2008-09 Preseason SEC Awards

So, here we go – my complete run-down of the season’s awards heading into the 2008-09 season.

SEC COACH OF THE YEAR:   BILLY DONOVAN (FLORIDA)

While both South Carolina and LSU should take major steps upwards this season with an almost entire roster returning, both programs will be welcoming in new coaches, and that always invites unpredictable results. Out of returning coaches, Donovan has the best situation on his hands with many players returning and an incredible recruiting class.

Donovan is 285-115 (.713) at Florida, which ranks as the second-highest percentage in the SEC behind Tennessee’s Bruce Pearl. Having recently won back-to-back national championships in 2005-07, Donovan has more than proven his ability as a head coach.

Donovan returns nearly every starter, including co-freshman of the year Nick Calathes, the league’s best overall point guard. With the cast and crew returning in 2008-09, along with Donovan at the helm, the Gators could shock the nation and make a surprise return to the Final Four next March.

SEC PLAYER OF THE YEAR:   A.J. OGILVY (VANDERBILT)

When I’m wrong, I go all out. A year ago, I was resisting the Ogilvy bandwagon that had built up steam amongst the national media. I held the belief that the Australian would struggle with SEC-caliber competition.

I was wrong.

Ogilvy easily ranked, as noted previously in the summer, as the most efficient player in the conference last season – as a freshman. He averaged over 17ppg despite playing alongside the league’s most prolific scorer in Shan Foster, while also chipping in almost 7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Without Foster on the roster, I would suppose that Ogilvy’s scoring will go somewhat higher as the Commodores will rely even more heavily upon the sophomore.

SEC FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR:   SCOTTY HOPSON (TENNESSEE)

Hopson comes into the Vol program as the highest-ranked freshman in the SEC per the media outlets. The Hopkinsville, Kentucky native is accurately named, with a huge leaping ability, and is a lethal scorer. Although Hopson will likely fill the shooting guard spot, he’s equally adept at small forward, known for his mid-range jumper. Hopson should be a definite one-and-done.

SEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:   JARVIS VARNADO (MISSISSIPPI STATE)

This was as easy a selection as I’ve made in quite some time. Varnado led the nation in blocks per game a season ago at 4.6 per contest, while tying Shaquille O’Neal’s SEC single-season record in swats per outing. Varnado helped MSU rank second in the nation in both field goal percentage defense and blocks per game, and currently ranks as State’s highest field-goal-percentage shooter of all time. Look for Varnado to step up offensively in the wake of Rhodes’ graduation, and challenge for SEC Player of the Year honors.

ALL-SEC FIRST TEAM

A.J. Ogilvy (Vanderbilt – Center – Sophomore – 17.0ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.4bpg) – Ogilvy is a tremendously talented big-man who specializes in offense. He has a soft touch and uses his size (6′11″, 250lb) to his advantage defensively.

Nick Calathes (Florida – Point Guard – Sophomore – 15.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 6.1apg) – Calathes is in the running for SEC Player of the Year because of his versatility. He’s extremely efficient with the basketball and is one of the best passers the league has ever seen. His long-range shot is also solid, and his rebounding is phenomenal for his position.

Marcus Thornton (LSU – Shooting Guard – Senior – 19.6ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.3 spg) -Thornton returns as the league’s leading scorer, and its second-best three-point shooter. This kid is dynamic and explosive, with a touch for the basket only barely overshadowed a season ago by Vanderbilt’s Foster.

Tyler Smith (Tennessee – Power Forward – Junior – 13.6ppg, 6.7rpg, 3.3apg) – Smith was the league’s most versatile big man last year, shooting an impressive 37.8% from long range, 53.6% from the floor, and is among the SEC’s elite rebounders.

Patrick Patterson (Kentucky – Power Forward – Sophomore – 16.4ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.2bpg) – Patterson was named the SEC’s co-freshman of the year for 2007-08 after a tremendous season, providing a much-needed hole-stopper down low for the Wildcats. Patterson is among the league’s most reliable post players, producing big numbers nearly every single game.

Jarvis Varnado (Mississippi State – Center – Junior – 7.9ppg, 7.8rpg, 4.6bpg) – Producing ridiculous block numbers last year, including two consecutive 10-block performances, Varnado led the nation in swats per game last season. He stands as MSU’s all-time most efficient score, shooting over 60% in his career, and returns as the league’s leading rebounder. Expect Varnado’s offensive production to increase heavily with his minutes, and the big man to challenge for SEC Player of the Year.

