SEC NCAAB power rankings: Way-to-early top 5 player projections

There have been plenty of shifts in the SEC during the 2024 offseason. Last season’s conference player of the year, Dalton Knecht, as well as standout talents Antonio Reeves and Reed Sheppard, transitioned to the NBA. The exodus allows other players to redefine the conference’s hierarchy.

Nevertheless, the competition stiffens as the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners embark on their first season as Southeastern Conference members.

Let's look at the potential top five players the SEC can harbor in the 2024-25 season.

Top 5 SEC players in 2024-25 season

#5, Johni Broome, Auburn Tigers

Broome had an option to hit the transfer portal or declare for the draft this offseason but chose to stay in the SEC with Bruce Pearl. He averaged 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks last season.

However, the back-to-basket offensive player’s most impressive improvement came from the 3-point line. From 36 long-ball attempts from his initial three years, Broome attempted 79 3-pointers in the last season alone.

#4, Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State Bulldogs

Hubbard made waves as a freshman last season, being the only player to win the Howell trophy as a first-year player. He was Mississippi High School’s all-time scoring leader and broke the SEC program’s freshman scoring record by recording 17.1 ppg, 2.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

He only started 16 games out of 35 last season and will see plenty of opportunities to develop in the 2024-25 stretch.

#3, Walter Clayton Jr., Florida Gators

Clayton Junior was Florida’s top-scorer last season and earned All-SEC honors behind 17.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.6 apg and 1.1 steals. He has great fundamentals to improve significantly from his 36.5% 3-point touch.

Moreover, having been invited to the NBA G League Elite Camp, expect more refinements in his overall game in the 2024-25 season.

#2, Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&M

Wade Taylor IV logged a career-high of 32.9 minutes last season and churned out his best numbers. He led the program with 19.1 ppg, 4.0 apg and 1.8 spg alongside 3.5 rpg.

As the Aggies retain him for another potential NCAA Tournament run, Taylor could see additional responsibilities due to Tyrece Redford’s departure.

#1, Mark Sears, Alabama Crimson Tide

Mark Sears returns to Alabama for his last collegiate season after an early withdrawal from his 2024 NBA draft candidacy.

He was the best player on Nate Oats' roster last season with averages of 21.5 ppg (team-leading), 4.0 apg, 4.2 rpg and 1.6 spg (team-leading). He had the best 3-point touch on the roster (43.6%) and became the lone player to cross the 200-attempt mark.