SEC Basketball: Breakout candidates from each team for 2020-21 season

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 12: The arena sits unused after the announcement of the cancellation of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 12, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The tournament has been cancelled due to the growing concern about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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BUFFALO, NY – MARCH 16: Khadim Sy #2 of the Virginia Tech Hokies (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Mississippi: Khadim Sy

Playing minutes will not be a concern for 2020-21 senior Khadim Sy. Coach Kermit Davis slotted the 6’10 forward in the starting line-up in 28 of the 32 games he played for an average of 23 minutes per game. Over those 23 minutes, he averaged nine points and five-and-a-half rebounds. Mississippi Basketball and Coach Davis are looking to improve upon their 6-12 record and move up in the SEC next season. The Rebels had several difficulties, over the course of the season, but the most obvious was their fourth-worst offense in the conference.

The offensive woes are compounded by the graduation of leading scorer Breein Tyree, who averaged nearly twenty of those points. With the departure of Tyree who led the team with a 30% usage rate, Sy becomes one of three players who are going to improve this season. Luis Rodriguez will also be great and Shon Robinson has a ton of potential, but the added responsibility for Sy will result in him getting a major portion of Tyree’s shots.

Sy is now the team leader in field goal percentage with the second most rebounds and the second-highest usage rate. The by-product of 6’11 Carlos Curry transferring ultimately leaves Sy as the only post player, as Robinson’s 6’11, 212-pound frame is unable to defend the post position for extended minutes.

Sy may not make All-SEC first team, but look for him to replicate 2019-20 All-SEC first team member Nick Richards’ stats of 14 points and eight rebounds.

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