SEC Basketball: Top 25 returning players for 2019-20 season

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – MARCH 23: Javonte Smart #1 of the LSU Tigers celebrates their 69-67 win over the Maryland Terrapins in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Vystar Memorial Arena on March 23, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

10. Jordan Bowden | Tennessee | G | Senior |

The Tennessee squad of 2018-19 lost four very valuable seniors that were a big part in allowing them to have such a great season. Despite losing four guys that meant so much, Tennessee is not yet down and out. They return an excellent guard in Jordan Bowden. Bowden was 5th on the team in scoring last year, averaging 10.6 ppg.

He was not quite as fast of a guard as Jordan Bone, but this year, he is the quickest guard on the roster. His increased role along with that of fellow guard, Lamonte Turner, will lead to scoring more points and becoming a more dominant offensive force in the SEC. Bowden is talented enough to keep Tennessee relevant and as a tough competitor in the SEC once again.

9. Ja’vonte Smart | LSU | G | Sophomore |

If you did not happen to notice Ja’vonte Smart for his basketball ability, there is a good chance that you did notice that he enjoys wearing his shorts a heck of a lot shorter than most college basketball players typically do. Don’t mind that because you should be taking notice of how great of a player he is. As a freshman last year, Smart averaged 11.1 ppg.

In LSU’s overtime victory over Tennessee on February, 23rd, Smart was the best player on the floor, scoring 29 points and hitting some very important shots that ultimately determined the outcome of the game. This year, he will have to do that more often and be able to put up large amounts of points and lead the Tigers to victory.

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