This year looks to be the year of the "big man" in the Southeastern Conference with three of the most dominant centers in the nation playing in the SEC. Florida's Joakim Noah, LSU's Glen "Big Baby" Davis, and Alabama's Jermareo Davidson are expected to dominate not only in the arena but also on the draft boards of every NBA team.

Redemption may also be a theme interwoven in this season's tapestry. Georgia is working to reestablish its program after years of NCAA sanctions, Tubby Smith is trying to appease a fan-base that has Bruin-esque expectations, and  South Carolina is trying to lose its "65th in the nation" moniker.

However, it's not solely an uphill climb in the SEC.  Florida is defending last season's national championship, LSU is looking to improve on its Final Four appearance of a year ago, and Alabama is sitting inside the top ten for the first time in years. 

With solid teams at Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, and perennial powerhouse Kentucky, the SEC may put seven teams into the NCAA tournament and prove what many already suspect, namely that the SEC is the most dominant conference in men's college basketball this season.

Florida

Coach:

Billy Donovan - 11th Season

Last Year's SEC Record:

10-6

Returning Stars:

If I told you you could have the entire starting lineup from your national championship team back, is that something you might be interested in?

• Taurean Green 6-0, 177, Jr. PG
• Lee Humphrey 6-2, 192, Sr. G
• Corey Brewer 6-8, 185,  Jr. F
• Al Horford 6-9, 245, Jr. F
• Joakim Noah 6-11, 232,  Jr. C

Impact New Additions:

A strong recruiting class full of guys who won't see much time this season except during garbage time of blowout wins.

Predicted Regular Season:

12-4

Post Season:

Number 2 seed with smooth sailing into the Sweet Sixteen

Overall:

The odds on favorite to win the league regular season, tournament and number one seed going into the NCAA tournament, but with all the talent that is returning comes a lion's share of ego's and lottery picks looking to earn themselves heftier contracts come draft day.  Joakim Noah has already become one of the more conceited and animated players in the country and it causes one to wonder if the chemistry that won them the national title last season will suffer.  Billy Donovan should have a good hold on his team but two early non-conference losses are making the Gators look like a sucker-pick to repeat as national champs.  

Georgia

Coach:

Dennis Felton - 4th Season

Last Year's SEC Record:

 4-12

Returning Stars:

• Mike Mercer 6-4, 185, So. G - Voted to the SEC All-Freshman team last season. Mercer is a slasher who has retooled his jump shot and has been much improved the beginning of this season.
• Sundiata Gaines 6-1, 205, Jr. PG - Last season's MVP look for Gaines to have a big year after leading the team in rebounding last year. Expect a drop off in those numbers as his feild goal percentage rises.
• Rashaad Singleton 7-0, 260, So. C - Shotblocking force inside and a good rebounder. Singleton will need to step up his offensive game this season if Georgia hopes to make an NCAA tournament berth.

Impact New Additions:

• Takais Brown 6-8, 245, Jr. F - Junior college transfer from Southeastern Illinois College, Brown has a nose for the basket and scores almost at will.  It will be interesting to see if his height will prove to be a disadvantage at the division one ranks.
• Albert Jackson 6-10, 250, Fr. C/F - Shot blocker and rebounder extraordinaire

Predicted Regular Season:

9-7

Post Season:

NIT probable but don't rule out an NCAA berth

Overall:

Georgia could be this season's "Tennessee" with the return of their All-SEC caliber backcourt and the maturation of seven-footer Rashaad Singleton this team could go toe to toe with almost any team in the country let alone the conference. With the addition of juco transfer Takais Brown and freshman Albert Jackson the frontcourt depth could be Georgia's biggest asset in a league filled with dominant post play.  The death of teammate, Kevin Brophy, over the summer will certainly weigh heavy on the hearts of the players and rally this team, providing that intangible that could make the Bulldogs a surprising victor more often this season than last.  After the Herrick era ended and the sanctions were over Georgia basketball had been ravaged, but it looks like Dennis Felton has the program turned in the right direction and could lead his team to an NIT berth or even possibly an NCAA tournament this season.  

