Top returning performers…

As promised, here is a more in-depth break-down of the infamous excel file, including a ranking of the most efficient players in each statistical category.

Before I get there, I’ll remind you of a few details. First, any player deemed “irrelevant” will not be included. This is usually two or three players per team who have only played in a few games or saw around one or two minutes per outing. Secondly, these numbers should be a highly accurate depiction of each players’ potential, considering the amount of time actually spent on the floor is taken into account. However, only returning players who played last season are included are included in these rankings. Lastly, in most categories (minutes per points, rebounds, etc), a player will want his number to be as small as possible, unless it’s minutes per turnovers, which should be high.

With that said, here is the first ranking, along with commentary. The others will follow suit in a timely fashion.

MINUTES PER FIELD GOALS MADE

While this number should be as low as possible as a general rule, this stat line also points out who is most important to their team. Keeping in mind this doesn’t take into account which player is most efficient, it does give insight into which players are scoring most often.

1. A.J. Ogilvy, Vanderbilt (4.5) – With the loss of Speights and Hendrix, Ogilvy now carries the banner of the highest-producing offensive player in the SEC. Ogilvy’s numbers should skyrocket this coming season, as he was only a freshman last year.

2. Joe Duffy, Vanderbilt (4.8) – While only seeing minimal playing time, Duffy was extremely efficient on the floor, hitting 66.7% of his six shots taken. This sophomore forward could certainly be a “diamond in the rough” for the Commodores, as he is approaching his sophomore season.

2. Austin Steed, South Carolina (4.8) – Steed is another sophomore-to-be forward with lots of potential, shooting 50.0% from the floor and actually posting impressive rebounding numbers as well.

4. Marcus Thornton, LSU (4.9) – While Thornton’s numbers result from his very high number of shots taken as well as his efficiency, the senior scoring ability is the highest among the SEC’s guards. This number is particularly impressive as 90 of Thornton’s made field goals were from long range.

5. Devan Downey, South Carolina (5.5) – This dynamic guard’s numbers are also padded by attempting to carry his team, although he still hit 42.3% of his shots.

5. Josh Dollard, Auburn (5.5) – This senior forward is often overlooked, but performs well for the Tigers. While he attempts a lot of shots, he brings down 49.0% of them and rebounds very well.

5. Patrick Patterson, Kentucky (5.5) – A freshman phenom much like Ogilvy, Patterson did not attempt shots quite as often, but was highly efficient when he did, shooting 57.4% from the floor. As with Ogivly, his numbers should also improve drastically entering his sophomore season.

5. Korvotney Barber, Auburn (5.5) – A very efficient senior-to-be forward, Barber’s 60.7% field goal percentage is among the best in the SEC. Barber should be attempting more shots in his final year in school.

9. Tyler Smith, Tennessee (5.6) - A powerful and multi-talented forward, Smith can score from literally anywhere on the court. Despite his “forward” denotation, Smith drained 14 three-pointers last season.

10. Cameron Tatum, Tennessee (5.7) – While only seeing seven games, Tatum shot 13-of-26 and proved his potential as a guard/forward. Again, the high efficiency is impressive to see in freshman season – Tatum will look to contribute more heavily this coming season with the Vols’ losses in the offseason.

10. Mike Holmes, South Carolina (5.7) – A surprising freshman last season, Holmes particularly stepped up in the latter part of the season and earned 12 starts. Holmes shoots well, makes good decisions, and should look to complement Archie in the starting lineup this season.

Not surprising to see this list dominated by forwards, simply because forwards are more likely to take higher percentage shots. Along with some freshman with lots of potential, some SEC stars have already made a name for themselves in the first published list.

Next up will be Minutes Per Field Goals Attempted…