Top 10 players in SEC men's basketball: Scorers, playmakers, and rebounders ranked

Jan 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats center Amari Williams (22) handles the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide forward Grant Nelson (4) during the first half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Jan 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats center Amari Williams (22) handles the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide forward Grant Nelson (4) during the first half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

The SEC is always packed with talent, and the 2025 season is no different. From elite scorers to dominant rebounders and crafty playmakers, these players have set themselves apart as the best in the conference. Here’s a breakdown of the SEC's top players based on key stats and their impact on the court.

Top Scorers: Lighting Up the Scoreboard, Kentucky Wildcats basketball has one of the best

The SEC has no shortage of offensive firepower, and these players have been filling up the stat sheet:

  1. Mark Sears, Alabama (19.0 PPG)Sears has been an unstoppable force for Alabama, leading the league in scoring. His ability to knock down threes (47 made) and get to the free-throw line consistently makes him a matchup nightmare.
  2. Chaz Lanier, Tennessee (18.4 PPG)Lanier is the heart of Tennessee’s offense, with a deadly three-point shot (69 made) and a knack for creating his own opportunities.
  3. Jalon Moore, Oklahoma (18.3 PPG)Moore is a consistent scorer, showcasing efficiency inside and out. His 109 field goals lead the league, proving his versatility as a scorer.
  4. Otega Oweh, Kentucky (15.7 PPG)While Oweh ranks 13th in scoring, his efficiency and clutch performances make him a key player for Kentucky. Oweh has been a consistent offensive weapon for Mark Pope’s squad, especially in crunch time.

Elite Playmakers: The Assist Leaders

Creating opportunities for teammates is just as crucial as scoring, and these players have excelled as playmakers:

  1. Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee (7.6 APG) Zeigler has been sensational, leading the SEC in assists while keeping Tennessee’s offense humming. His court vision and ability to find open shooters have been invaluable.
  2. Boogie Fland, Arkansas (5.7 APG) Fland’s quick decision-making and impressive 3.7 assist-to-turnover ratio make him one of the most reliable point guards in the league on a really bad offensive team.
  3. Lamont Butler, Kentucky (4.9 APG) Butler is the glue of Kentucky’s offense, balancing scoring and playmaking. He has been critical to the Wildcats' success, especially after Kerr Kriisa's injury.

Dominant Rebounders: Controlling the Glass

Rebounding is essential to controlling the tempo, and these players dominate the boards:

  1. Johni Broome, Auburn (10.7 RPG)Broome’s dominance in the paint is unmatched. He leads the league in total rebounds (171) and provides Auburn with a strong inside presence on both ends of the court.
  2. Amari Williams, Kentucky (8.8 RPG)Williams has been a force for the Wildcats, ranking third in the SEC in rebounding. His ability to control the defensive boards and contribute offensively makes him one of Kentucky’s most valuable players.
  3. Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina (8.9 RPG)Murray-Boyles brings relentless energy to the court, ranking second in rebounds per game.

Top 10 Overall players in the SEC so far

1. Johni Broome, Auburn (17.9 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 3.3 APG) *Injured
Broome dominates the paint, leading the SEC in rebounding by a wide margin while also contributing nearly 18 points per game. His all-around play and ability to control games in the post earn him the second spot on this list. Auburn has rolled without him, which makes it all the more impressive.

2. Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee (7.6 APG, 18.4 PPG, 2.4 Assist/Turnover Ratio)
Zeigler is the engine of Tennessee’s offense, leading the conference in assists and ranking in the top five for scoring. His ability to distribute the ball while still being a consistent scoring threat is needed.

3. Mark Sears, Alabama (19.0 PPG, 4.9 APG, 2.2 Assist/Turnover Ratio)
Sears is the ultimate offensive weapon. Leading the SEC in scoring, he also ranks third in assists and is a reliable playmaker with a solid assist-to-turnover ratio.

4. Lamont Butler, Kentucky (14.4 PPG, 4.9 APG, 2.7 Assist/Turnover Ratio)
Butler is the floor general for Kentucky, managing Mark Pope’s dynamic offense with precision. His career year seems to only be getting better.

5. Walter Clayton Jr., Florida (17.8 PPG, 3.9 APG)
Clayton is a consistent scorer and an underrated playmaker for Florida. His ability to fill the stat sheet and impact games offensively earns him a well-deserved spot on this list.

6. Chaz Lanier, Tennessee (18.4 PPG, 69 3PT Made)
Lanier’s lethal shooting from beyond the arc keeps Tennessee’s offense humming. He’s second in scoring in the SEC and remains one of the most consistent offensive players in the league.

7. Jalon Moore, Oklahoma (18.3 PPG, 109 FG Made)
Moore is one of the most efficient scorers in the SEC, leading the conference in total field goals made.

8. Amari Williams, Kentucky (8.8 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 6.6 Defensive RPG)
Williams is Kentucky’s defensive anchor, dominating the boards and providing critical rim protection. His impact on both ends of the floor elevates him into the top 10.

9. Otega Oweh, Kentucky (15.7 PPG, Clutch Scorer)
Oweh’s knack for scoring in critical moments sets him apart. While not the top scorer in the SEC, his value to Kentucky’s offense cannot be overstated.

10. Boogie Fland, Arkansas (5.7 APG, 3.7 Assist/Turnover Ratio) *Out for the year
Fland is the most efficient playmaker in the league, with the SEC's best assist-to-turnover ratio. His ability to run Arkansas' offense to some semblance of scoring lands him in the top 10.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Jason Edwards, Vanderbilt (17.3 PPG)
  • Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina (8.9 RPG)
  • Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma (16.8 PPG, 4.4 APG)

For Big Blue Nation, the performances of Lamont Butler, Otega Oweh, and Amari Williams highlight Kentucky’s strong presence in the SEC rankings. As March Madness approaches, these players are sure to make even bigger headlines.