Kentucky Basketball: Preseason All-SEC projections and awards

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Mar 26, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American forward PJ Washington Jr (25) poses for a photo during the 2017 McDonalds All American Game Portrait Day at Chicago Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

1st Team All-SEC

Hamidou Diallo, Kentucky

Diallo returned to Kentucky with the hopes of honing some of his skills with the basketball. The knock on Hami was that although he was super athletic, he lacks a consistent jump shot. His inconsistent shooting abilities kept NBA teams on edge causing them to not give him the guarantee that he needed. He returned to school with one goal in mind, to become a lottery pick. Hamidou Diallo will do just that. He will improve his shot, make his way onto the All-SEC team in 2017-2018.

Michael Porter Jr., Missouri

Michael Porter Jr. is the best incoming freshman in the class of 2017. He chose Missouri after the hiring of Cuonzo Martin. Martin hired Porter’s father as an assistant coach for the tigers. In doing so, he also gained the commitment of the top player in the country. Porter is a great talent. He will vouch for a spot on the All-American teams as well. He will most certainly make the Missouri Tigers a tough out this season.

Collin Sexton, Alabama

Sexton was rated as the top point guard in the class of 2017. This list is filled with top rated freshmen. The talent that the SEC teams have reeled in as a whole is quite unbelievable. Sexton will be a sight to see for Avery Bradley’s squad next season. The guards in the SEC, including Quade Green and Hamidou Diallo will have to strap them on tight against the Tide this fall.

Yante Maten, Georgia

Maten is probably the most talented big man in the conference. Last season, Maten averaged 18 points and nearly seven rebounds per game for the Georgia Bulldogs. This season, without JJ Frazier, Maten will take on the role of the focal point of the Georgia offense. Maten was honored with first team All-SEC credentials last season and this season I expect much of the same.

KeVaughn Allen, Florida

Florida was the surprise team of the conference last season. Other than South Carolina’s run at the Final Four, Florida was the second best team in the SEC last season. KeVaughn Allen is a major player. Allen averaged 14 points per game last season. Allen will lead the Florida Gators to wherever they go next season. Florida’s point guard was honored with first team All-SEC honors last season and the same is expected.

Robert Williams, Texas A&M

Many draft experts were wowed with the raw talent that Robert Williams has. As a probable lottery pick, Williams still returned to Texas A&M for his sophomore season. Williams was the SEC defensive player of the year last season. With nearly 12 points and eight rebounds per game, Williams and Texas A&M will return with tons of talent next season.

Tyler Davis, Texas A&M

Tyler Davis was a second team All-SEC selection last season. Arguably, Davis has become one of the top big men in the conference. With 14 points and seven rebounds a game last season, Davis will undoubtedly improve those numbers alongside Robert Williams.

PJ Washington, Kentucky

Washington may be one of the unlikely expert picks to make the first team All-SEC squad. PJ is on this list based on his ability to rebound the ball and score. Washington isn’t the most highly rated individual of Kentucky’s freshman stars, but something tells me he is going to be one of the best.

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