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SEC Basketball: 5 biggest storylines of 2021 offseason

By Matt Melton

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 13: Jaden Shackelford #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles up court against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of their semifinal game in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Alabama defeats Tennessee 73-68. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 13: Jaden Shackelford #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles up court against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of their semifinal game in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Alabama defeats Tennessee 73-68. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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SEC Basketball Jahvon Quinerly Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Can anyone catch Alabama?

The 2020-21 SEC Regular Season and Tournament champion Crimson Tide are losing a lot of talent off this past season’s team, headlined by SEC Player and Defensive Player of the Year Herbert Jones, but have re-loaded in a big way so far this offseason.

Alabama returns over 60% of their scoring from last season, as well as adding a few key pieces that should make immediate impacts. Incoming 5-star PG JD Davison will be one of the most “must-see” players in the country, while Furman transfer Noah Gurley and former 4-star forward and previously injured Alex Tchikou could play prominent roles in replacing Jones. Alabama will once again be loaded with talent, but can anyone contend with them?

Last season’s 2nd place team in the SEC, Arkansas had a similar rise to Alabama and is rebuilding their team the same way through the transfer portal as they did a year ago. Umude, Lykes, and Toney all will be instant contributors for the Razorbacks, and you could make the argument their transfer additions so far this offseason are even better than last.

What about Kentucky? After one of the worst seasons in program history, the Wildcats have re-loaded partly due to their additions in the transfer portal so far of Davidson transfer Kellan Grady and West Virginia transfer Oscar Tshiebwe. Both will be two of the top players in the SEC, as well as Kentucky once again having their usual top-ranked recruiting class.

Auburn, Mississippi State, and Florida will all also be improved, but is it enough to contend with the Tide? If Alabama plays offense and defense as they did a year ago, it’ll be a steep mountain to climb for any team next season.

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