The state of SEC basketball: Florida projects to be the biggest and most experienced team

Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu will make the Gators a national contender (Photo by Chris Spears)

The anticipated return of Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu is the reason nearly every too early top 25 polls for next season place the Florida Gators in the top five. Should Tommy Haugh elect to return instead of going to the NBA where he’s projected in the last third of the lottery, the Gators will have the most experienced roster in the country and certainly a threat to win a second national championship in three years.

With or without Haugh, the Gators will have a powerful roster simply with Condon and Chinyelu returning. The Gators have 10 players returning including three starters (Condon, Chinyelu and Boogie Fland), three experienced guys off the bench (Urban Klavzar, Isaiah Brown and CJ Ingram) and a former starter and double figures scorer at Ohio U in AJ Brown.

Imagine what happens if Todd Golden strikes gold in the transfer portal once again and finds a hidden gem in Europe or Australia as he is prone to do. Counting incoming freshman Jones Lay, a 7-footer from North Carolina, Golden has 11 scholarships accounted for and another four to fill.

Hands down, Florida will be the team to beat in the Southeastern Conference. No one comes close to Florida’s experience and it’s likely that no one will be able to compete with Florida’s size either. The Gators are 87-24 over the past three seasons, which is the best record in the SEC (Tennessee 82-29; Auburn 81-30; Alabama 78-31).

Barring something disastrous, the Gators will have the best record in an SEC which prior to wholesale portal signings figures to be the weakest it has been in the last four years.

FLORIDA

Seniors (1): Xaivian Lee (6-4, 185)

NBA (1): Tommy Haugh (6-9, 215, JR)

Portal (2): Olivier Rioux (7-9, 305, RFR); Micah Handlogten (7-1, 260)

Returning (10): Alex Condon (6-11, 236, JR); Rueben Chinyelu (6-11, 265, JR); Urban Klavzar (6-1, 195, JR); AJ Brown (6-5, 210, RJR); Alex Kovatchev (6-5, 195, RSO); Boogie Fland (6-3, 185, SO); Isaiah Brown (6-5, 210, SO); Viktor Mikic (6-11, 260, SO); CJ Ingram (6-7, 210, FR); Alex Lloyd (6-4, 180, FR)

Signed: Jones Lay (7-0, 230)

THE REST OF THE SEC

ALABAMA (25-10, 13-5 SEC): This will be a huge rebuild for Nate Oats, who loses his entire starting lineup. Losing Labaron Philon and Latrell Wrightsell hurts but the biggest loss of all is center Aiden Sherrill. Alabama has three outstanding freshmen coming in but lacks an inside presence. Oats will have to dip heavily into the portal for big guys. Seven scholarships available.

Seniors: Latrell Wrightsell (6-3, 189); Houston Mallette (6-5, 185); Noah Williamson (7-0, 244)

NBA: Labaron Philon (6-4, 177, SO); Amari Allen (6-7, 205, FR)

Legal issues: Aden Holloway (6-1, 178, JR)

Portal:  Taylor Bol Bowen (6-10, 195, JR); Aiden Sherrell (6-10, 240, SO); Jalil Bethea (6-5, 190, SO)

Returning (5): London Jemison (6-8, 205, FR); Keitenn Bristow (6-8, 190, SO); Davion Hannah (6-6, 190, FR); Preston Murphy (6-1, 175, JR); Collins Onyejiaka (6-11, 265, FR)

Signed (3): Tarris Bouie (6-4, 175); Quayden Samuels (6-6, 200); Jaxson Richardson (6-6, 200) 

ARKANSAS (28-9, 13-5 SEC): John Calipari is losing his top two scorers in Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas, plus two of the three in his big man rotation. He’s got scorers coming in freshmen Jordan Smith Jr., Abdou Toure and JaShawn Andrews. It is imperative that he keep Billy Richmond III. Seven scholarships are open with a need for three bigs from the portal. Keep an eye on former Georgia center Somto Cyril.

