SEC Basketball: 10 questions looming for the 2021-22 season

SEC Basketball: 10 key questions looming for the 2021-22 season

Mar 2, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats talks to Alabama Crimson Tide guard Jahvon Quinerly (13) and Alabama Crimson Tide guard John Petty Jr. (23) during the second half against Auburn Tigers at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

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Bruce Pearl SEC Basketball Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Which team will be the biggest surprise in the SEC this year?

Last year, it was the Alabama Crimson Tide that seemed to exceed expectations across the SEC basketball landscape. In a conference that continues to improve and develop talent by the season, which team is due to turn things around in 2021-22?

The Vanderbilt Commodores finished the worst overall in conference action this past season at 3-13 under head coach Jerry Stackhouse. With leading scorer and distributor Scotty Pippen Jr. (20.9 ppg, 4.9 apg) back and 7-foot defensive anchor Liam Robbins (Minnesota) out of the transfer portal, 2021-22 could be the year the Commodores turn a corner.

The Auburn Tigers are looking to shake off a rough season despite seeing success with Sharife Cooper in the backcourt. This season, returners Jaylin Williams and Allen Flanigan alongside newcomers Walker Kessler (UNC) and Jabari Smith are set to lead things with what should be a defensive-minded squad.

The South Carolina Gamecocks were another team that didn’t have a strong 2020-21 campaign, going 6-15 on the year. A.J. Wilson (George Mason) and Erik Stevenson (Washington) are two names from the transfer portal that should turn things around for them given their impact on both ends of the floor.

There’s a ton of teams at the bottom of the pack in SEC basketball looking to turn things around. Look for one of these squads to make waves this upcoming season.

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