Over the past week, college basketball seemed as if it was at a standstill because of finals so there has been a lack of quality games and games in general. Most power five teams were matched up with cupcakes before they ran into the brunt of their non-conference schedule or were resting up before conference play began. Well, North Carolina scheduled Tennessee who has not been as competitive as they have been in the past couple years and that they would cruise to an easy “W” in Chapel Hill. The Volunteers (5-4) jumped out to as big as a 27-13 lead and potentially could have earned a victory that would have been the turning point in their season, and one of the biggest upsets in college basketball this year. But, the crowd got behind the Tar Heels as they stormed back and edged out a 73-71 victory. Rick Barnes’ team might have just realized how much potential they really have and could make some noise in the SEC this season in a year that was supposed to be a down year for them. This could be the start of a revival in Knoxville. The SEC just isn’t the same without the Volunteers battling for the top spot amongst the Kentucky’s, Florida’s, and A&M’s of the conference.
Player of the Week
Robert Hubbs III (Tennessee)
The player of the week in the SEC is the senior who led his inferior team into Chapel Hill to battle the top-10 ranked Tar Heels. Hubbs scored 21 points and grabbed 6 boards all while shooting at an 82% clip. It seemed as if he had something to prove against one of the premier point-guards in college basketball this year, Joel Berry. You would think if Tennessee pushed the Tar Heels to the final seconds it would have been a great team effort, well it was, but only because Hubbs was orchestrating the show. Hubbs’ performance wasn’t just a one-time fluke, the following game he showed out and dropped 25 while grabbing 7 boards in a victory over Tennessee Tech. Tennessee has struggled so far this year, but with Hubbs leading the show they have potential to become a team no one in the SEC wants to see come conference play. They have a young team and a brand-new coach who is trying to put all the pieces together. The only reason they have a winning record is because of the performances of Hubbs, he has carried this team so far. But, as the younger players progress and feel more comfortable as the season continues, the Volunteers can make some noise. Hubbs is the leader of this team, and also the leading scorer in Knoxville. They will go as far as he takes them, and if he keeps balling the way he has been, that’s a scary thought for the rest of the SEC.
Who’s Hot
Moses Kingsley (Arkansas)
Going into the year Moses Kingsley was a trendy pick for SEC player of the year if he can lead his team to the top of the SEC standings. Well, so far this season Kingsley has led his team to an 8-1 record while absolutely dominating on the defensive end of the floor. Kingsley would be one of the best players in the country if he could expand his offensive game, but his value is tremendous because of his rim protection. He is averaging almost 3 blocks per game and has had games of swatting 5+ shots twice. He is not a liability on the offensive end, you would just like to see him dominate the way you would think a potential first round pick could. Most of his points come from offensive rebounds and hustle plays, but he gets to the foul line frequently. You would assume the typical big man would struggle from the line, but Kingsley converts at a 76% rate and shows he has the potential to step out from the paint and hit a jumper. In the past 4 games Kingsley has scored double digits while grabbing no less than 6 rebounds. If he continues to become a force on the offensive end look for him to start racking up double-doubles. Kingsley’s effort on the defensive end turns into points for his Arkansas squad because every time he blocks a shot it leads to transition points. If Arkansas finishes amongst the top of the rankings in the SEC, look for Kingsley’s name to be in major consideration for the defensive player of the year award, and most importantly, the player of the year award.
Who’s Not
Devin Robinson (Florida)
Florida looked great coming out the gate as they shared the ball so well and their offensive efficiency was high as scoring was distributed relatively evenly throughout the team. As of late, they are not playing the sound basketball they were earlier in the year and has led to losses that could have been potentially victories. They have lost to No. 5 Duke and an impressive Florida State game in the past two contests. In both losses, there was a similar occurrence. Potential first round pick, Devin Robinson, did not show up. Against Duke he scored 11 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 30+ minutes. In the rivalry against Florida State Robinson managed 8 points and 5 rebounds. Those are not numbers that a first round pick would put up, especially against quality opponents. Robinson hurt his stock, and more importantly did not carry his team to put them in a chance to win either ball game. He has never been the best 3-point shooter, but his percentage has gone down from last year and it has created trouble for the Gators when spacing the floor. Robinson does not look in control at times during the game and forces drives to the hoop when he has an easy jumper at the top of the key because his defender is sagging off of him. He doesn’t need to be chucking up shots, but he has the potential to make defenders be honest that can create driving lanes for him and his teammates. Devin Robinson can be a great player due to his length and quickness, but as of late he has failed to impress in games that could have immensely improved his draft stock.
Top 5 Freshman so Far
1. De'Aaron Fox (Kentucky)
Well, he’s the only player in the conference to win 2 SEC Freshman of the Week awards so that has to say something. Fox runs that lethal Kentucky fast break and it suits his style of play so well. You may be asking about the other Kentucky freshman Malik Monk, but most of his open shots come due to Fox’s driving ability. Also, he had the second triple double in Kentucky history, so that gives him the edge.
2. Malik Monk (Kentucky)
Yes, Kentucky has the two best freshmen in the SEC in their own backcourt. Since day one, critics questioned the consistency of Monk’s shot, but the day he stepped foot in MSG he put those rumors to rest. He knocked down seven 3’s and has only continued to show his range by hitting the most 3-pointers through this point in the season, beating out Jodie Meeks pace. He’s the leading scorer for the Wildcats and that does not look to change with the variety of skills Monk showcases.
3. Danjel Purifoy (Auburn)
Purifoy was not one of the many big name recruits that the SEC hauled in this year, but someone over looked him. He is leading his Auburn squad to a 6-2 record while also being the leading scorer with 16.4 points per game. He just had a game where he had 27 points and hit 4 of his 7 three-point attempts. He is a forward with range, and Bruce Pearl is letting him be the focal point of his offense.
4. Mustapha Heron (Auburn)
Heron was a big-name recruit entering his first year and the only 5-star recruit Auburn has ever gotten. He walked in with huge expectations, and struggled early but has more than lived up to the hype. Auburn was supposed to struggle this year and be near the bottom of the SEC, but the player of Heron and Purifoy have led them to being potential contenders. Heron is a great scorer and averages 15 points per game, but the most surprising part of his game is that he averages 6.5 rebounds per game. Heron is a guard and rebounds like a big man. Look for Bruce Pearl’s freshman duo to continue their success.
5. Bam Adebayo (Kentucky)
I know, there are 7 other teams in the SEC and even tried to put players from other teams not named the Wildcats or Tigers but I just couldn’t. The efficiency gap between these 5 and the rest of the conference is so wide. But, let’s stay on topic and talk about the play of the 6’10 man-child. He struggled early on, but he was not touching the ball as much due to Kentucky’s guards constantly running the floor. With Kentucky having to run a half-court offense, Bam is starting to get some touches. When the big man gets his touches his a double-double machine. He is too big to get off the block, and his athleticism is insane. Don’t be surprised if you turn on a Kentucky game to see it in a delay because of a Bam slam shattering the backboard.