Gone are the high school accolades and hype surrounding prep players and their rankings. It’s been a month since many college teams got together. There is new information available.
of SEC It has produced more NBA talent than any conference in recent memory, and that talent continues to emerge in the league.
This year, the conference added 7 out of 19 5-stars who were admitted to college. To help you get a feel for the anticipation, I took a look at the conference freshmen and ranked them.
This list is based on influence, which is (admittedly) a very general term. Most of these players make an impact in college basketball right away, but someone like Jalen Reed could make an impact a year or two after him.
Of course, this list is subject to change, perhaps even before the first game is upended. information comes in daily, we wanted to rank the SEC freshmen as of August 12.
1. Five-star PG Cayson Wallace (Kentucky)
Height/Weight: 6-4/195
High School: Richardson (TX) High
On3 Consensus: No. 7
things are lined up Casson Wallace it’s going to be a big year for kentuckyThe 6-foot-4 freshman is an elite perimeter defender. Look for him to play the game every night.will play next to you servile wheeler in a similar role this season Titi Washington last year. Keep an eye out for Washington’s work, which serves as a baseline for what Wallace presents this season.
On3 ranked Wallace the top point guard in the 2022 class. He could be the top college point guard in next year’s NBA Draft.
2. Five-Star SF Brandon Miller, Alabama
Height/Weight: 6-9/200
High School: Antioch (TN) Cane Ridge
On3 Consensus: No. 16
Brandon Miller It will be your offensive weapon from day one. He has a sophisticated iso game, advanced for a college player, let alone a freshman.listed in Alabama With a 6-foot-9 roster, Miller would be a matchup issue. The question for him is how quickly he will catch up to the defenders’ speed and athleticism in the SEC.
Adjustments will be needed as the season progresses. Nate Oates Works well with scorers and natural scoring ability, and Miller has it in spades.
3. PG Anthony Black, Arkansas 5 Stars
Height/Weight: 6-7/195
High School: Duncanville (TX) High
On3 Consensus: No. 12
Anthony Black A late-blooming basketball prospect, but someone who spent his senior 12 months at his best. The former football wide receiver took off at his high Duncanville and stood out in all his postseason All-Star games.
Eric Musselman I like having 3-4 players on the floor that can be creative on a half court, so this Arkansas A team may not have a traditional point guard. However, black can be just that. He has good passing and makes good decisions. Still in his prime as a basketball player, Black is expected to be a consistent force for the Razorbacks this season.
4. Five Star SG Nick Smith, Arkansas
Height/Weight: 6-5/185
High School: Little Rock (AK) North
On3 Consensus: No. 4
Nick Smith It has collected all the accolades of the early season. Of course. The 6-foot-5 guard has long arms, vertical pop, and smooth handles to get him to the spot. Consistency is key for Smith this season. Like any freshman, there will be ups and downs along the way. Immense talent, but will his decision-making allow him to string together three or he four games in the SEC when teams plan games for him? He has a talented cast around him so he doesn’t have to do it all.
looking for him Arkansas It leads the scoring this season and has some pretty spicy highlights along the way.
5. Five-Star PF GG Jackson, South Carolina
Height/Weight: 6-9/210
High School: Columbia (SC) Ridge View
On3 Consensus: No. 9
will attract attention GG Jackson Colombia this season. The former world No. 1 player in the 2023 class chose to enter college one season early. Jackson has plenty of burst with plenty of length and interesting playmaking abilities off the bounce. The speed, spot finding, and strength of the game will be what he needs to move his arms.
The Gamecocks roster centers around 6-foot-9 Jackson, who will be just 17 years old when the season begins.
6. 4 star fielder Johann Traoré (Auburn)
Height/Weight: 6-10/225
High School: Glendale, Arizona Dream City Christian
On3 Consensus: No. 23
While On3 had Johann Traoré As an industry standard 5 stars On3 Consensus gave him four stars.Auburn starts in a frontcourt tandem, with plenty of play for Traoré walker kessler When Jabari Smith Picked in the first round of the draft.
Traore is a mobile big that has excellent motor nerves both vertically and horizontally. The Frenchman has good touches and hands on the offensive side as well. He’s still immature and everyone in the SEC has a big, athletic figure, but Traoré’s talent is evident.
7. Five Star SF Julian Phillips, Tennessee
Height/Weight: 6-8/190
High School: Branson (MO) Link Academy
On3 Consensus: No. 15
From the time I was in first grade, Julian Phillips He’s continually improving, adding pieces to his game season after season. Last year Phillips added a consistent jump shot to his arsenal. Now the 6-foot-8-inch small his forward is entering Knoxville as a long wing capable of knocking down shots and with natural pop.
The roster suits Phillips well. Phillips is set to have a great season.
8. 4 Star F Chris Livingston, Kentucky
Height/Weight: 6’6/220
High School: Mouse of Wilson (VA) Oak Hill Academy
On3 Consensus: No. 21
Chris Livingston play hard.his motor is often CalcoachIt’s a player who has a good physique and a solid ball skill. He’s a straight driver and his jump shots are tricky, but he can and will defend, and he’s a good rebounder.
Livingston’s role on the roster could switch between threes and fours. Kentucky’s The depth of both spots means he doesn’t have to play right away. Either way, his positional versatility should prove a lot of value in this year’s team.
9. 4-star CG Amalie Abram (Ole Miss)
Height/Weight: 6-4/190
High School: Los Angeles (CA) So Cal Academy
On3 Consensus: No. 77
Amalie Abram Has a crafty way about his game.He’s a big tribute to returning point guard Dashun LuffinHi, I have just recovered from an ACL injury. Abram is a combo guard where at the SEC level he can comfortably play one or two. He has good positional size and is capable of handling, shooting and passing.
How Ruffin returns will be integral to whether Abram starts or leaves the bench. His Starting Expect him to be the primary backup in his spots at both guards, regardless of his status.
10. 4 star fielder Jalen Reed (LSU)
Height/Weight: 6-10/230
High School: Los Angeles (CA) So Cal Academy
On3 Consensus: No. 61
Jalen Reed It just moves in a way that many 6-foot-10 players don’t. Another player where On3 was above the industry consensus.Late bloomer Big is son of former SEC Player of the Year Justin Reed (Ole Miss). Reed grew three to four inches in his final two years of high school.
there is depth LSUs It’s a roster, so you may not need to play it right away. Matt McMahon By the end of the season, it may be difficult to keep Reed off the floor. It may not happen soon, but it might. Notice how he catches the eye of NBA officials.
Other noteworthy new students
four-star sci-fi chance westley (auburn)
Four star SG Riley Kugel (Florida)
three-star F Solomon Washington (Texas A&M)
Four-star PG Jaden Bradley (Alabama)
four-star sci-fi Tyrell Ward (LSU)
Mitsuboshi SF TJ Caldwell (Ole Miss)
Four star PF Chiron Lindsay (Georgia)
Four star C Lee Dort (Vanderbilt)
