Top 10 returning SEC players to watch out for in 2024-25 season

Even though top SEC programs are still making moves for their school’s basketball future, a lot of the dust has settled after the big-time moves of John Calipari, Eric Musselman and Mark Pope.

Kentucky, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Vanderbilt collectively see less than five returning players to their roster, needing an all-transfer portal approach to check the bare minimum before the season.

Here's a closer look at the remaining SEC teams which experienced a contrasting result and were able to retain most of their top talent this offseason.

Top 10 returning SEC players for 2024-25 season

#10. Henry Coleman III - Texas A&M

Henry Coleman III will see additional responsibilities this season with the departure of Tyrece Radford’s consistent 16.5 points per game. While he might not be the most promising player on this list, his efforts can quickly increase his stock and make him a great asset for the Aggies.

He averaged 8.8 points (57.7% shooting) and 5.6 rebounds last season while touching the 20-point mark twice.

#9. Jaylen Murray - Ole Miss Rebels

Jaylen Murray’s return was one of the first good news for the Ole Miss Rebels this offseason. He rejoins the group after becoming their third point of offense last season, averaging 13.8 ppg and 4.0 apg while shooting 37.3% from 3.

#8. Matthew Murrell - Ole Miss Rebels

Murrell returned to the program after many fans thought the Rebel's elimination from the SEC tournament was his last game with the school. However, he withdrew from the NBA race to play his final year under coach Chris Beard.

He is coming off his career-best season with averages of 16.2 ppg and 3.6 rpg alongside 46.4% efficiency and nearly 40% shooting from 3.

#7. Tamar Bates - Missouri Tigers

Bates started the last 25 games for the Tigers last season and more than doubled his production from the 2022-23 season. He averaged a career-best of 13.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg and 1.3 apg alongside his best efficiency of 49.5% from the field and 38.5% from 3.

#6. Grant Nelson - Alabama

Promising players like Grant Nelson are the reason behind Alabama’s potential to chart at the top of the SEC and to recreate a deep playoff run.

Despite the Crimson Tide losing two double-digit scorers, Nelson aids right away with 11.9 ppg and 5.9 rpg from last season.

#5. Josh Hubbard - Mississippi State Bulldogs

As a freshman, John Hubbard averaged 17.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.7 apg and 0.7 spg. Even though he shot less than 39% from the field, the promise alone marks a great retention player for the Bulldogs.

He will look at breaking more program records and becoming a more efficient leader for coach Chris Jans.

#4. Walter Clayton Jr. - Florida Gators

Clayton Jr. was the Gator's leading scorer last season with averages of 17.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 2.6 apg. He treaded the NBA waters this offseason but decided to return for his senior year.

Coach Todd Golden can expect increased production and willingness from Clayton Jr. next season as he hopes to make it to the big league.

#3. Johni Broome - Auburn Tigers

Broome rejoins Auburn Tigers after Bruce Peals’ ritual of sitting down with his players and mapping their future. Jayllin Williams was one of the most consistent and effective players for Auburn last year, posting 16.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 2.2 apg.

Moreover, he shot nearly 55% from the field and improved his 3-point shooting from 29% to 35.4%.

#2. Wade Taylor IV - Texas A&M

The Aggies see the return of their star player Wade Taylor for his senior season. The program will look to repeat its NCAA bid next year and mount a promising campaign.

He averaged 19.1 ppg, 4.0 apg and 1.8 spg last season and his inclusion makes Texas one of the top contenders in the SEC.

#1. Mark Sears - Alabama Crimson Tide

Mark Sears led Nate Oats' roster to its first-ever Final Four last year and will be in a similar position this year. He initially declared for the NBA draft but withdrew early to return to the Crimson Tide for his final year.

He will look to improve his defense, leadership habits and overall strength in his final year and that could translate well for Alabama in their SEC conference run this year.

Which returning SEC player are you most excited to see play next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.