SEC Recap

SEC 2005-06 Season Recap

by Ryan Glenn

All year, the SEC was downplayed as a conference full of youth. However, as I stated in my conference preview: “when you have this much young talent, you are bound to do something right.” The SEC finished the year with two teams in the Final Four, including the national champion in Florida and also came away with the NIT title thanks to South Carolina.

The regular season was basically controlled by three teams: Florida, LSU, and Tennessee. Tennessee was expected to have a decent season, but easily surpassed expectations with new coach Bruce Pearl. Florida, a team full of youth, had a few slipups late in the season, but was able to get things together to make their run in becoming national champions. LSU had one of the toughest non-conference schedules, but still showed signs of greatness in those early losses. Six of the Tigers’ seven losses early on were by five points or less.

With all the teams excelling in the conference, there were a few that just could not get things together. Auburn, Georgia and Mississippi State continued to gain experience for their youthful teams while Ole Miss and Vanderbilt had the talent, but just could not seem to come together for any extended period of time.

SEC Tournament

Once again Florida was able to come away with the SEC Tournament crown. The Gators were able to down Arkansas, LSU, and South Carolina along the way. The Gamecocks actually provided the Gators their toughest challenge and they were just barely able to come away with the win.

The biggest surprise of the tournament was the run made by South Carolina. After knocking off Mississippi State in the first round, they pulled the first big upset when they were able to down No. 1E Tennessee 79-71 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, the Gamecocks were matched up against fan-favorite Kentucky. Tarence Kinsey was able to lead the way with 18 points as they came away with the 65-61 win.

Hoopville’s Post-Season Awards

All-SEC Team

G – Ronald Steele, Alabama
G – Ronnie Brewer, Arkansas
G – Chris Lofton, Tennessee
F – Joakim Noah, Florida
F – Glen Davis, LSU (MVP)

Freshman of the Year
Tyrus Thomas, LSU

Coach of the Year
Bruce Pearl, Tennessee

East Division

Tennessee (22-8, 12-4)

Tennessee was able to finish atop the SEC East and became known as a team to beat this season in conference play. Though many did not give the Vols the respect they deserved after beating Texas on the road, however, after they beat their biggest rival in Florida at home, everyone began to take a closer look at the team in orange. The surprise story just could not last the whole season for this team as they were 3-5 in their last eight games. After an early exit in the conference tournament and a narrow win over Winthrop in their NCAA tournament opening round game, their season was ended by an underrated Wichita State team.

Team MVP
Chris Lofton – 17.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 43.7% 3-pt

Team Leaders
Scoring – Chris Lofton (17.2 ppg)
Rebounds – Andre Patterson (6.7 rpg)
Assists – Dane Bradshaw (3.8 apg)

Starters Leaving
C.J. Watson (graduating)
Stanley Asumnu (graduating)

Key Players Returning
Chris Lofton (Junior guard, 17.2 ppg)
Major Wingate (Senior center, 10.6 ppg)
Dane Bradshaw (Senior guard, 5.4 rpg, 3.8 apg)

Outlook for Next Season: Losing C.J. Watson at point will leave the Vols without their on-court leader for next season, but with the highly-touted recruiting class they have coming in, Tennessee should remain in the SEC title hunt all season.

Florida (33-6, 10-6)

Florida was able to do the unexpected this season: rebound from losing three starters that accounted for 59% of their scoring and claim their first ever national championship. The Gators were led by surprise star Joakim Noah, who absolutely exploded down the stretch. After starting the season with seventeen straight wins, this team was able to overcome a few mid-season losses and end the year on an 11-0 run that also saw them come away with their second straight SEC Tournament championship.