Seniors: Nick Pringle (6-9, 220); Trevon Brazille (6-9, 215)

NBA: Darius Acuff Jr. (6-3, 190, FR); Meleek Thomas (6-5, 185, FR)

Portal: Karter Knox (6-6, 211, SO); DJ Wagner (6-3, 175, JR); Kaim Rtail (6-7, 205, FR); Elmir Dzafic (7-0, 285, FR)

Returning (5): Maliq Ewin (6-10, 220, JR); Billy Richmond (6-5, 205, SO); Jaden Karuletwa (6-5, 185, SO); Isaiah Sealy (6-7, 200, FR); Paulo Semedo (7-1, 225, FR)

Signed (3): Jordan Smith Jr. (6-2, 180); JaShawn Andrews (6-4, 195); Abdou Toure (6-6, 200)

AUBURN (22-16, 7-11 SEC): The Tigers will enter the 2026-27 season with the longest winning streak (five games) in the SEC after winning the NIT. The Tigers lose two seniors in Keyshawn Hall and Keyshawn Murphy, but they won the NIT without Murphy. Filip Jovic, who projected as a starter next season transferred to UCLA. The good news for Steven Pearl is that Kevin Overton and Tahaad Pettiford return, giving him two scorers in the backcourt to build around. There are six scholarships available with a need for three bigs. Keep an eye on Flory Bidunga, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, who chose Kansas over Auburn out of high school.

Seniors (2): Keyshawn Hall (6-7, 250); Keyshawn Murphy (6-10, 245)

Portal (2): Filip Jovic (6-8, 225, FR, to UCLA); Kaden Magwood (6-2, 175, FR)

Returning (7): Kevin Overton (6-5, 180, JR); Abdul Bashir (6-7, 195, JR); Tahaad Pettiford (6-1, 175, SO); Elyjah Freeman (6-8, 185, SO); Emeka Opurum (7-0, 205, SO); Sebastian Williams-Adams (6-8, 230, FR); Simon Walker (6-4, 195, FR)

Signed (2): Caleb Williams (6-5, 195); Narcisse Ngoy (6-11, 220)

GEORGIA (22-11, 10-8 SEC): It’s back to square one for Mike White, who loses his big guy (Somto Cyril) and leading scorer (Jerimiah Wilkinson), plus son of the greatest player in UGa history (Jake Wilkins, son of Dominique). White has four returnees including starters Blue Cain, Marcus Millender and Kanon Catchings, but there is only one other returnee and no freshman signees. There are 11 scholarships available with needs everywhere.

Seniors (2): Justin Bailey (6-3, 195); Justin Abson (6-9, 235)

Portal (6): Jeremiah Wilkinson (6-1, 185, SO); Dylan James (6-9, 235, JR); Somto Cyril (6-11, 260, SO); Jackson McVey (7-1, 240, FR); Jordan Ross (6-3, 175, JR); Jake Wilkins (6-9, 185, FR)

Returning (4): Blue Cain (6-5, 190, JR); Marcus Millender (5-11, 180, JR); Kanon Catchings (6-9, 190, SO); Kareem Stagg (6-8, 230, FR)

KENTUCKY (22-14, 10-8 SEC): The Wildcats spent $22 million on a roster last year that gave them 14 losses. They will probably spend more this year but there are no guarantees they will be any better, which is the cause of much angst in the Big Blue Nation, which has been hit especially hard in the portal with five potential starters out the door. If Malachi Moreno stays in the NBA Draft folks will be thinking to leap off the nearest bridge. Four return, none of them starters and one freshman.

