Get ready for some thrilling basketball action as the SEC preseason teams and Player of the Year are revealed! The SEC is buzzing with excitement, having set a new record with 14 teams qualifying for the NCAA Tournament last season. It's an honor to announce Kentucky guard Otega Oweh as the SEC Player of the Year. Oweh, who transferred from Oklahoma, averaged an impressive 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, leading Kentucky to a strong start with 26 consecutive games of double-digit scoring. But here's where it gets interesting: Oweh isn't the only star on this list. Reigning national champions Florida have three players named to the preseason all-conference team, showcasing their dominance. Let's dive into the full list of honors:
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 made up of returning players from last season. In fact, only two transfers from outside the conference made it to the all-conference teams: Ja'Kobi Gillespie of Tennessee and Jaland Lowe of Kentucky. These players are set to make a significant impact this season. Gillespie, who played a crucial role in Maryland's Sweet Sixteen run last season, will look to lead the Volunteers with his 14.7 points per game average. Jaland Lowe, who previously played for Pittsburgh, will now have the opportunity to shine with Kentucky's talented squad. Tennessee's Nate Ament, the only freshman to receive preseason honors, is projected to be a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. With such talented players, the SEC is gearing up for an exciting season. Mark your calendars for November 3rd, when teams across the SEC will begin their regular seasons. Get ready for some intense basketball action and don't miss out on the chance to witness these stars in action!
