JERMAREO DAVIDSON SENIOR FORWARD 6-10, 230 ATLANTA, GEORGIA
A First Team All-SEC selection by the coaches in 2006 and an All-America candidate in 2006-07. Co-led Alabama in scoring in 2006 with 14.3 points per game. Led Alabama with 8.9 rebounds per game and has 91 straight starts going into the 2006-07 season. Davidson had 11 double-doubles his junior season, totaling 16 in his UA career. Scored 20 or more points in five games in 2006. Finished in the SEC's top 10 in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage. Grabbed a career best 19 rebounds against Memphis in 2006. Scored 28 points in Alabama's win at Kentucky in 2006. He was a Third Team AP All-SEC selection as a sophomore and Freshman All-SEC in 2004.
RONALD STEELE JUNIOR POINT GUARD 6-3, 185 BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
CBSsportsline.com rated him the No. 1 point guard in the country going into this season. A two-time All-SEC performer, Steele was a 2006 AP All-American Honorable Mention last season. Co-led Alabama (with Davidson) in scoring in 2006 with 14.3 points a game. Scored 20 or more points in six SEC games in 2006. Led the SEC in free throw percentages (.914 in league games and .892 in all games). Finished 12th in the NCAA in free throw percentage. Also the SEC leader in minutes played in 2006, averaging 40.3 per SEC game and 38.4 in all games. Has started in every game since he stepped on campus. Set the UA and Coleman Coliseum record with 18 assists as a freshman in 2005.
ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
STEVEN HILL JUNIOR CENTER 7-0, 250 BRANSON, MISSOURI
Already third on Arkansas' all-time career blocked shots list with 145, Hill set a school sophomore record with 91 rejections in 2006, which is the second-best season total in school history. An Academic All-SEC selection last year, he has ranked second in the SEC in blocked shots as both a freshman and sophomore. One of just seven Razorbacks to record 100 or more blocked shots, he tied the single-game school record and set a Bud Walton Arena record with 10 blocks against Texas State . He averaged 3.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks as a sophomore. In SEC play, his numbers were better – 3.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.9 blocks. His career highs are 10 points, nine rebounds, 10 blocked shots and four steals.
CHARLES THOMAS JUNIOR FORWARD 6-8, 235 JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
A power forward his first two seasons, Thomas has dropped about 10 pounds and will play both small and power forward this season. He started 21 times as a sophomore and finished third on the team in scoring (9.7), second in rebounding (5.0), first in field goal percentage (.520) and third in free-throw percentage (.723) while making 6-of-12 on three-pointers (.500). He was even better against the SEC, ranking third on the team in scoring (10.1), second and 17th in the league in rebounding (5.6). He steadily improved as the season went on, averaging 8.0 points and 5.1 rebounds in January, 10.9 points and 4.6 rebounds in February, and 12.0 points and 7.0 boards in March.
AUBURN TIGERS
RASHEEM BARRETT SOPHOMORE GUARD 6-5, 220 ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Selected to the Coaches Freshman All-SEC team last season. He averaged 11.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 24.9 minutes per game. Barrett shot 46 percent from the field, a team-best 39 percent from 3-point range and 75 percent from the foul line. He started half of the Tigers' 28 games, including the last 14 of the season. He earned his first start vs. Kentucky on Jan. 24, totaling 12 points and six rebounds and two steals. Barrett scored an SEC-high 22 points (9-9 fts) with five rebounds vs. Mississippi State. Named SEC Freshman of the Week on Jan. 2 after totaling 28 points against Jacksonville State. Barrett was named the team's Outstanding Defensive Player at the annual awards banquet.
KORVOTNEY BARBER SOPHOMORE FORWARD 6-7, 220 MANCHESTER, GEORGIA
Averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 21.3 minutes per game last season. Ranked ninth in the SEC in blocks and shot 57.4 percent from the field. Barber started every game after the season opener, 27-of-28 for the season. He tied a career-high with 14 points and had seven rebounds at Tennessee. Barber grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds vs. LSU. Won the Outstanding Rebounding Award at the team's annual awards banquet. Only the second Auburn player to be selected as a McDonald's High School All-American with Frank Ford (1983) as the other.