Team MVP
Joakim Noah – 14.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.4 bpg

Team Leaders
Scoring – Joakim Noah (14.2 ppg)
Rebounds – Al Horford (7.6 rpg)
Assists – Taurean Green (4.7 apg)

Starters Leaving
None

Key Players Returning
Joakim Noah (Junior forward, 14.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg)
Corey Brewer (Junior forward, 12.7 ppg)
Al Horford (Junior center, 11.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg)
Lee Humphrey (Senior guard, 10.9 ppg)
Taurean Green (Junior guard, 13.3 ppg)

Outlook for Next Season: No team has a better outlook for the 2006-07 season than the Gators. Returning all of their starters from a national championship team will have them looking to cut down the nets in Atlanta twice next season: first in the SEC tournament and then in the Final Four as both events will be held in the Georgia Dome next year.

Kentucky (22-13, 9-7)

Kentucky was a team that showed signs of greatness, but just never could get their team chemistry together to become a consistent threat. Fans were hoping for changes mid-way through the season with the return of Randolph Morris from his 14-game suspension; however, those hopes quickly diminished as the ‘Cats dropped their first two games after Morris’ return. The team came up just short in pulling off a huge NCAA tournament upset when they fell to Connecticut 87-83 in the second round to end the season.

Team MVP
Rajon Rondo – 11.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 4.9 apg

Team Leaders
Scoring – Randolph Morris (13.4 ppg)
Rebounds – Rajon Rondo (6.1 rpg)
Assists – Rajon Rondo (4.9 apg)

Starters Leaving
Rajon Rondo (Entered NBA Draft)
Patrick Sparks (graduating)

Key Players Returning
Randolph Morris (Junior center, 13.4 ppg, 6 rpg)
Joe Crawford (Junior guard, 10.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg)

Outlook for Next Season: Losing Rondo to the NBA draft was a major blow to this Kentucky team over the off-season. The Wildcats will be looking for Morris and Crawford to step-up their roles on both sides of the floor as well as their team leadership.

Vanderbilt (17-13, 7-9)

Perhaps the most disappointed team at the end of the season was Vanderbilt. It may have been Mario Moore’s off-court issues or just a lack of team chemistry, but it kept the Commodores from doing much in the conference after going 11-2 to start the season. This team let too many games slip out of their hands in the last few minutes and it cost them a shot at making the NCAA tournament and eventually had them losing in the first round of the NIT.

Team MVP
Shan Foster – 15.9 ppg, 3 rpg

Team Leaders
Scoring – Shan Foster (15.9 ppg)
Rebounds – Julian Terrell (7.2 rpg)
Assists – Derrick Byars (3.2 apg)

Starters Leaving
Julian Terrell (graduating)
DeMarre Carroll (transferring)

Key Players Returning
Shan Foster (Junior forward, 15.9 ppg)
Derrick Byars (Senior guard, 12.4 ppg, 3.2 apg)

Outlook for Next Season: Losing Terrell and Carroll is going to hurt Vanderbilt on the boards dramatically, as the duo combined for 13.6 rebounds a game. The good news for the ‘Dores is that Shan Foster is returning. Foster was a consistent threat that also became an on-court leader in the absence of Moore. Next season could be a bumpy road, though, if no one can fill the void left down low.

South Carolina (23-15, 6-10)

Though they were not hoping for another return to the NIT this season, South Carolina was able to make another run through the NIT field and claim their second straight tournament title. The Gamecocks came within two points of earning a trip to the big dance when they fell to Florida in the SEC tournament finals. They had already come out victorious against the eventual national champion in both regular season meetings.

Team MVP
Tarence Kinsey – 16 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.3 apg

Team Leaders
Scoring – Tarence Kinsey (16 ppg)
Rebounds – Renaldo Balkman (6.4 rpg)
Assists – Tre Kelley (4.6 apg)

Starters Leaving
Rocky Trice (graduating)
Tarence Kinsey (graduating)
Renaldo Balkman (Entered NBA Draft)

Key Players Returning
Tre Kelley (Senior guard, 12.7 ppg, 4.6 apg)
Brandon Wallace (Senior forward, 7.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg)

Outlook for Next Season: An NIT tournament championship might be something to aim for next season for this team after losing Kinsey and Balkman. The key to their success next season just may be the play of Brandon Wallace. Wallace has been playing in the shadow and will be expected to put up high numbers for the Gamecocks.