Seniors (1): Otega Oweh (6-5, 210)

NBA (2): Jayden Quaintance (6-9, 225, SO); Malachi Moreno (7-0, 250, FR)

Portal (7): Jaland Lowe (6-2, 170, JR); Brandon Garrison (6-11, 245, JR); Jasper Johnson (6-5, 180, FR); Mouhamed Dioubate (6-7, 215, JR); Denzel Aberdeen (6-5, 190, SR); Andrija Jelavic (6-11, 225, FR); Collin Chandler (6-5, 202, SO)

Returning (4): Reece Potter (7-1, 210, JR); Kam Williams (6-8, 190, SO); Trent Noah (6-5, 220, SO); Brayden Hawthorne (6-8, 190, FR)

Signed (1): Mason Williams (6-2, 185)

LSU (15-17, 3-15 SEC): Almost the moment LSU named Will Wade head coach, the exit began. Five seniors leaving and seven in the portal, leaving two reserves on the roster. Two freshmen are incoming, neither one with any size. Wade has 11 scholarships to work with. He needs bigs, a point guard and shooters.

Seniors (5): Max Mackinnon (6-5, 205); Marquel Sutton (6-7, 205); Pablo Tamba (6-6, 210); Rashad King (6-6, 198); PJ Carter (6-5, 175)

Portal (7): Dedan Thomas Jr. (6-1, 178, JR); Jalen Reed (6-10, 230, SR); Mazi Mosley (6-5, 169, FR); Matt Gilhool (6-11, 213, FR); Ron Zipper (6-5, 209, FR); Marcus Vaughns (6-8, 221, FR); Mike Nwoko (6-10, 245, JR, to Xavier)

Returning (2): Robert Miller III (6-10, 220, JR); Jalen Reece (6-0, 185, FR)

Signed (2): Kevin Thomas (6-6, 195); Herly Brutus (6-5, 180)

MISSISSIPPI STATE (13-19, 5-13 SEC): Three seniors and six in the portal leave very little talent to work with for Chris Jans. So far, Josh Hubbard hasn’t gone into the portal. If he leaves the Bulldogs are in deepest and darkest. Five returnees and three freshmen mean seven scholarships are available.

Seniors (3): Jayden Epps (6-2, 190); Ja’Borri McGhee (6-0, 200); Quincy Ballard (6-11, 240)

Portal (6): Jamarion Davis-Fleming (6-10, 240, FR); Dellquan Waren (6-1, 160, FR); Sergej Macura (6-9, 220, FR, to UCLA); Amier Ali (6-8, 185, SO); Brandon Walker (6-8, 255, SR); Achor Achor (6-9, 222, SR)

Returning (5): Josh Hubbard (5-10, 185, JR); Gai Chol (6-11, 245, JR); King Grace (6-5, 195, FR); Cameren Paul (6-7, 210, FR); Tee Bartlett (6-11, 290, FR)

Signed (3): Tristan Reed (6-9, 230); Jalyn Collingwood (6-5, 190); Willie Burnett III (6-4, 175)

MISSOURI (20-13, 10-8 SEC): Best player Mark Mitchell is gone and so are most of the experienced players. Big rebuild ahead for Dennis Gates, who brings in three freshmen to go with Trent Pierce and five other returnees. Six scholarships available. Point guard and someone who can score in the paint are a requirement.

Seniors (5): Mark Mitchell (6-8, 220); Jayden Stone (6-4, 180); Jacob Crews (6-7, 210); Shawn Phillips (7-0, 245); Jevon Porter (6-11, 220)

Portal (3): Anthony Robinson II (6-2, 175, JR); Sebastian Mack (6-3, 195, JR); T.O. Barrett (6-4, 200, SO)

Returning (6): Trent Pierce (6-10, 210, JR); Luke Norweather (6-11, 232, JR); Trent Burns (7-5, 235, SO); Annor Boateng (6-6, 215, SO); Nicholas Randall (6-9, 240, FR); Aaron Rowe (6-2, 155, FR)

Signed (3): Jason Crowe Jr. (6-3, 170); Aidan Chronister (6-7, 180); Toni Bryant (6-9, 215)

OKLAHOMA (21-16, 7-11 SEC): The Sooners came on strong at the end of the year, too late to make the NCAA Tournament. Porter Moser lost leading scorer Nijel Pack and his experienced inside guys so this is going to be quite a rebuild. Among the five returnees, Xzayvier Brown is back to play the point along with shooter Dayton Forsythe. There is no experienced size. One scholarship freshman, so Moser has nine scholarships to fill and help is needed everywhere.

