SEC Unveils Preseason All-Conference Teams and Player of the Year
The SEC has released its preseason all-conference teams and Player of the Year, setting the stage for an exciting basketball season. With a record 14 teams reaching the NCAA Tournament last season, the conference is poised for greatness once again. The spotlight shines on Kentucky guard Otega Oweh, who was named the SEC Player of the Year after transferring to Kentucky from Oklahoma. Oweh's impressive performance included a team-high 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, along with a remarkable streak of scoring double figures in Kentucky's first 26 games.
While Oweh takes center stage, the SEC's preseason honors are filled with notable names. Florida, the reigning national champion, boasts a conference-high three players on the all-conference team. The first team features a mix of established stars and rising talents, including Alex Condon, Josh Hubbard, Otega Oweh, Tahaad Pettiford, and Labaron Philon Jr. The second team showcases Boogie Fland, Nate Ament, Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Thomas Haugh, and Mark Mitchell, while the third team includes Malik Dia, Aden Holloway, Karter Knox, Jaland Lowe, and D.J. Wagner.
One interesting aspect of the All-SEC First Team is that it consists entirely of returning players from last season. Only two transfers from outside the conference, Tennessee's Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Kentucky's Jaland Lowe, made the all-conference teams. Gillespie, who played a pivotal role in Maryland's Sweet Sixteen run, averaged 14.7 points per game. Lowe, who transferred from Pittsburgh, will look to make a significant impact with Kentucky this season.
Nate Ament, the only freshman to receive preseason honors, stands out as the No. 4 overall player and No. 2 small forward in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. Experts predict Ament to be a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, further highlighting his potential.
As the season approaches, the SEC's talented players will soon have the opportunity to showcase their skills. On November 3, teams across the conference will kick off their regular seasons, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season ahead.