FLORIDA GATORS
LEE HUMPHREY SENIOR GUARD 6-2, 192 MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE
A pure shooter with unlimited range from the outside, he set the UF record for three-pointers made in a single season in 2005-06, knocking down 113 on the year, including a UF post-season record 22 during the NCAA Tournament. He knocked down an astonishing 45.9 percent from three-point range overall on the season and hit a near-identical 45.8 percent during the NCAA Tournament. Averaged 17.0 points per game in the Final Four, torching George Mason for 19 points, then breaking the UCLA game open with key second half threes and finishing with 15 points. A career 43.7 percent shooter from three-point range. A true student-athlete, he was the SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year for men's basketball and was a Second Team ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American in 2005-06. Traveled to China as part of Sports Reach in 2005 with a group of SEC players, averaging 12.9 points per game, even seeing some time at the point guard spot, then participated in Sports Reach again in 2006, this time traveling to Brazil.
AL HORFORD JUNIOR FORWARD/CENTER 6-10, 245 PUERTO PLATA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
A solid presence up front that will return as one of the premier frontcourt players in the nation. A tremendous shot-blocking and rebounding presence, he finished in the top six in the SEC in both categories as a sophomore. Showed tremendous improvement offensively his sophomore season and averaged a double-double during NCAA Tournament play. Earned Final Four All-Tournament honors and Second Team All-SEC honors (Coaches) during his sophomore campaign. A savvy player who was at his best in big game situations during his high school career and first two years at UF. The son of former NBA player Tito Horford.
GEORGIA BULLDOGS
STEVE NEWMAN SENIOR FORWARD 6-9, 235 ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Newman's junior season began as if he would be relegated to spot duty after being supplanted in the starting five by freshman Terrance Woodbury. Woodbury's injuries, however, brought Newman back to the forefront, where he remained throughout most of the conference season. Newman posted a career-best 22 points and nine rebounds in a win over Savannah State. He came off the bench to score a critical 12 points in Georgia's win at Vanderbilt on Feb. 4. an was a key player in Georgia's win Feb. 23 over South Carolina with nine points in 19 minutes. The senior was Georgia's representative on the SEC “Good Works” team, which honors one player from each school for his acts of goodwill in community service.
MIKE MERCER SOPHOMORE GUARD 6-4, 185 SNELLVILLE, GEORGIA
The rangy, athletic guard spent his freshman season as a reserve. Keeping him out of the lineup in ‘07 may prove to be a greater challenge to his backcourt teammates. Mercer's combination of speed, size and quickness is unmatched on the Georgia squad. Mercer was named to the Coaches' SEC All-Freshman team and won SEC Freshman-of-the-Week honors in mid-January after leading the Bulldogs in scoring vs. Kentucky & Ole Miss. He ranked second on the team in scoring at 11.0 ppg and third in steals with 48. Ranked eighth among all SEC players in steals at 1.71 spg, leading all Freshmen. Mercer's most productive SEC game was a 16-point effort in the loss at Florida in late February.
KENTUCKY WILDCATS
RANDOLPH MORRIS JUNIOR FORWARD/CENTER 6-11, 259 ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Second in the SEC in conference play with a .624 field goal percentage. Morris averaged 13.3 points along with 6.0 rebounds in 24.4 minutes after sitting out the first 14 games due to an NCAA suspension. Went to the foul line 53 times in last 10 games (39-of-53, .736). He scored double-figure points in 17 of 21 games last season. Scored 14 points and pulled down five rebounds in NCAA second round game vs. UConn. Dominated the inside at Tennessee, scoring 22 points and grabbing nine boards. Recorded first double-double of the season with 13 points and season-high 11 rebounds at South Carolina. Scored a season-high 20 points and had a team-high seven rebounds against Tennessee.
BOBBY PERRY SENIOR FORWARD 6-8, 215 DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA
Finished season converting 25 consecutive free-throw attempts. Started 21 games last season, including 16 of the last 17 games. Perry scored a career-high 25 points in UK's NCAA first-round win over UAB. He went 10-of-10 from the foul line against the Blazers. Followed up his first round performance with 20 points and seven rebounds vs. UConn. Led UK to victory over Alabama in the SEC Tournament, scoring 13 points and grabbing nine boards. Shot 42 percent from three-point range in SEC play. Perry grabbed a career-best 11 rebounds against North Carolina. Recorded 22 points vs. Liberty while making 8-of-12 field goals (3-of-5 from three-point range). Made his first career start against West Virginia.
