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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Florida GatorsSEC Basketball John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

6. How will Mike White and the Gators adjust to key departures on offense?

The Florida Gators had an impressive run in 2020-21 though it ended with an upset in the 2021 NCAA Tournament against 15-seed Oral Roberts and the Kevin Obanor/Max Abmas Show. The Gators still managed to go 15-10 on the year and 9-7 in SEC basketball action.

Entering a new season, there are some holes to fill if Florida hopes to remain at the same caliber. Tre Mann (NBA), Scottie Lewis (NBA), and Noah Locke (Louisville) leaves the Gators with just its top two scorers returning in 2021-22 with Colin Castleton and Tyree Applebee leading things in the frontcourt and backcourt, respectively.

They’ll look to four transfers out the portal to make an instant impact. C.J. Felder (Boston College) is a high-flying forward that recorded 9.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game through 19 games last season.

Brandon McKissic (UMKC) should bolster the backcourt on both ends. He was the Summit Defensive Player of the Year in 2020-21 while posting 17.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He also shot 42.9 percent from 3-point range.

Myreon Jones (Penn State) was a staple in the Nittany Lions rotation this past season on offense, racking up 15.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 39.5 percent from 3-point range. He’ll certainly boost the shooting from behind the arc.

Phlan Fleming (Charleston Southern) is probably the most intriguing of the four transfers. He was the back-to-back Big South Defensive Player of the Year the past two seasons while producing 20.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game in 2020-21. He’ll certainly change the defensive pedigree of the Gators this upcoming season.

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