8 players who can help their team advance in the SEC Tournament

Tolu Smith (Mississippi State)

Now in his sixth year in college basketball and his fourth on the court for the Bulldogs, Smith has been quite the weapon for the Bulldogs through all kinds of success and turmoil. His season didn’t actually start until New Year’s Eve thanks to injuries but he made the most out of his chances in the second half of the season.

Smith put up the best numbers of his career in this limited action and averages 16.3 point and 8.2 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs. Mississippi State has greatly benefited from his return, especially as they sit here on the bubble while needing to make an impression.

Smith has used these last two months to make that lasting impression, including 23 points in a win over Tennessee in his first start of the season. He’s since added several double-doubles, scored a season-high 26 at Kentucky, and is shooting nearly 59% from the floor.

Ending the season on four straight losses, Mississippi State fell down to the 9-seed and aren’t in the most desirable position. They’re certainly looking much better with Smith on the back end and will need his contributions if they’re going to pull off a surprise or two in Nashville. We’ve already seen that they’re capable of beating the top teams in the league.