LSU TIGERS
GLEN DAVIS JUNIOR FORWARD 6-9, 295 BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
Second consecutive year an LSU player earned the Freshman of the Year honor and then followed it up with a Player of the Year season. Finished the year averaging a league leading 18.6 points per game and a league best 9.7 rebounds per game. Davis was just the fifth player in the SEC since 1961 to lead the league in both scoring and rebounding. Davis had 14 20-plus point games and 18 games of 20 or more in his career. Scored career best 28 vs. Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament (3/11) and against Kentucky (2/25). In conference play, he led the league in rebounds at 10.2 rebounds a game. Started every game of his LSU career, except for the first game of his freshman season (65-of-66 games).
DARNELL LAZARE SENIOR FORWARD 6-8, 228 BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
Played in all 36 games, with 15 starts, the first starts since his sophomore season. Started the first nine games of the season, the final two games of the regular season, two in the SEC Tournament and the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Posted 11 games in double figures, giving him 14 for his career. Had career high of 20 vs. UNO (12-13), hitting 8- of-14 field goals with two blocks in 27 minutes. Also scored 16 in the SEC Tournament win vs. Vanderbilt (3/10). Had 10 points and seven boards in first-round NCAA win over Iona (3/15) and came off the bench to score 10 points with two assists in first half of win over No. 1 Duke (3/23) in the NCAAs when Glen Davis and Tyrus Thomas were in early foul trouble.
OLE MISS REBELS
TODD ABERNETHY SENIOR GUARD 6-1, 190 CARMEL, INDIANA
Has played in every game of his first three seasons. Abernethy served as a team captain the last two years. Averaging 27.1 minutes per game during his career. Ranks seventh on the Ole Miss all-time lists for both career 3-pointers (104) and 3-point pct. (.382) and is 10th in career assists (249). Only the second Rebel ever to rank in the top 10 in all three categories, joining Aaron Harper (2001-04). He started all 30 games in 2005-06, topping the Rebels in minutes (29.1), assists (2.9), 3-point percentage (.422) and 3-pointers made (49). Abernethy ranked third on the team in scoring (8.6) last season. 2005 SEC Sixth Man of the Year and 2004 SEC All-Freshman Team selection. Three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient.
BAM DOYNE SENIOR GUARD 6-4, 180 LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
Played in all 30 games with 26 starts in 2005-06, ranking second on the club in assists (2.3) and steals (1.1) and third in scoring (9.0) and rebounding (4.0). Led the Rebels from the free throw line at 73.6 percent (67-of-91). Doyne notched double figures 12 times with three 20-point outings. He topped the team in scoring in six games and led Ole Miss past South Carolina with 23 points, a career-high nine rebounds and five assists. Scored a career-high 24 points with six rebounds and four assists against Arkansas State.
MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS
JAMONT GORDON SOPHOMORE GUARD/FORWARD 6-4, 225 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
Garnered freshman all-America honors a year ago from Rivals.com, CollegeInsider.com and CBSSportsline.com. A unanimous choice to the 2005-06 SEC All-Freshman Team after collecting SEC Freshman of the Week plaudits four times during the season. Looks to again contribute as the Bulldogs' primary playmaker, but could also play inside to utilize his size and strength. Rated this preseason as the nation's No. 7 point guard by The Sporting News. SEC's leading freshman scorer a year ago (10th among NCAA frosh), as well as ranking third in rebounding (14th) and second in assists (14th). Team's second-leading scorer and No. 2 rebounder as a true freshman, while leading the club in assists (129) and steals (34).
CHARLES RHODES JUNIOR FORWARD/CENTER 6-8, 240 JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
Junior standout who ranks as one of the premier forwards in the SEC. Earned second team All-SEC honors (Coaches & AP) after leading the 2005-06 Bulldogs in scoring (13.8 ppg) and rebounding (7.1 rpg). Tabbed by Athlon Sports' preseason publication as the league's Best Defensive Player. Ranked 12th in the SEC in scoring, eighth in rebounding and third in field-goal percentage (.564). Scored a career-high 27 points (11-15 FGs & 5-6 FTs) versus Georgia and had 24 points at Ole Miss. Totaled 21 points and a career-high 19 rebounds in home win over Auburn. Averaged 16.6 points and 8.1 rebounds over his last 18 games of 2005-06.
SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
TRE' KELLEY SENIOR GUARD 6-0, 188 WASHINGTON, D.C.
Three-year starter who will lead the team on and off the court. Played his best basketball down the stretch last season when he was named to the NIT and SEC All-Tournament teams. Led the SEC in assists and set that as goal again this season. Should be one of the top point guards in the SEC and nationally. With added experience he has improved shot and decision-making skills. Opening the 2006-07 season, he has started 70 of USC's last 71 games after starting just three games his freshman year. Played with SCORE International Basketball All-Star team Summer of 2004, joining USC teammate Brandon Wallace on a trip to the Dominican Republic, where their team ran up a 4-0 record.
BRANDON WALLACE SENIOR FORWARD 6-9, 203 JACKSON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Working with Tre' Kelley and Bryce Sheldon to give a young team solid senior leadership. Much more confident and aggressive in his approach to the game. Good ball handling skills, has improved his outside shot as well as his full-court game abilities. Played his best basketball in the SEC Tournament and NIT title run last season. Should be one of the SEC's best shot blockers. Starting the season No. 4 in career blocks (163). His 73 blocks last year were No. 4 on the all-time season list. Needs 73 more blocks this season to break the school record. May have had the teams' best off-season. Wingspan is 84 inches and he put on seven pounds of muscle during the off-season.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
DANE BRADSHAW SENIOR GUARD 6-4, 200 MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
Received the Team Before Self Award after playing much of the season with a wrist injury. Recipient of the John Stucky Lifter of the Year Award for his work in the weight room. A member of SI.com's All-Glue Team. Bradshaw is a team captain who earned starting assignments as a power forward while also serving as a backup point guard in each of Tennessee's 30 games. Second on the team in assists (116), rebounds (5.4 rpg) and third in steals (56) and blocks (11). His assist/turnover ratio of 2.76 led the SEC. Led the Vols in rebounding seven times, including a career-high 12 boards twice. Led UT in assists 14 times, including a career-high eight on three occasions. Scored the game-winning baskets in both of UT's wins over Florida.
CHRIS LOFTON JUNIOR GUARD 6-2, 197 MAYSVILLE, KENTUCKY
Wooden Award Finalist and Second Team All-America (The Sporting News, FOXSports.com and Scout.com) in 2005-06. Also a Third Team All-America (NABC and Rivals.com) and Honorable Mention All-America (Associated Press). USBWA District IV Player of the Year. He was a First Team All-SEC (Associated Press and Coaches) pick. Lofton was the ESPN.com and FOXSports.com national player of the week on Feb. 13. Three-time SEC Player of the Week last season. Broke Allan Houston's school record of eight 3-pointers in a game when he had nine at Georgia. Broke school single-season record for 3-pointers made (114), 3-pointers attempted (261) and 3-pointers per game (3.80 pg).
VANDERBILT COMMODORES
DERRICK BYARS SENIOR GUARD/FORWARD 6-7, 230 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
Byars enjoyed a solid junior campaign ranking second among SEC newcomers in scoring with 12.4 ppg. The versatile player converted 44.1 percent of his 3-point attempts – second best in the SEC. The transfer from Virginia started all 30 games for Vanderbilt in 2005-06. He led the Commodores in assists (3.2 apg) and proved to be a strong perimeter defender. Byars performed well in two SEC Tournament games last year, averaging 19.0 points while shooting 62.5 percent (10-of-16) from 3-point range and 56.5 percent (12-of-23) from the field. He earned SEC Player of the Week honors in December. Byars scored in double figures in 20 games while leading the team in steals 12 times, assists eight times and scoring seven times.
SHAN FOSTER JUNIOR GUARD/FORWARD 6-6, 200 KENNER, LOUISIANA
Foster earned First Team All-SEC honors from the league's coaches last year, becoming only the 10th underclassman at Vanderbilt to receive the honor. The junior swingman ranks as the third-leading returning scorer in the SEC, after averaging 15.9 points during the 2005-06 campaign. The gifted outside shooter ranked among the league leaders in 3-pointers per game (second with 3.00), 3-point shooting percentage (fourth at .415) and field goal percentage (ninth at .451). Foster made 90 3-pointers last season, ranking fourth in school history. He netted a career-high 30 points in an overtime loss at Alabama in February. Foster scored in double figures in 25 games and tallied 20 or more points in eight games.