SEC Basketball: 2023 SEC Tournament preview, predictions
By Matt Melton
A five-day stretch loaded with SEC basketball action, the 2023 SEC Tournament has now officially arrived, with matchups set to begin Wednesday night from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. So, ahead of this week’s action, here are a few things that you need to know going into the 2023 SEC Tournament, featuring players to watch, potential favorites, NCAA Tournament ramifications, and more.
2023 SEC Tournament Players to Watch
Brandon Miller – Alabama Crimson Tide
The 2022-23 SEC Player and Freshman of the Year, Miller, a forward at Alabama, is currently leading the SEC in scoring at 19.6 PPG, while also averaging 8 RPG. Miller also leads the SEC with a 40.4% three-point percentage, as well as ranking second with an 85 FT%.
Oscar Tshiebwe – Kentucky Wildcats
The 2021-22 SEC and National Player of the Year, Tshiebwe is once again among the best in the conference this season. The Kentucky senior is currently averaging a double-double at 16.4 PPG and 13.1 RPG on 56.4% shooting from the field, currently leading the SEC in rebounding for the second consecutive season.
KJ Williams – LSU Tigers
Williams, a senior at LSU, has been one of the SEC’s top scorers throughout the 2022-23 season, currently averaging 17.4 PPG. Williams is also averaging 7.6 RPG, as well as shooting 41.9% from three-point range.
Ricky Council IV – Arkansas Razorbacks
Council has been one of the SEC’s top scorers throughout the 2022-23 season, averaging 16.5 PPG during his first year at Arkansas. Starting in 25-of-31 games, Council is also averaging 3.4 RPG, 2.4 APG, and 1.2 SPG.
Tolu Smith – Mississippi State Bulldogs
One of the SEC’s top frontcourt players, Smith has averaged 15.4 PPG and 8.3 RPG so far this season for Mississippi State. Smith is also shooting 58.3% from the field, which leads the SEC.
Wade Taylor IV – Texas A&M Aggies
Taylor, a sophomore at Texas A&M, has impressed during his second season in College Station, averaging 16.3 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.1 APG, and 1.8 SPG. Taylor also leads the SEC with a 86.9 FT%.
Kobe Brown – Missouri Tigers
The 2022-23 SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, Brown has been a key factor in Missouri’s success this season under head coach Dennis Gates. Brown has averaged 15.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, and 1.5 SPG for the Tigers this season, while also shooting 45.3% from three and 80.3% from the free throw line.