SEC Blog

Player of the Week

Terrence Jones, Kentucky

A sweltering hot gym, earthquake and recruiting "controversy" stood in his path, but Jones never broke stride. His limitless potential was on display from the opening tip of the Maui Invitational, as he splashed on the scene filling up the stat sheets and earning All-Tournament team honors. Jones averaged 23 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks over the three games, leading his team to a runner-up finish.  He shot 54% from the floor (22/41), and got to the free throw stripe 32 times connecting on 21 (66%, up from 33% in the opening two games). His perimeter stroke was in full flight in the championship against Connecticut, hitting all 4 three-point attempts and 8/9 free throws, albeit in a losing effort. He played under control for the most part, committing only four turnovers in the tournament. If he can consistently produce this level of performance during his freshman campaign- look out basketball world. Finesse on the perimeter and aggressiveness on the interior, he can do it all. 

Hot Team: Tennessee Volunteers

After an uninspiring start to the season, the Volunteers got their money’s worth in NYC. With the cloud of Bruce Pearl’s impending suspension hanging over them, Tennessee played crisp ball in knocking off VCU and (7) Villanova en-route to a Pre-season NIT crown. Defensively, they held their opponents to 33% shooting (41/126), forced 18 steals, swatted 13 shots and held a +16 edge on the glass. On the offensive end, the Vols assisted on 31 of 53 baskets with a 1.14:1 assist to turnover ratio. Significant contributions were received from up and down the roster, with ten guys playing 10+ minutes in the semi, and eight in the final. Junior Scotty Hopson was named Tournament MVP averaging 18 points per contest, and freshman sensation Tobias Harris was selected to the All-Tournament team. Tennessee currently stands at number two in the latest RPI rankings and will certainly charge up the polls. 

Cold Team: Alabama Crimson Tide

The Crimson Tide encountered some rough waters on their trip to the Virgin Islands. Anthony Grant’s crew dropped all three games in the tournament, each of which was either a winnable/should win game. They shot 53% against Seton Hall including 10/14 from distance, but allowed the Pirates to connect on 55% and 10/13 from deep. They failed to reach the 50-point mark or 35% shooting plateau in the other two losses against Iowa and St. Peter’s. For the tournament they dished out just 31 assists against 51 turnovers, a ratio that won’t lead to W’s. Consistent half-court offense was a very real concern entering the season, and remains so going forward. Junior JaMychal Green, Pre-season All-SEC 2nd team, must clean up his act; his rebound total (11) was almost matched by his turnover total (8). 

Top Five Impact Transfers

Gerald Robinson- Renowned for his scoring prowess (16 points), Robinson is distributing as well (5 assists), but needs to shore up turnover woes (4).  

Malik Cooke- Slasher struggling to find the bucket (33%) but making noise on the glass (9 rebounds).

Nick Williams- Versatile guard-forward has brought immediate scoring punch (15 points), efficiency (57% shooting) and range (58% from three).  

Malcolm White- Talented big must limit inconsistent efforts. Eight points, six rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 24 minutes.  

Eloy Vargas– Basketball has been put on the back burner with recent death of his father. He will make his presence felt on boards and swatting shots down the road (4 rebounds & 1 block in 13.5 minutes). 

Notes

* Georgia’s Trey Thompkins returned for the Old Spice Classic, averaging 15 points (40%), 7 boards, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 4 turnovers. The Bulldogs finished the tournament with a win over Manhattan and losses to Notre Dame (2OT) and Temple.  

* The scoring barrage continues in Starkville for Ravern Johnson. The lanky guard-forward added a 25 and 33-point performance, and is averaging 27 on the season through four games. He’s converting nearly five three’s per game.  

* Arkansas senior Delvon Johnson is becoming a shot blocking terror, averaging 3.5 rejections per contest. His all-around game is vastly improved (11 points, 9 boards & 56% shooting).  

* LSU held Centenary to 36 points, their fewest total allowed since 2002. Freshmen Andre Stringer (17 points) and Ralston Turner (12 points) continue to impress for the youthful Tigers who stand at 4-2.  

* Auburn’s home loss to Jacksonville was its 4th loss at new Auburn Arena, all four to deep mid-major programs (UNC Asheville, Samford and Campbell). The Tigers are handing out 17 turnovers per game.