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SEC Basketball: Midseason award predictions for 2022-23 season

By Matt Melton

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - JANUARY 11: Brandon Miller #24 talks with Head Coach Nate Oats of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on January 11, 2023 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Crimson Tide defeated the Razorbacks 84-69. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - JANUARY 11: Brandon Miller #24 talks with Head Coach Nate Oats of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on January 11, 2023 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Crimson Tide defeated the Razorbacks 84-69. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Now at the midway point of the 2022-23 SEC basketball season, why not make a few predictions as to who will win each of the conference’s individual awards later this year?

Midseason award predictions for 2022-23 SEC basketball season

SEC Player of the Year – Brandon Miller, Alabama

Beginning with the Player of the Year, it’s hard to pick against Alabama freshman Brandon Miller at the moment, with the forward likely the favorite going forward, especially if the Crimson Tide end up winning the SEC. Across 18 games, Miller leads the SEC in scoring at 20.1 PPG, as well as in three-point shooting at 46.2%, while also averaging 8.3 RPG, which ranks No. 3 in the conference.

SEC Freshman of the Year – Brandon Miller, Alabama

As for the Freshman of the Year, it’s likely that Miller takes home that honor as well this season. If you were to look for a few others to watch for, South Carolina’s GG Jackson is a name that comes to mind, as is Arkansas’ Anthony Black.

SEC Coach of the Year – Nate Oats, Alabama

Similar to Miller previously with the Player of the Year, if Alabama ends up winning the SEC, then Oats is likely set to win Coach of the Year as well. Should Oats take home those honors, it would be his second SEC Coach of the Year honor in the last three years, as he previously won it during the 2020-21 season.

SEC Defensive Player of the Year – Colin Castleton, Florida

The Defensive Player of the Year might be one of the most difficult to predict, as there are multiple names that you could make an argument are in the mix. If you had to make the case for one name in particular however, what about Castleton, who currently ranks fourth in the SEC with 7.8 RPG, as well as leading the conference with 3.1 BPG (No. 3 nationally)?

SEC Sixth Man of the Year – Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee

Concluding here with the Sixth Man of the Year, you could make the argument that Zeigler is the clear favorite at this point in the season. Zeigler is currently averaging 10.6 PPG and 3.2 RPG for the Volunteers, while also ranking No. 2 in the SEC with 4.5 APG, as well as No. 4 with 2.2 SPG.

Next. Alabama, Texas A&M rise in latest power rankings. dark

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