SEC Basketball: Top 15 players entering 2020-21 season

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 21: Keyontae Johnson #11, Tre Mann #1, and Scottie Lewis #23 of the Florida Gators look on against the Utah State Aggies during the second half of the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic at BB&T Center on December 21, 2019 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

7 of 12

Olivier Sarr SEC Basketball Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images /

6. C Olivier Sarr, Kentucky

When Olivier Sarr announced his decision to leave Wake Forest and ultimately transfer to Kentucky, it wasn’t immediately clear if he would be eligible for the 2020-21 season. Well, he is and the SEC should be in fear of the new best big man in the conference.

Many around the country weren’t aware of Sarr over recent years because he played for some rough Demon Deacons teams, but Sarr has developed into one of the best big men in the nation. Last year, he was an All-ACC performer after averaging 13.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. He was also one of the best shot blockers and best free throw shooters in the ACC, the latter a rarity for a man of his size.

Kentucky is a young team (again), so the fact that Sarr is immediately eligible is a huge boon for a squad that would’ve been in need of veteran leadership. Additionally, 7-footers don’t grow on trees, so he’s bound to make an immediate impact in the paint on both ends of the court.

A big key for the Wildcats this season will be keeping Sarr out of foul trouble, something he struggled with last season; the Wildcats don’t have a lot of big men who can spell Sarr when he can’t stay on the court.

Home/SEC