Kentucky

Coach:

Tubby Smith - 10th Season

Last Year's SEC Record:

9-7 

Returning Stars:

• Randolph Morris 6-11, 259, Jr. F – The controversial forward is back for his third season at Kentucky and poised to lead this team in rebounding, blocks, and even points.  Morris will see quite a few minutes at C this season, after the season ending injury of 7 footer Jared Carter.
• Ramel Bradley 6-2, 176, Jr.PG – After backing up Rajon Rondo last season, Bradley will get his shot at the starting job.  Bradley can shoot the ball from all over the gym and his quckness makes him a valuable point guard, his major detractor is his lack of experience but by the time SEC play rolls around Bradley should have figured out his role.

Impact New Additions:

• Derrick Jasper 6-6, 213, Fr. G - UK’s top recruit and a large point guard at 6-6 look for Jasper to play significant minutes when starter Ramel Bradley needs a breather.  Bradley just better watch out; too many breathers and he may be pining for playing time.
• Perry Stevenson 6-9, 178, Fr. F - Averaged a triple double in high school and one cateory was blocked shots… enough said

Predicted Regular Season:

10-6 

Post Season:

Kentucky always goes to the tournament; it’s just the seeding that’s in question.  Pencil them in for a solid 3 seed and a decent run, Tubby’s teams always get better as the season progresses.

Overall:

Tubby Smith is under fire after his "terrible" season last year, with expectations like that the Wildcats need to turn things around to keep the natives happy.  Smith's team should begin coming together at the beginning of the new year, but the team's season rests squarely on the shoulders of Randolph Morris.  The controversial NCAA decision which allowed Morris to play last season may haunt SEC opponents again this season.  If Ramel Bradley and the freshman can elevate their games Kentucky looks like the team set to challenge Tennessee for "second-best in the East" honors.  7 foot 2 center, Jared Carter, has been lost for the season with a shoulder injury which will shake up Tubby's starting five and force some players to change roles.  

South Carolina

Coach:

 Dave Odom - 6th Season

Last Year's SEC Record:

6-10 

Returning Stars:

• Brandon Wallace 6-9, 196, Sr. C/F - Wallace improved at the end of last season expected to be a shot blocking force with his 84” wingspan.  Wallace will have to work hard to replace Balkman's numbers.
• Tre’ Kelley 6-0, 183, Sr. PG - All SEC candidate and team leader. Kelley led SEC in assists last two seasons and he was named to the ’06 SEC All-Tournament Team.

Impact New Additions:

• Dominique Archie 6-7, 198, (R) Fr. F - With his 82” wingspan and intensity, Archie proved himself in practice and was rewarded with starting job.  Archie should be able to lighten Wallace's load down low.
• Brandis Raley-Ross 6-2, 180, Fr. G - Raley-Ross is a penetrating guard with a good outside shot.  South Carolina will rely on Raley-Ross for substantial minutes and a large part of its offense.

Predicted Regular Season:

5-11 

Post Season:

With the last two NIT tournament trophies, Odom’s team should be a shoe in for the NCAA tournament if they can keep their conference record over .500 and make it past the first round of the SEC tournament.  Too bad keeping their conference record above .500 will be a near impossibility in the loaded East.

Overall:

Fact: this team has only 9 scholarship players after early exit and transfers from some players. This leaves the Gamecocks looking for answers.  To put it frankly, this team has no depth and will get into foul trouble throughout the SEC season.  There will be a lot of pressure on a young team that isn't quite ready for the success of the previous two years.  Look for South Carolina to struggle early and often through SEC play.  However, Dave Odom has consistently fielded teams that peak at just the right time, a la NIT Tournament victories in '05 and '06 and the Gamecocks impressive run into last years SEC tournament.

