SEC Basketball: Top returning players on each team for 2019-20 season

Mississippi State – Reggie Perry

All while playing just 24 minutes per game, Reggie Perry proved worthy enough of SEC All-Freshman honors and nearly left for the NBA — he likely would’ve been selected on potential alone, but returned to sharpen his game.

The 6-foot-10 big led the Bulldogs in rebounds (7.2) and added 9.7 points per game, a number that jumped to double-digits in conference play. There were times where Perry looked like the best player on the court, a potential double-double machine once he gets going.

There is a large hole left behind in Mississippi State’s offense after Quinndary Weatherspoon’s graduation, but the Bulldogs shouldn’t be worried. Perry has all the talent needed to become an All-SEC selection and dominant force in the paint.

South Carolina – A.J. Lawson

Replacing Chris Silva, especially in the paint, will be a tall task for the Gamecocks. But a breakout freshman campaign from A.J. Lawson at least ensures the South Carolina offense will stay in good hands.

The 6-foot-6 guard is still raw but proved he had star potential in just his lone year at South Carolina. He led the team in assists (2.9) and steals (1.1) per game, all while being the second-leading scorer (13.4 ppg).

Lawson needs to put on a little more weight and improve his shooting numbers but is the key piece toward the Gamecocks’ success in conference play this season.