Seniors (6): Nijel Pack (6-0, 180); Tae Davis (6-9, 204); Mohamed Wague (6-10, 225); Jadon Jones (6-5, 190); Kirill Elatontsev (6-11, 240); Jeff Nwankwo (6-6, 220)

Portal (3): Andreas Holst (7-0, 200, FR); Kuol Atak (6-9, 190, FR); Jake Hansen (6-0, 170, FR)

Returning (5): Xzayvier Brown (6-2, 165, JR); Dayton Forsythe (6-2, 187, SO); Derrion Reed (6-8, 220, SO); Kai Rogers (6-10, 247, FR); Alec Blair (6-7, 192, FR)

Signed (1): Gage Mayfield (6-7, 200)

OLE MISS (15-20, 4-14 SEC): Chris Beard didn’t get things going until the SEC Tournament and by then it was too late. There has been housecleaning. Three seniors gone and eight in the portal. Guard Patton Pinkins is solid, but every place else requires tons of help. Counting the incoming freshmen, four return so 11 scholarships are available.

Seniors (3): AJ Storr (6-6, 200); Malik Dia (6-9, 240); Kezza Giffa (6-2, 165)

Portal (8): Eduardo Klafke (6-5, 190, SO, to Butler); Ilias Kamardine (6-5, 185, JR); Hobert Grayson IV (6-4, 205, SR); Corey Chest (6-8, 210, RSO); Koren Johnson (6-2, 175, RJR); Augusto Cassia (6-8, 220, JR); Tylis Jordan (6-9, 215, FR); Travis Perry (6-1, 188, SO)

Returning (3): James Scott (6-11, 210, JR);  Patton Pinkins (6-5, 200, FR); Niko Bundalo (6-10, 215, FR)

Signed (1): Yohance Connor (6-2, 170)

SOUTH CAROLINA (13-19, 4-14 SEC): As if the situation in Columbia weren’t bleak enough, five seniors move on and seven are in the portal. Lamont Paris, who barely escaped the axe last year, has two returning players and one signed freshman. There are 12 available scholarships. How many good players want to sign in a lame duck situation.

Seniors (5): Meechie Johnson (6-2, 175); Mike Sharavjamts (6-8, 180); Kobe Knox (6-5, 185); Myles Stute (6-7, 215, SR); Nordin Kapic (6-8, 245)

Portal (7): Eli Ellis (6-0, 192, FR); Elijah Strong (6-8, 225, JR); EJ Walker (6-7, 253, FR); Jordan Butler (7-0, 240, JR); Christ Essandoko (7-0, 285, RJR); Abu Yarmah (6-6, 209, FR); Cam Scott (6-6, 170, RFR)

Returning (2): Grant Polk (6-6, 197, FR); Hayden Assemian (6-6, 230, FR)

Signed (1): Marcus Johnson (6-2, 180)

TENNESSEE (25-12, 11-7 SEC): Graduation, the NBA and the portal have wiped out Rick Barnes, who has only two returning players from last year’s Sweet 16 team. He’s got to bring in size and shooters. Wake Forest transfer Juke Harris (6-7, 200, SO, 21.4 points and 6.5 rebounds) is a must get for the Vols, who already have Belmont transfer Tyler Lundblade (15.6 points, 40.3 percent on threes) signed. There are 11 open scholarships of which half will probably be spent on front court players. 

