Former SEC Players Rule NBA Conference Finals

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May 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) reacts after making a three point basket during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Houston

Patrick Beverley, PG – Arkansas (Drafted in 2009 by the Los Angeles Lakers)

Beverley was sidelined for the season with a left wrist injury and the Rockets have missed his defensive presence in the playoffs. His absence was felt especially in the second round against the Los Angeles Clippers. Chris Paul was able to run a successful offense against Beverley’s replacement, Jason Terry.

Corey Brewer, SF – Florida (Drafted in 2007 by Minnesota)

Brewer has been arguably the most important role player for the Rockets in the playoffs. Brewer has appeared in every playoff game for the Rockets and is averaging 12.5 points per game and shooting 46 percent from the field in 26 minutes per game. Brewer has given the Rockets an edge off the bench since they acquired him during a mid-season acquisition and came through when they needed him most in Game 6 of the second round of the playoffs against the Clippers. The Rockets made a fourth quarter comeback mainly because of Brewer’s 15 fourth quarter points.

Terrence Jones, PF – Kentucky (Drafted in 2012 by Houston)

After being sidelined for a good chunk of the season, Jones has started in nine playoff games for the Rockets this season. Jones is averaging 11.6 ppg this postseason and is the only player left in the playoffs to come out of Kentucky. After his final season as a Wildcat, Jones played with the New Orleans Pelicans and superstar Anthony Davis. Then with the Charlotte Hornets Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and finally the Atlanta Hawks point guard Jeff Teague’s little brother Marquis Teague. The 2011-2012 Kentucky team was the last SEC team to take home an NCAA Championship.