As we approach double-digits in the number of games played so far during the SEC basketball season, let’s take a look at what we have seen so far, and list five early season candidates for the 2023-24 SEC Player of the Year. (NOTE: Stats of Wednesday, November 6)
5 early season candidates for the 2023-24 SEC Basketball Player of the Year
G Allen Flanigan – Ole Miss Rebels
We begin with one of SEC basketball’s most notable in-conference transfers from the offseason in Flanigan, who transferred to Ole Miss after four seasons at Auburn. Across eight games with the currently undefeated Rebels, each of which he has started, the Auburn transfer ranks No. 6 in the SEC in scoring at 18 PPG, while also averaging 6.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, and 1.3 BPG on 41.7% shooting from three, as well as 80.4% from the free throw line.
G Mark Sears – Alabama Crimson Tide
After previously having the 2022-23 SEC Player of the Year in Brandon Miller a year ago, Alabama lands a player on this list in Sears, who has arguably been the conference’s top guard across eight games so far this season, each of which he has started. Currently leading the SEC in categories the likes of PPG, player efficiency rating, total points, and more, Sears is averaging 19.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.4 APG, and 1.3 SPG for the defending SEC champions, while also shooting an impressive 57.1% from the field, 51.5% from three, and 81.8% from the free throw line.
F Johni Broome – Auburn Tigers
Arguably the SEC’s top frontcourt player so far this season has been Broome, who has enjoyed a strong start to the year for Auburn. Starting in six-of-seven games for the Tigers, Broome at the moment is averaging near a double-double at 18.3 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.7 APG, and 1.3 BPG on 57% shooting from the field.
G Dalton Knecht – Tennessee Volunteers
Currently one of the top scorers in SEC basketball, Knecht has also enjoyed a phenomenal start to the year after transferring to Tennessee during the offseason from Northern Colorado. The No. 2 scorer in the SEC across eight games for Tennessee at 19 PPG, Knecht is also currently averaging 4.6 RPG and 2 APG on 39% shooting from three, as well as 81.1% from the free throw line.
G Wade Taylor IV – Texas A&M Aggies
We conclude with Taylor, as the Texas A&M guard was one of the popular preseason picks to end up winning the 2023-24 SEC Player of the Year. Across eight games, each of which he has started, Taylor is averaging 18.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.4 APG, and 2.1 SPG on 80.9% shooting from the free throw line, while also ranking top five in the SEC in categories such as points and assists per game.
In conclusion, here are a few others who could potentially be among the early season candidates for the 2023-24 SEC Player of the Year:
- Kentucky G Antonio Reeves
- South Carolina G Meechie Johnson
- Vanderbilt G Ezra Manjon