Breakout week wraps up today with the SEC, and as some would say, I saved the best for last. The SEC is a league that has been getting better and better over the past few seasons and while this year could be a down year for the league, there are a lot of pieces gone but with that, there is room for breakout stars. To wrap up breakout week, here are my five breakout candidates for the SEC.
Devan Cambridge – Auburn
When looking at breakout candidates for next season in the SEC, there is no one that should be listed ahead of Devan Cambridge as a potential breakout candidate. Cambridge fits all the molds of one as he is both a really electric guard that should get better playing in the Auburn system and someone that will get a lot of playing time given the Tigers lose their Top-6 scorers from last year’s team. Cambridge averaged 4.2 points and 2.3 rebounds a year ago while he shot 34.2% from three and he did that while playing only 13.1 minutes per game. Cambridge should see his minutes double this season and with him looking like the second option on this Auburn team, he should average anywhere from 10-15 points per game this season.
Tre Mann – Florida
Florida had a ton of talent on paper going into last year but they failed to live up to their preseason expectations. One reason for that was the disappointment of Tre Mann, who was expected to be a lightning rod off the bench but he instead only averaged 5.3 points per game on 27.5% shooting from three and 35.6% shooting from the floor. Last season was no doubt a disappointment but with as much talent as he possesses, he should have a rebound year. Plus add in the fact that Andrew Nembhard is out of the lineup and he will get more of an opportunity to play with the ball in his hands, which will help him increase his production.
Keion Brooks – Kentucky
Coming into every season, Kentucky expects to win the SEC and advance deep in the NCAA Tournament, for that to happen they will need a big step forward from Keion Brooks. Brooks is a physical wing that can play both the 3 and the 4. Brooks averaged 4.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while he shot 47.2% from the floor and 26.3% from three. Brooks is someone that should get better with more time in the program and it will be needed as the Wildcats don’t have a ton of depth past Terrence Clark and BJ Boston.
Josiah James – Tennessee
Tennessee would have likely missed the NCAA Tournament had there been one this past season but going into this season there are high expectations in Knoxville. A big reason for that is that they return four of their five starters, which includes Josiah James. The Volunteers no doubt struggled with a lot of roster changes and the midseason injury to Lamonte Turner which made it difficult for James to find a role. With more lineup continuity and the fact that the Volunteers will need James to step up as a scorer, he should see an increase in production for this upcoming season.
Sahvir Wheeler – Georgia
In 2019, Georgia landed one of the top recruiting classes in the sport and while a big reason for that was the addition of Anthony Edwards, Sahvir Wheeler is the player that could be a staple for the Bulldogs program going forward. Wheeler averaged 9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game a season ago for the Bulldogs while he shot 47.2% from the floor and 32% from three. Wheeler is a small guard, which will hurt his pro chances but while in College he has a chance to have a special career. Look for him to become the go-to guy for the Bulldogs this season while he will look to lead Georgia to a higher finish in the SEC than a season ago.