NBA Draft 2022: 5 SEC basketball players improving their stock

Feb 5, 2022; Athens, Georgia, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Wendell Green Jr. (1) reacts with forward Chris Moore (5) after making the game deciding basket against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

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Scotty Pippen SEC Basketball Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /

SEC basketball has been on a tear this season as the NCAA Tournament approaches. Take a look at five players that have increased their stock in this year’s NBA Draft.

6-foot-3 junior Scotty Pippen Jr, Guard, Vanderbilt Commodores

Scotty Pippen Jr. has been one of SEC basketball’s top names after testing the NBA Draft waters a season ago. The 2020-21 first-team All-Conference selection is back and producing on the hardwood as he makes his claim for a spot in this year’s NBA Draft.

The 6-foot-3 guard is posting 18.7 ppg, 3.7 apg, 3.5 rpg, and 1.8 spg while shooting 31.5 percent from 3-point land and 42 percent from the field in 2021-22. He’s on pace to produce a lot more than he did a season ago as a top name in SEC basketball.

Despite Vanderbilt basketball’s overall record, Pippen still ranks second in SEC basketball in points per game, first in free throws made (120), and ninth in total steals (41). He’s shown flashes of his potential at the guard spot this season.

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He’s dropped 30+ points on three different occasions this season, including on the road against highly-ranked Kentucky Wildcats back on Feb. 2. He finished with 33 points on 11-of-23 shooting, 2-of-5 shooting from 3-point range, and 9-of-12 shooting from the free-throw line to go along with six rebounds and five assists.

He’s a combo guard with quite the potential as a playmaker and scorer, given his pedigree. He should draw some attention from scouts in this year’s NBA Draft.

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