SEC Basketball: 6 breakout candidates to watch for 2021-22 season
By Matt Melton
6. G Dontaie Allen – Kentucky Wildcats
Averaging 5.4 PPG a year ago while appearing in 22 games, Allen is a popular choice for a 2021-22 breakout candidate after some of his impressive performances a year ago. Finishing the season with a 23-point performance against Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament (his second 23-point showing against the Bulldogs last season), Allen could be set for a big breakout campaign this season.
The Wildcats 2021-22 backcourt is one of the deepest in the entire SEC, and while Allen will likely not start, he should play a key reserve role for Kentucky this season. The redshirt-sophomore will likely see an increase in minutes from a year ago, and will likely be one of the leading scorers off the Wildcats bench.
5. F Mwani Wilkinson – LSU Tigers
A former four-star recruit, Wilkinson appeared in 27 games with the Tigers as a freshman a year ago, 14 of which were starts. Averaging 17 MPG, Wilkinson only averaged 3.6 PPG and 2.7 RPG for the Tigers, but did shoot an impressive 78.4% from the field.
With LSU having to replace three of their top four leading scorers from a year ago, Wilkinson will likely play a key role during the 2021-22 campaign that could see the sophomore forward as a constant in the Tigers starting lineup. Regardless of whether he starts or not, Wilkinson will be a constant presence on the wing for the Tigers this season, and should easily post a breakout 2021-22 campaign.