Georgia (15-15, 5-11)

Georgia was another team full of youth this season. The Bulldogs’ team chemistry seemed to come together more this season, but they were unable to do much in the SEC as they finished just 5-11 in conference play.

Team MVP
Sundiata Gaines – 10.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.3 apg

Team Leaders
Scoring – Levi Stukes (11.6 ppg)
Rebounds – Sundiata Gaines (5.1 rpg)
Assists – Sundiata Gaines (3.3 apg)

Starters Leaving
None

Key Players Returning
Sundiata Gaines (Junior guard, 10.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg)
Levi Stukes (Senior guard, 11.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg)
Mike Mercer (Sophomore guard, 11 ppg, 3 rpg)

Outlook for Next Season: It is always a good thing not to lose any starters from the previous year. The Bulldogs should come together next year and be in the middle of the East and possible higher.

West Division

LSU (27-9, 14-2)

For almost the entire season, LSU was a team to beat in the conference. After some tough early season losses, there were many people that just did not give this team the respect they deserved coming into the NCAA tournament. They were able to quiet their critics with an amazing run to the Final Four behind their force underneath, Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis.

Team MVP
Glen Davis – 18.6 ppg, 9.7 rpg

Team Leaders
Scoring – Glen Davis (18.6 ppg)
Rebounds – Glen Davis (9.7 rpg)
Assists – Tasmin Mitchell (4.4 apg)

Starters Leaving
Tyrus Thomas (Entered NBA Draft)
Darrel Mitchell (graduating)

Key Players Returning
Glen Davis (Junior center, 18.6 ppg, 9.7 rpg)
Tasmin Mitchell (Sophomore forward, 11.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.8 apg)

Outlook for Next Season: They will still with their star in Davis down low, but will be looking for Tasmin Mitchell to help fill the void left by Tyrus Thomas as well as a new guard to replace the great play of Darrel Mitchell. If they can do those two things, a return to the Final Four would not be out of the question.

Alabama (18-13, 10-6)

The smiles for Alabama fans with high hopes for the season quickly vanished when Chuck Davis was injured 14 games into the season and missed the rest of it. However, there were times that those fans had plenty to cheer for as Jermareo Davidson and Ronald Steele were still there to carry this team through many victories that included wins over LSU, Tennessee, and Florida. A second round exit in the NCAA tournament must not overshadow the fact that this team beat a very good Marquette team and lost by just three points to eventual tournament runner-up UCLA.

Team MVP
Jermareo Davidson – 14.3 ppg, 8.9 rpg

Team Leaders
Scoring – Chuck Davis (15.3 ppg in 14 games); Jermareo Davidson/Ronald Steele (14.3 ppg)
Rebounds – Jermareo Davidson (8.9 rpg)
Assists – Ronald Steele (4.3 apg)

Starters Leaving
Chuck Davis (graduating)
Jean Felix (graduating)

Key Players Returning
Jermareo Davidson (Senior forward, 14.3 ppg, 8.9 rpg)
Ronald Steele (Junior guard, 14.3 ppg, 4.3 apg)
Richard Hendrix (Sophomore forward, 9.4 ppg, 8.0 rpg)

Outlook for Next Season: Alabama is looking great for next season. With the trio of Davidson, Steele, and Hendrix returning, it provides the Tide with just the nucleus of talent they need to compete in the SEC.

Arkansas (22-10, 10-6)

A first round exit from the NCAA tournament should not overshadow the many successes of this Arkansas team, who finished second in the SEC West. The Razorbacks went into conference play 11-2 and were competitive in practically every game. Of their seven losses in the conference, only one was by more than three points (a 63-58 loss to LSU) and included three losses by two points or less.

