Get ready for some thrilling basketball action as the SEC conference gears up for an exciting season! The SEC has unveiled its highly anticipated preseason All-Conference teams and Player of the Year, setting the stage for an epic battle on the court.
With a remarkable 14 teams reaching the NCAA Tournament last season, the SEC is brimming with expectations. Kentucky guard Otega Oweh has been crowned the SEC Player of the Year, an honor well-deserved for his outstanding performance. Oweh, who transferred from Oklahoma, led the team with 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, an impressive feat indeed!
But here's where it gets interesting: Oweh isn't the only star on the list. Reigning national champions Florida boast an impressive three players on the preseason All-Conference team, a testament to their dominance. Let's take a closer look at the full list of honorees:
First Team:
- Alex Condon - Florida
- Josh Hubbard - Mississippi State
- Otega Oweh - Kentucky
- Tahaad Pettiford - Auburn
- Labaron Philon Jr. - Alabama
Second Team:
- Nate Ament - Tennessee
- Boogie Fland - Florida
- Ja'Kobi Gillespie - Tennessee
- Thomas Haugh - Florida
- Mark Mitchell - Missouri
Third Team:
- Malik Dia - Ole Miss
- Aden Holloway - Alabama
- Karter Knox - Arkansas
- Jaland Lowe - Kentucky
- D.J. Wagner - Arkansas
And the SEC Player of the Year goes to... Otega Oweh - Kentucky!
What's notable is that the All-SEC First Team is exclusively comprised of returning players from last season. In fact, only two transfers from outside the conference made the cut: Ja'Kobi Gillespie of Tennessee and Jaland Lowe of Kentucky. These players are set to make a significant impact on their new teams.
Gillespie, a key player in Maryland's Sweet Sixteen run last season, averaged an impressive 14.7 points per game. Lowe, who previously played for Pittsburgh, is now at Kentucky, where he'll have the opportunity to shine on a national stage.
And this is the part most people miss: Tennessee's Nate Ament, a freshman, has already made a splash, receiving preseason honors. According to the Rivals Industry Rankings, Ament is the No. 4 overall player and No. 2 small forward in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Experts predict he'll be a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Talk about a bright future!
The stage is set, and these talented players are ready to showcase their skills. Mark your calendars for November 3rd, when the SEC regular season kicks off. Who will rise to the top? Only time will tell. Get ready for an action-packed season, basketball fans!
