Top SEC Men’s Basketball performers of the week
It was the final week of regular-season play in the SEC. Find out who had memorable finales in this week’s top performers.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee freshman forward #2 Grant Williams looks for an official's foul call during the Vols' game against Missouri on Feb. 18, 2017, in Thompson-Boling Arena.
Sindarius Thornwell, Guard, South Carolina
The potential SEC Player of the Year made his case for that title once again this past week, as he scored 22 points and added four rebounds, six assists, three assists and two steals in a 63-57 win against Mississippi State on Tuesday. Thornwell added an even more impressive performance on Saturday, but was unable to will his team to victory. In the loss 75-70 loss to Ole Miss, Thornwell scored 25 points and picked up seven boards, six assists and two steals. Although the Gamecocks didn’t win, Thornwell’s performance proved why he should receive the conference’s top honor.
Luke Kornet, Forward, Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt has been a surprisingly good SEC team this season, in large part because of the play of 7-foot-1 senior Luke Kornet. On Tuesday, the Commodores nearly upset Kentucky in Rupp Arena, but came up short, 73-67. Kornet’s performance in that game, however, was a bright spot for Vandy. The senior led his team with 21 points and added five boards.
Although Vanderbilt couldn’t upset Kentucky earlier in the week, the Commodores found a way to steal a game from a different conference foe. Kornet once again led his team in scoring, but this time it was enough to push Vandy over the hump in a 73-71 upset victory over the Florida Gators. In that game, Kornet scored 24 points and added another six rebounds.
Grant Williams, Forward, Tennessee
It’s been a rocky season on Rocky Top, but freshman forward Grant Williams has been anything but shaky. Williams put up a double-double in a 92-82 loss, scoring 16 points and setting a career high in rebounds with 14.
On Saturday, the Charlotte native posted yet another double-double with 16 points, but collected “only” 10 rebounds. He did ad three monstrous blocks to go with his offensive outburst. Williams may not be there yet, but he’ll be a star in the league for years to come.
Edited by David Bradford
Featured image by Brad Blackwelder
When Robert isn't writing stories for the greatest online news site of all time, he enjoys playing the tuba, hanging out with friends, and opening the "T" on Saturdays in Knoxville. You can follow him on Twitter-@tnytuba09