Team MVP
Ronnie Brewer – 18.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.3 apg

Team Leaders
Scoring – Ronnie Brewer (18.4 ppg)
Rebounds – Darian Townes (5.2 rpg)
Assists – Dontell Jefferson (4.4 apg)

Starters Leaving
Ronnie Brewer (Entered NBA Draft)
Eric Ferguson (graduating)
Jonathon Modica (graduating)

Key Players Returning
Charles Thomas (Junior forward, 9.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg)
Darian Townes (Junior center, 9.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg)

Outlook for Next Season: Losing their two scoring leaders in Brewer and Modica will be a challenge for Stan Heath. If they can find somebody to fill those huge shoes, the Razorbacks will be in the hunt for the SEC crown next season.

Mississippi State (15-15, 5-11)

While some teams full of youth excelled in the conference, Mississippi State struggled. Jamont Gordon exploded in his freshman year. The duo of Gordon and Charles Rhodes led the team in scoring and practically every other category. This was a building year for the Bulldogs as the bar was not set very high to begin the season.

Team MVP
Jamont Gordon – 13.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.3 apg

Team Leaders
Scoring – Jamont Gordon and Charles Rhodes (13.8 ppg)
Rebounds – Charles Rhodes (7.1 rpg)
Assists – Jamont Gordon (4.3 apg)

Starters Leaving
Jamall Edmondson (graduating)

Key Players Returning
Jamont Gordon (Sophomore forward, 13.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.3 apg)
Charles Rhodes (Junior forward, 13.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg)
Dietric Slater (Senior guard, 10.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg)

Outlook for Next Season: Nothing but improvement should be shown down in Starkville next season. Gordon comes back with a year of experience under his belt, which should have him putting up even better numbers along with Rhodes. Though they may not end up in the championship hunt next season, they will definitely be a tough team in the West.

Auburn (12-16, 4-12)

Auburn just could not compete with much of the talent in the SEC this season. Ronny Lemelle led this team as a senior and was the reason the Tigers were able to come away with most of their wins. For a team full of youth, this season should not be considered a very bad one by any means.

Team MVP
Ronny Lemelle – 12.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.3 apg

Team Leaders
Scoring – Ronny Lemelle (12.9 ppg)
Rebounds – Korvotney Barber (4.8 rpg)
Assists – Quantez Robertson (4.6 apg)

Starters Leaving
Ronny Lemelle (graduating)

Key Players Returning
Rasheem Barrett (Sophomore guard, 11.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.5 apg)
Frank Tolbert (Junior guard, 9.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.3 apg)
Korvotney Barber (Sophomore forward, 6.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg)
Quantez Robertson (Sophomore guard, 7.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.6 apg)

Outlook for Next Season: While losing their leading scorer in Lemelle will be tough, the Tigers should be able to rebound with all their talented youth starting to come together.

Ole Miss (14-16, 4-12)

Ole Miss was yet another team that just could not get their team chemistry together even when it looked like the talent was there. Dwayne Curtis led the team in scoring and rebounding, basically putting the team on his shoulders. When Curtis was contained, the Rebels were not able to come away victorious a majority of the time.

Team MVP
Dwayne Curtis – 13.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.4 apg

Team Leaders
Scoring – Dwayne Curtis (13.6 ppg)
Rebounds – Dwayne Curtis (7.6 rpg)
Assists – Todd Abernethy (2.9 apg)

Starters Leaving
Londrick Nolen (graduating)

Key Players Returning
Dwayne Curtis (Senior center, 13.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.4 apg)
Todd Abernethy (Senior guard, 8.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.9 apg)

Outlook for Next Season: With the return of Curtis, anything is possible. The Rebels return all but one starter, so the talent will still be there. If Abernethy can put up better numbers along with Clarence Sanders or Bam Doyne, Ole Miss could be a surprise team in the west next season.