SEC Basketball: 6 breakout candidates to watch for 2021-22 season

By Matt Melton | Oct 16, 2021

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 27: Walker Kessler #13 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts as time expires during their game against the Florida State Seminoles at the Dean Smith Center on February 27, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 78-70. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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SEC Basketball Jaemyn Brakefield Ole Miss Rebels (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

4. F Alex Tchikou – Alabama Crimson Tide

The defending SEC champions have many different candidates set for a breakout season, but Tchikou is the clear and obvious choice for the Crimson Tide. A redshirt freshman, Tchikou reclassified into the Class of 2020 but was forced to sit out the 2020-21 campaign after suffering an injury in the preseason.

A former four-star recruit, Tchikou is a unique prospect at 6’11 who can score from all three levels, as well as impact a game on the defensive end through blocked shots and rebounding. Tchikou will likely begin the season on the bench, but his size and versatility on both ends of the court could force the redshirt freshman into the Alabama starting lineup sooner rather than later.

3. F Jaemyn Brakefield – Ole Miss Rebels

A former four-star recruit, Brakefield transferred to Ole Miss in the offseason after spending his freshman season a year ago at Duke. Appearing in 22 games with the Blue Devils last season (two starts), Brakefield averaged 3.5 PPG and 2.5 RPG on 40.8% shooting from the field.

Playing a key role in the Rebels frontcourt, Brakefield will most likely begin the 2021-22 campaign as the Rebels starting power forward. A versatile playmaker who can score from all three levels, Brakefield is an easy choice for a breakout candidate in the SEC as he will likely lead the Ole Miss frontcourt in scoring, as well as affect a game in many different ways.

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