SEC Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

9. Bobby Portis

A 6’11 forward from Little Rock, Arkansas, Portis found collegiate success right there in his home state. This 5-star prospect was recruited to Arkansas by Mike Anderson and did fantastic work for the Razorbacks beginning in 2013.

Already shining as a freshman, he averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds during a 22-win campaign for the Razorbacks, an improvement over the previous year. Portis had a 35-point outburst in a win over Alabama and led Arkansas to the NIT. He wouldn’t settle in his sophomore season, putting up 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds a game while leading the Razorbacks to the Big Dance. He had a number of fine performances, including an 18-point, 14-rebound performance in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament; a loss to North Carolina.

That second year allowed his true potential to be seen as he led Arkansas back into national relevance. Portis was a Second Team All-American and was named SEC Player of the Year. He was one of the best scorers and rebounders in the league, with decent blocking numbers and impressive shooting numbers from all over the court. After that breakout campaign, Portis became a first round pick in the 2015 NBA Draft and continues to star in the NBA several years later.