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

2. F Jabri Abdur-Rahim – Georgia Bulldogs

For what will be a brand-new-looking Georgia team this season, Abdur-Rahim should feature a prominent role making the sophomore an easy choice for a breakout candidate. Transferring from Virginia in the offseason, Abdur-Rahim appeared in very limited action with the Cavaliers a year ago playing a total of 37 minutes across eight games.

A former Top 50 recruit, Abdur-Rahim should likely slide into Georgia’s starting lineup this season at small forward where he will be one of the most impactful players for the Bulldogs on both ends of the court. A talented all-around player as well, don’t be surprised if the sophomore leads the Bulldogs in most statistical categories this season.

1. C Walker Kessler – Auburn Tigers

The easiest breakout candidate selection in the SEC this season is Kessler, who transferred to Auburn in the offseason from North Carolina. Appearing in 29 games a year ago with the Tar Heels, Kessler averaged 4.4 PPG and 3.2 RPG across 8.8 MPG while shooting an impressive 57.8% from the field.

One of the top overall transfers across all of college basketball in the offseason, the former five-star recruit should instantly step in as the starting center for the Tigers where he will combine with freshman Jabari Smith to compose arguably the top frontcourt duo in the SEC, if not the country. At 7’1, Kessler will have a massive effect on each game Auburn plays on both ends of the court as not only a strong offensive post-presence but also one of the top interior defenders and shot-blockers in the conference.

SEC Basketball as a whole is full of potential breakout candidates with these six players, and possibly more, all set for a massive 2021-22 breakout campaign.