SEC Basketball: 5 biggest storylines of 2021 offseason
By Matt Melton
Will Tennessee, Auburn, Florida, and Mississippi State keep adding?
Aside from the obvious three top teams of Alabama, Arkansas, and Kentucky, are there any SEC Basketball teams that have made more impact additions in recent weeks than Tennessee, Auburn, Florida, and Mississippi State?
Tennessee started the offseason with the addition of Auburn transfer Justin Powell and recently picked up a massive addition in re-classified 5-star forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield. The Volunteers are already set to return a talented roster headlined by two incoming 5-stars, but could they still add to it?
Auburn has added arguably the top available transfer of the offseason in former 5-star North Carolina center Walker Kessler, as well as backcourt depth in transfers Zep Jasper, Wendell Green, and Desi Sills. While the Tigers are set to be a talented team, there is still room to add more, especially in the backcourt.
Florida, while losing a lot of talent to the NBA and transfer portal, has brought in multiple instant impact transfers. Myreon Jones is obviously the piece that sticks out, but the additions of elite defensive guards Phlandrous Fleming and Brandon McKissic may prove to be the most impactful. The Gators could be improved but would leave no doubt with a few other additions.
Mississippi State added two instant impact potential starters recently in North Carolina transfer Garrison Brooks and Memphis transfer DJ Jeffries. The Bulldogs starting five now appears set but would adding more depth make Ben Howland and Co. a legit threat in the SEC next season?
Most, if not all, SEC teams will most likely add to their roster at some point this offseason. However, if these teams, in particular, can add 1-2 more instant impact pieces, it could catapult them to the top of the SEC next season.