2016-2017 SEC women's basketball predictions

The SEC is arguably the strongest conference in women’s college basketball. A total of six teams made the AP preseason Top 25 poll —South Carolina No. 4, Mississippi State No. 10, Tennessee No. 13, Kentucky No. 19, Florida No. 20 and Missouri No. 24— the most of any conference.

A conference once dominated by the Tennessee Lady Vols now has a new queen, as Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks have gone 45-3 in conference play over the past three seasons. However, with programs like Mississippi State and Kentucky on the rise —and Tennessee orchestrating a return to glory—the SEC is as competitive this season as it’s been in years.

Without further ado, here are the preseason awards.

Player of the Year: Diamond DeShields, Tennessee

A South Carolina player has won this award in each of the last three seasons. While both A’ja Wilson —the reigning SEC player of the year— and Alaina Coates form the nation’s top front court, Diamond DeShields is ultimately the top player in the SEC.

From an athletic standpoint, no player in the conference can match DeShields. Her dribbling and ball-handling abilities are so fluid that she’s able to attack from any vantage point she desires. She can drive the lane and finish smoothly at the rim or stop on a dime and pull up for a jumper. DeShields is more of a streaky outside shooter than a consistent one, but even if the jumper isn’t falling, she’s a proven passer with outstanding court awareness and such a superior athlete that she can play and guard multiple positions.

Last season, DeShields posted modest statistics, averaging over 14 points, five rebounds and a pair of assists per contest. However, for the first time in her collegiate career, the redshirt junior wasn’t limited by injuries during the offseason. Remember, this is a player who averaged 18 points per game during her freshman season at North Carolina. In addition, with injuries thinning out Tennessee’s backcourt, DeShields will gain extra opportunities to increase her statistical output across the board.

It’s hard to bet against a host of incredible SEC players that include Wilson, Alaina Coates, Makayla Epps, Victoria Vivians and others, but if DeShields remains healthy, she possesses both the physical and mental tools to have her breakout season in Knoxville.

Defensive player of the Year: A’ja Wilson, South Carolina

What makes South Carolina such a power in women’s college basketball is its offensive and defensive presence in the front court. Led by Wilson —the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year— the Gamecocks were the 11th-best field goal percentage defense in the country last season (opponents only shot 34.7 percent). Credit that largely to Wilson’s knack for blocking —she led the SEC with 103 blocked shots last season— and altering shots, which forces opposing offenses to settle for low-percentage shots on the perimeter.

South Carolina is one of the most disciplined defensive units in the country. With an extra year under her belt, Wilson will dominate even more and easily secure her second-consecutive SEC Defensive Player of the Year award.

Coach of the Year: Robin Pingeton, Missouri

Dawn Staley is expected to lead the Gamecocks to another SEC crown and attain another No. 1 seed. Vic Schaefer is no longer surprising people with how well-coached his Mississippi State Bulldogs are. Holly Warlick could win her first SEC Coach of the Year award if she resurrects Tennessee from its doldrums, but Missouri’s Robin Pingeton is prime for national recognition.

The Tigers have steadily improved under the guidance of Pingeton. Last season, Mizzou posted a record of 22-10, its most wins since the 2000-2001 season. Although the Tigers only finished seventh in the SEC and were bounced in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the preseason No. 24 team in the country returns four of its top scorers from last season.

If Missouri manages to continue its ascension in the SEC and earns yet another birth into the NCAA Tournament, then Pingeton will be an easy choice for this award.