Devan Downey (South Carolina – Point Guard – Junior – 18.4ppg, 5.3apg, 3.2spg) – Downey is a tremendously talented guard stuck in an underperforming program. Downey is the league’s second-leading returning scorer and still found the time and ability to hand out over 5 assists per game. Downey – possibly the SEC’s best defending guard – should have a huge season along with his fellow Gamecocks this year.

Chris Warren (Ole Miss – Point Guard – Sophomore – 15.8ppg, 4.4apg, 1.0spg) – Warren provided the Rebels, who approached last season with dampened expectations, a huge boost of energy both from his ability to find open lanes and hit treys when the formations fell apart. Warren is a special talent and has a bright future in Oxford.

ALL-SEC SECOND TEAM

Ronald Steele (Alabama – Point Guard – Senior – Redshirted) – There is no other player in the SEC that begs more questions than Ronald Steele does. When healthy, Steele is a tremendous asset in his maturity and decision-making. However, after two knee surgeries, doubts remain about his ability to return to form.

Alonzo Gee (Alabama – Small Forward – Senior – 14.5ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.5spg) – Gee stands as the SEC’s most energetic player, suffocating the ball while on the court on both offense and defense. While this certainly has its advantages, as it’s nearly impossible to guard his athleticism, it also brings turnovers and ball-hogging.

Dominique Archie (South Carolina – Power forward – Junior – 10.6ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.0spg) -Archie is poised for a breakout season alongside fellow Gamecock Mike Holmes, while Archie specializes in his athleticism on defense. Archie also provides a difficult matchup on offense, as he shoots a solid 34.3% from long range.

Chris Johnson (LSU – Center – Senior – 11.6ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.6bpg) – Johnson, although very lanky at just 210lbs at 6′11″, is dangerously potent defensively, ranking (a distant) second in the league last season. He does well what a big man should, which is score from under the basket and grab rebounds.

Dan Werner (Florida - Power Forward – Junior – 9.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.4apg) – Werner struggled to replace Joakim Noah’s hole alongside talented big-man Marreese Speights last season, but still rebounded and defended very well in the paint. Look for Werner to have a breakout season for the Gators in 2008-09.

Wayne Chism (Tennessee – Center – Junior – 9.9ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.3bpg) – Chism pales in the shadow of the team’s star Tyler Smith, but still serves his duty as an adept scorer and a potentially explosive big-man. Unfortunately, Chism will need to produce on a more consistent basis if he hopes to jump to first-team.

Korvotney Barber (Auburn – Power Forward – Senior – 13.8ppg, 6.9rpg, 72.0% FG) – Barber has about as much potential as any player in the league, but broke his hand early last season and was benched. Barber was leading the nation in field-goal percentage before the incident, and could be a huge anchor for the Tigers this year if he can stay healthy.

ALL-SEC FRESHMAN TEAM

Scotty Hopson (#5 nationally – Tennessee – Shooting Guard – 6′5″, 185lbs – Other offers from Texas, Cincinatti, Kentucky, Louisville, Mississippi State)

DeAndre Liggins (#28 nationally – Kentucky – Point Guard – 6′5″, 190lbs – Other offers from Memphis, Illinois, Kansas)

Courtney Fortson (#60 nationally – Arkansas – Point Guard – 5′10″, 175lbs – Other offers from Florida State, Tennessee, Kentucky)

Jamychal Green (#21 nationally – Alabama – Power Forward – 6′8″, 225lbs – Other offers from Auburn, Florida, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Marquette, Ole Miss, Virginia)

Dee Bost (#83 nationally – Mississippi State – Point Guard – 6′2″, 170lbs – Other offers from Virginia, High Point, Cincinatti, Florida State, Miami)

Kenny Kadji (#27 nationally – Florida – Center – 6′10″, 240lbs – Other offers from Florida State, Georgia Tech, Kansas State, Memphis, Connecticut)

Howard Thompkins (#30 nationally – Georgia – Power Forward – 6′8″, 225lbs – Other offers from Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Florida, Florida State)

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

East

1. Tennessee   (25-5, 13-3)
2. Florida    (25-5, 12-4)
3. Kentucky   (22-8, 11-5)
4. Vanderbilt   (24-6, 9-7)
5. South Carolina   (19-10, 8-8)
6. Georgia   (15-13, 5-11)

West

t1. Alabama   (18-11, 8-8)
t1. LSU   (21-10, 8-8)
t1. Mississippi State   (21-10, 8-8)
4. Ole Miss   (17-13, 7-9)
5. Arkansas   (14-15, 5-11)
6. Auburn   (14-17, 3-13)

Please feel free to post comments and questions!!!!!