Player of the Week
Henry Coleman III -Forward, Texas A&M- The 6’8” senior has been sensational to start the season. He is currently leading the conference in rebounds per game with 11, which is also top 15 in the country. After taking only one shot on opening night, Coleman has recorded double doubles in 3 straight games. Against Ohio state, he posted 20 points and 11 rebounds. He followed this performance up with 13 points and 15 rebounds against SMU. Through 4 games, he is averaging career highs across the board and has been a key contributor on a 4-0 team.
Mark Sears -Guard, Alabama- Sears is now in his second season at Bama after transferring from Ohio and has been great to start the season. Through 4 games, Sears is averaging 19.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, while shooting 64% from the field, 66% from deep, and 89% from the line.
Antonio Reeves -Guard, Kentucky- Reeves had a quiet opening night dropping only 11 points. However, since then, he has scored 20+ in three of the last four games. For the season, he is averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game on 47/40/86 shooting splits. All of these stats, besides points per game, are career highs for the 6’6” senior. Reeves should continue to find great opportunities surrounded by all the young talent Kentucky brought in this year.
Who’s Not
Justin Hill – Guard, Georgia- It has been a very rough start to the season for the senior guard. In 4 games, he is averaging 6 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist per game. These are all career lows for him. While he has had some success from deep (5-14), he has struggled inside the three-point line, shooting a career low 33%.
Jordan Wright – Forward, LSU- While his points per game average looks solid, Wright has not shot the ball well at all to start the year (31%). After a 5-8 shooting performance in his opening game, he has followed it up with 3-15, 1-7, 3-7, and 5-17.
Jeremiah Davenport -Guard, Arkansas- Davenport has not shot the ball well at all this year. He is 3-16 (18%) from the field and all three shots have been threes. From inside the line, he is 0-4. Hopefully he improves in the next matchup.
Freshman of the Week:
Josh Hubbard -Guard, Mississippi State- Hubbard had a fantastic week, scoring 29 points in his last game on 9-14 shooting. He hit 4 of his 8 attempts from deep along with 7 free throws. Hubbard scored double digits in all 3 of his games this week, on 48% shooting from the field.
Top SEC Prospects
1. Aaron Bradshaw -Center, Kentucky- Bradshaw is another 5 star recruit in this potentially legendary Kentucky recruiting class. A true 7-footer, Bradshaw’s motor has improved since joining the collegiate circut. He is an extremity talented rim protector who can also hold his own out on the perimeter. His role on this team is likely a defensive anchor who gets easy looks around the rim, in transition, and off second chance opportunities. While he might not record the flashiest numbers due to the talent on this team, he will still be a high impact player whose presence will be felt every night.
2. Justin Edwards -Guard, Kentucky- Edwards is a very talented two-way player, not to mention was a top three recruit in the country. At 6’8”, Edwards possesses the size and talent to play at the next level. A true scoring threat from all three levels, Edwards is a very effective slasher who can get to the rim with ease and finish with authority, all while pulling up from the mid-range confidently.
3. Rob Dillingham -Guard, Kentucky- A 5 star prospect who looks like he can be the next great Kentucky guard to hit the league. At 6’3”, Dillingham has the size and active hands to force takeaways on defense, while possessing the speed and handles to run an offense. He has shown he can get off a good look with a hand in his face, while being able to create separation with his dribble moves. He is an accurate passer and his assist numbers should only increase once Aaron Bradshaw steps on the court.
4. DJ Wagner -Guard, Kentucky- The son of former lottery pick DeJuan Wagner, DJ has the pedigree to play at the next level. While he is not a great shooter, he is a shifty guard who can get to the rim. If he can prove himself as an efficient scorer and playmaker, he can insert himself into the conversation of being a lottery pick.
5. Trevon Brazile -Forward, Arkansas- Brazile is a true two-way player who has shown flashes on both sides of the court. While he does not take a ton of shots, he’s shown his ability to efficiently score from all three levels. At 6’10”, he’s got the size to consistently grab rebounds and effect opponents’ shots inside. If Brazile can become more aggressive offensively, he can solidify himself as a potential lottery selection.
Honorable Mention Jarin Stevenson -Forward, Alabama- Stevenson is a 6’10” forward who possesses great strength and instincts around the rim. Stevenson has the ability to finish through contact down low, as well as use his body to position himself for rebounds on both sides of the court. While he’s not a high-volume shooter, he can step out behind the three-point line and knock down shots. He can be an efficient scorer from all three levels on one side, while also being able to use his size to disrupt shots on the other.