Tennessee

Coach:

Bruce Pearl - 2nd Season 

Last Year's SEC Record:

12-4

Returning Stars:

• Chris Lofton 6-2, 197, Jr. G - Devastatingly quick getting his shot off, Lofton is one of the best shooters in the NCAA, and he holds nearly every UT 3 point record after only 2 seasons.  Lofton will need to lead this young team and create his own shot if the Vols are to compete in conference play.
• Dane Bradshaw 6-4, 200, Sr. F - Great rebounder for his size, Dane plays with intensity and fearlessness. Injuries would be the only thing to slow down this senior whose leadership will be crucial.
• JaJuan Smith 6-2, 190, Jr. G - One of last seasons best sixth men nationally, Smith was able to spark his teammates and provide turnovers with his tenacious d.  Making the transition to the starting lineup may prove to be difficult for Smith but look for him to shine and carry this team when they need him.

Impact New Additions:

• Duke Crews 6-7, 235,  Fr. F/C - Talented and one of three potential NBA guys in Pearl's first full recruiting class at UT.  Crews is long and athletic which makes up for his height disadvantage when going against SEC bigmen.  Look for Crews and Wayne Chism to split time at center to keep fresh legs and five more fouls haunting the opponents' big men.
• Wayne Chism 6-9, 230, Fr. F/C - Chism is an ideal four man for Tennessee but will play most of his time at center this season.  Look for Chism to not only fire up three balls but sink them as well, he has a soft touch and rebounds well.  Chism compliments Crews' game and the two could hold the keys to a successful Volunteer season.

Predicted Regular Season:

9-7

Post Season:

The Vols are looking at a 6 or 7 seed in the NCAA Tourney 

Overall:

Bruce Pearl’s team is young and athletic, but the Volunteers will miss solid point guard C.J. Watson and big man Major Wingate.  With a star studded recruiting class and returning players Dane Bradshaw, Chris Lofton, and Jajuan Smith the Vols hope to build on a successful 2005-2006 campaign that earned them a number 2 seed in the NCAA tournament.  This team is certainly due to progress as the season moves on but expecting another 20 win season may be a pipe-dream.  Tennessee has a target on its back after running through the East division last season. And the second or third time a team sees the Vols' pressing style of basketball the they usually begin to find ways of exploiting the over pursuit.  This team is undersized and under-experienced and a year away from becoming something truly special.  However, if Duke Crews, Wayne Chism, and Romar Smith can blossom by the time SEC play rolls around, Rocky Top may be celebrating another terrific season.

Vanderbilt 

Coach:

Kevin Stallings - 8th Season

Last Year's SEC Record:

8-8 

Returning Stars:

• Shan Foster 6-6, 200, Jr. G/F - Solid perimeter player with a smooth stroke on his threes.
• Derrick Byars 6-7, 220, Sr. G/F - UVA transfer Byars is the second of the two super wing men on coach Stallings' team.  Versatile, Byars can play all five positions and is a solid defender. He is also the  fastest guy on the and the most complete player Vanderbilt has.
  

Impact New Additions:

• Jermaine Beal 6-3, 200, Fr. G - Beal has a 6-6 wingspan and a powerful game. He will be one of the few players that won’t be undersized during SEC play. A pass-first point guard who can help the solid wing players score.  Only time will tell if he gets to play over last season’s backup/starting point guard alex Gordon.
• George Drake 6-4, 210, (R) Fr. G - Alabama’s Mr. Basketball runner-up, a smart player who attacks the basket and can shoot the three, being the fourth option behind two All-SEC caliber guys at the wing could mean little playing time for Drake this season.

Predicted Regular Season:

6-10 

Post Season:

Not this season, after last season’s NIT debacle Vanderbilt will be lucky to garner an invite to any post season tournaments.

Overall:

A small team that will potentially get bullied by the lottery pick centers found throughout the SEC. this team will need to rely on veteran leadership if they plan to match their .500 record from last year. Two of their toughest SEC West opponents (Alabama and Arkansas) will be visiting Nashville which could make for some potential upsets.