SEC Basketball: New No. 1 Leader Not Named Kentucky

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last season, the Kentucky Wildcats almost ran the tables in the SEC. They were rarely tested and prevailed by big numbers every game. However, Tennessee, Florida, Ole Miss and Georgia all have something to say about that this year.

This upcoming 2010-11' season the Florida Gators are conceived to win the SEC. They did return all five starters from last year's NCAA Tournament squad that lost a heartbreaker to BYU. Not to mention, the Gators picked up a highly touted freshman in Patric Young that will pose as a key threat off the bench.

With Chandler Parson leading the way for the Gators Head Coach Billy Donovan should be smiling a lot during the conference slate of games.

The Gators received eight first place votes with the Ole Miss Rebels trailing with three, and the Kentucky Wildcats and Tennessee Volunteers each with two.

Ole Miss returned their senior lead guard Chris Warren, and surrounded him with an elite freshman like Demarco Cox. Not to mention, starters Zach Graham, Murphy Holloway, and Terrance Henry were reserved for the upcoming season.

Expect the Rebels to be dancing this season rather making a run at the NIT Championship.

Kentucky, as expected, reloaded for another year of College Basketball. They retained DeAndre Liggins, and brought in Brandon Knight, Doron Lamb, Terrence Jones, Enes Kanter and many other freshmen that can make an instant impact.

With the notion that Kanter will not receive eligibility, the Wildcats deserve the spot given. With Kanter, the Wildcats could challenge for the top spot in the SEC.

My sleeper is the Alabama Crimson Tide. Freshman guard Trevor Releford will have the Tide rolling high with returning players JaMychal Green, Tony Mitchell, Senario Hillman, Chris Hines and more.

This year's team to watch is the Georgia Bulldogs. Yes, they received one first place vote, but they should have gotten more. Trey Thompkins, and Travis Leslie both returned for the Bulldogs. Last season, the duo almost scored 50 percent of the Bulldogs points.

This year they added freshman Marcus Thornton, and returned starters Jeremy Price, along with Dustin Ware.

With electrifying Travis Leslie, the Bulldogs will challenge for the first place slot in the SEC. Brandon Knight of Kentucky, Travis Leslie and Trey Thompkins of Georgia, Jeffery Taylor of Vandy, and Chris Warren of Ole Miss were all First SEC-Team.

Overall, the SEC Conference should be among the toughest basketball conferences in all of College Basketball. The SEC has some of College Basketball's most electrifying athletes.

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Chris Warren Ready To Lead Ole Miss?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Nick Laham/Getty Images

As a freshman, Chris Warren showed his capabilities as a basketball player. He averaged 15.8 points, 4.5 assist and 2.0 rebounds.

Then you take a look at his sophomore year. He only played in 11 games before injuring himself.

Last season with Terrico White and Warren, Ole Miss was able to grasp a (24-11) overall record and recorded a (9-7) during conference play. The Rebels utilized their great guard play and three-point shooting to stifle opponents.

However, heading into next season, their second-leading scorer Terrico White made his way to the NBA, while Warren returned for his last season as a Rebel.

Warren is headed into his senior season with a lot of records in reach. Nevertheless, I think he is more worried about being the senior leader.

He is well-known for his ability to stretch the floor. Even when he was playing beside NBA talent White, he was the leading scorer and accumulated the best assist-to-turnover ratio.

The Ole Miss Rebels has lost enough last season. Warren will have to step up big time and lead the Rebels.

In return, they acquired Demarco Cox, who will be a great addition to the post. In fact, I believe he can help Warren out a lot. Also playing in the frontcourt with Cox is returning players Reginal Buckner and Terrance Henry.

Now their frontcourt is very young. However, over the course of the last season, the frontcourt showcased how capable they are. In fact, I expect them to help Warren out a lot.

Yes, they lost a lot, but they also secured some of that back in return. The Rebels recruiting class and transfer Nick Williams will need guidance of an experienced player.

There is no doubt in my mind, Warren is that guy. He has shown in the past his leadership qualities. Not to mention, while watching Warren he just seemed fundamentally sound. The coach wanted White to lead the offense mid-season, but I think that’s where the problems started.

Warren is a guard that needs help to succeed as a leader for Ole Miss.

Considering that he has done well thus far in his career, I think he will be able to achieve such a feat.

As long as his frontcourt grows-up, I assume with Warren at the helm, the Rebels can actually make the dance in March.

They have been absent at the ball since 2001-02’. That was the same year UCLA blew them out and sent them packing in the first round.