect 12-for-12 from the free throw line. In a game where much of Alabama’s roster struggled, Allen was the clear bright spot.
Who’s Hot
Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M has quietly climbed the SEC standings and now looks ready to strike. With thrilling wins over both LSU and Auburn this past week, the Aggies sit at 12–3. While they may not feature a single dominant scorer, few teams move the ball better. That unselfish style has paid off, as Texas A&M ranks second in the conference in scoring at 94.4 points per game.
Jakobi Gillespie, Tennessee Volunteers
After productive stops at Belmont and Maryland, Ja’Kobi Gillespie brought his game to Knoxville to help Tennessee chase a national title. He has delivered, leading the Volunteers in both points and assists. In Tennessee’s recent win over Texas, Gillespie erupted for a career-high 34 points, adding five assists and three steals. His scoring versatility and playmaking have made him one of the most dangerous guards in the SEC, and NBA scouts are taking notice.
Who’s Not
Auburn Tigers
Coming off a Final Four run, Auburn entered the season with championship expectations. Despite flashes from Keyshawn Hall and Tahaad Pettiford, the Tigers have struggled to find consistency. This past week, Auburn dropped back-to-back heartbreakers against Georgia and Texas A&M, losing by a combined six points. Losses like those can be deflating, and Auburn now finds itself searching for answers after such high preseason hopes.
Boogie Fland, Florida Gators
Florida has maintained a respectable record since last year’s title run, but some troubling trends have emerged. Much of the concern centers on sophomore transfer Boogie Fland, who has yet to find his rhythm in the Gators’ system. Over his last two games, Fland has gone just 4-for-20 from the field and 0-for-9 from three, dropping his season three-point percentage to 19%. With Florida’s talented frontcourt in place, improved guard play will be critical moving forward.
Top 5 Three-Point Shooters in the SEC
5. Nijel Pack, Oklahoma Sooners
The sixth-year senior has been everything Oklahoma hoped for. Known for his shooting touch, Pack is hitting 50% from the field and 44.9% from three, thriving in a catch-and-shoot role for the Sooners.
4. Jacob Crews, Missouri Tigers
A pure shooter, Crews wastes no time letting it fly from deep. Nearly all of his attempts come from beyond the arc, and he has knocked them down at a 50% clip, giving Missouri a constant perimeter weapon.
3. Aden Holloway, Alabama Crimson Tide
Playing alongside Labaron Philon Jr., Holloway has settled in as Alabama’s No. 2 scoring option. He attempts nearly 10 threes per game and converts 46.7%, continuing to improve his efficiency as a junior.
2. Ruben Dominguez, Texas A&M Aggies
The 6’6” sophomore from Spain has emerged as one of the SEC’s most dangerous shooters. Domínguez is hitting 47.3% from three, highlighted by a 10-for-14 performance from deep against Manhattan. His length and IQ make him a major part of Texas A&M’s offensive attack.
1. Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt Commodores
A key piece of Vanderbilt’s “big three” alongside Duke Miles and Tyler Tanner, Nickel has elevated his shooting to another level. The 6’7” forward is averaging a career-best 14.7 points per game while hitting 48.2% from three, cementing himself as the SEC’s premier perimeter threat.