Seniors (3): Ja’Kobi (6-0, 175); Felix Okpara (6-11, 220); Amaree Abram (6-4, 190)

NBA (1): Nate Ament (6-10, 205, FR)

Portal (7): Cade Phillips (6-9, 212, JR); Clarence Massamba (6-5, 192, FR); JP Estrella (6-11, 241, RSO, to Michigan); Bishop Boswell (6-4, 203, SO); Jaylen Carey (6-8, 245, JR); Troy Henderson (6-1, 186, FR); Amari Evans (6-5, 220, FR)

Returning (2): Ethan Burg (6-3, 199, SO); DeWayne Brown II (6-8, 251, FR)

Transferred in (1): Tyler Lundblade (6-5, 195, SR, from Belmont)

Signed (3): Ralph Scott (6-8, 180); Manny Green (6-6, 205); Marquis Clark (6-1, 175)

TEXAS (21-15, 9-9 SEC): Sean Miller loses his three scorers in Dailyn Swain, Tramon Mark and Jordan Pope but unless there is a change of heart, 7-footer Matas Vokietaitis returns and that’s who the Longhorns will build around. Finding a point guard, a backup to Vokietaitis and shooters on the perimeter will be the priority. Five return and there are four incoming freshmen so six scholarships are open.

Seniors (4): Tramon Mark (6-5, 190); Jordan Pope (6-2, 165); Chendall Weaver (6-3, 164); Lassina Traore (6-9, 215)

NBA (1): Dailyn Swain (6-7, 200, JR)

Portal (3): Nic Codie (6-8, 200, SO); Simeon Wilcher (6-4, 180, JR); Camden Heide (6-7, 205, JR);

Returning (5): Matas Vokietaitis (7-0, 245, SO); Declan Duru Jr. (6-8, 235, FR); Anthon McDermott (6-4, 200, FR); John Clark (6-8, 200, FR); Lewis Obiorah (7-0, 250, FR)

Signed (4): Austin Goosby (6-5, 186); Bo Ogden (6-5, 195); Joe Sterling (6-4, 180); Coleman Elkins (6-10, 240)

TEXAS A&M (22-12, 11-7 SEC): Bucky Ball will be in a total rebuild as the top 10 scorers are all departing. The Aggies have to find some size, some shooters and open court defenders who can press for a full 40 minutes. Bucky McMillan has four returnees and a freshman so there are 10 scholarships to fill.

Seniors (7): Rashaun Agee (6-7, 210); Rylan Griffen (6-5, 180); Marcus Hill (6-4, 185); Zach Clemente (6-10, 225); Jacari Lane (6-0, 178); Federiko Federiko (6-11, 220); Ali Abdou Dibba (6-5, 185)

Portal (3): Josh Holloway (6-1, 178, JR); Pop Isaacs (6-2, 170); Ruben Dominguez (6-6, 213, FR)

Returning (4): McKenzie Mgbako (6-8, 217, JR); Jamie Vinson (6-11, 225, SO); Chris McDermott (6-7, 225, SO); Jeremiah Green (6-3, 189, FR)

Signed: Josh Irving (6-10, 200)

VANDERBILT (27-9, 11-7 SEC): If Tyler Tanner declares for the NBA, which is entirely possible, Vanderbilt is going to be rebuilding from the ground up. Six seniors and five transfers have left the Commodores in dire straits. Should Tanner go it could be a very long year in Nashville unless Mike Byington can work some magic in the portal. The Commodores have signed three. Depending on Tanner there are either seven or eight scholarships remaining. Emphasis will be on big guys and shooters.

Seniors (6): Duke Miles (6-2, 175); Tyler Nickel (6-7, 200); AK Okereke (6-7, 220); Devin McGlockton (6-7, 220); Jalen Washington (6-10, 225); Mason Nicholson (6-10, 280)

Portal (5): Frankie Collins (6-1, 185, SR); Jaylon Dean-Vines (6-4, 181, FR); Tyler Harris (6-8, 190, JR); George Kimble III (6-2, 184, SO); Mike James (6-5, 198, RSR)

Returning (4): Tyler Tanner (6-0, 170, SO); Chandler Bing (6-5, 211, FR); Jayden Leverett (6-11, 245, FR); Jaylon Dean-Vines (6-4, 181, FR)

Signed: Ethan Mgbako (6-6, 215); Anthony Brown (6-1, 160); Jackson Sheffield (6-9, 240)