Early SEC 23-24 season predictions

[visitingcock]

LSU
Tennessee
Ole Miss
SC
Alabama
A&M
Miss State
Georgia
Florida
Missouri
Auburn
Kentucky Will win 1 more game than Vandy 1-17
Vanderbilt 0-18

Fourth? Oh woe is us. We don't have the Talent to compete.
(Rotational position players in Italics)

Post:
Kamilla Cardosa (6-7 Sr) (HG top 10)
--------------------------------------------- [Ashlyn Watkins (6-3 Soph)]
Sakima Walker (6-5 Jr) (HG Top 50, JUCO Champ and POTY)

Strong Forward:
Saniya Feagan (6-3 Jr) (HG top 5)
-Ashlyn Watkins (6-3 Soph) (HG Top 15 and McDonalds Dunk Champ)
-------------------------------------------- [Chloe Kitts (6-2 Soph]

Wing/Forward:
Bree Hall (6-0 Jr) (HG Top 15)
Chloe Kitts (6-2 Soph) (HG Top 20)
-------------------------------------------------[Talaysia Cooper (6-0 Soph)]
Sahnya Jah (6-1 Fr.) ( HG Top 50, GEICO championship MOP)

Shooting Guard
Tehina Poa Poa (5-9, C-Jr) (Hoopgurlz Top 10)
-------------------------------------------------- [Milaysia Fulwiley (5-8 Fr)]
-------------------------------------------------- [Bree Hall (6-0 Jr)]
Talaysia Cooper (6-0 Soph) (HG Top 25)
Tessa Johnson (5-10 Fr) (HG Top 25)

Point Guard:
Raven Johnson (5-8 RS-Soph) (HG #2)
------------------------------- ----------------------{Tehina Poa Poa (5-6, C-Jr)]
Milaysia Fulwiley (5-8 Fr) (HG Top15)

Only Sakima Walker, Chloe Kitts and Sahnya Jah were not McDonalds AAs. Kitts was not eligible because she entered school early.

 

[Zanzman]

I was thinking the other day about the inaugural ACC-SEC challenge in the fall and possible matchups. If I were a betting man, I think they will do a VPI vs L$U rematch. Personally I would love to see L$U and Hailey Van Lith at Louisville. Ole Miss @ Chapel Hill, Small Carolina vs ND, Kentucky at Duke, Tenne$$ee at Wake Forest.

How did Duke get Kentucky in your mind when do they get challenged

 

[triaddukefan]

How did Duke get Kentucky in your mind when do they get challenged

Lawson and Elzy were teammates at TN. Both schools have blue and white uniforms. Seems like a quality matchup

 

[Magy Cannon]

I think Cambridge may be their best player. I am just making the point. They should be better than last year. They had three players with season ending injuries before the season started.

Cambridge is in the portal.

 

[Bone Dog]

Fourth? Oh woe is us. We don't have the Talent to compete.
(Rotational position players in Italics)

Post:
Kamilla Cardosa (6-7 Sr) (HG top 10)
--------------------------------------------- [Ashlyn Watkins (6-3 Soph)]
Sakima Walker (6-5 Jr) (HG Top 50, JUCO Champ and POTY)

Strong Forward:
Saniya Feagan (6-3 Jr) (HG top 5)
-Ashlyn Watkins (6-3 Soph) (HG Top 15 and McDonalds Dunk Champ)
-------------------------------------------- [Chloe Kitts (6-2 Soph]

Wing/Forward:
Bree Hall (6-0 Jr) (HG Top 15)
Chloe Kitts (6-2 Soph) (HG Top 20)
-------------------------------------------------[Talaysia Cooper (6-0 Soph)]
Sahnya Jah (6-1 Fr.) ( HG Top 50, GEICO championship MOP)

Shooting Guard
Tehina Poa Poa (5-9, C-Jr) (Hoopgurlz Top 10)
-------------------------------------------------- [Milaysia Fulwiley (5-8 Fr)]
-------------------------------------------------- [Bree Hall (6-0 Jr)]
Talaysia Cooper (6-0 Soph) (HG Top 25)
Tessa Johnson (5-10 Fr) (HG Top 25)

Point Guard:
Raven Johnson (5-8 RS-Soph) (HG #2)
------------------------------- ----------------------{Tehina Poa Poa (5-6, C-Jr)]
Milaysia Fulwiley (5-8 Fr) (HG Top15)

Only Sakima Walker, Chloe Kitts and Sahnya Jah were not McDonalds AAs. Kitts was not eligible because she entered school early.

View attachment 88110

I'll put in my 2 cents for SC to win the SEC and probably beat LSU twice. The front line just looks too strong. Watkins and Feagins alone look to be enough to close off Reese and Morrow. There's just so much athleticism there. Add in Kamila and it's no contest in my view.

I'm not impressed by Kitts, but the team doesn't need her to be great to win. I'm not even sure Pao Pao is an essential addition. A backcourt of Bree and Raven, backed up by Cooper, Fulwiley and Tessa will already be formidable. Anything Kitts and Pao Pao can contribute is just gravy.

 

[jdote33]

LSU
SC
Tennessee
Mississippi State
TAMU
Arkansas
Ole Miss
UGA
Bama
Vandy
Mizzou
Florida
Auburn
Kentucky

Any changes? I think I pretty much agree with this list but TAMU could be top 3

 

[militarydog]

Any changes? I think I pretty much agree with this list but TAMU could be top 3

I’d put LSU and SC in a group then Tennessee, MSU, Ole Miss and maybe TAM in the next group.

 

[jdote33]

TAMU	Ark	Ole Miss	Miss State	Ten	SC	LSU
E. Rogers	Samara Spencer	KK Deans	Lauren Park-Lane	Destinee Wells	Raven Johnson	Hailey Van Lith
Sydney Bowles	Sasha Goforth	Maequesha Davis	JerKaila Jordan	Jewel Spear	Te Hina Paopao	Flau'Jae Johnson
Coulibaly	Saylor Poffenbarger	Kennedy Todd Williams	Darrione Rogers	Darby	Bree Hall	Kateri Poole
Barker	Jersey Wolfenbarger	Snudda Collins	Erynn Barnum	Rickea Jackson	Sania Feagin	Aneesah Morrow
Lauren Ware	Maryam Dauda	Kharyssa Richardson	Jessika Carter	Tamari Key	Kamilla Cardoso	Angel Reese

Potential starting 5s in the SEC.

 

[militarydog]

TAMU	Ark	Ole Miss	Miss State	Ten	SC	LSU
E. Rogers	Samara Spencer	KK Deans	Lauren Park-Lane	Destinee Wells	Raven Johnson	Hailey Van Lith
Sydney Bowles	Sasha Goforth	Maequesha Davis	JerKaila Jordan	Jewel Spear	Te Hina Paopao	Flau'Jae Johnson
Coulibaly	Saylor Poffenbarger	Kennedy Todd Williams	Darrione Rogers	Darby	Bree Hall	Kateri Poole
Barker	Jersey Wolfenbarger	Snudda Collins	Erynn Barnum	Rickea Jackson	Sania Feagin	Aneesah Morrow
Lauren Ware	Maryam Dauda	Kharyssa Richardson	Jessika Carter	Tamari Key	Kamilla Cardoso	Angel Reese

Potential starting 5s in the SEC.

Looking at the lineups side by side Arkansas and Ole Miss don’t look as impressive as the others.

A couple of opinions: I predict J Malone starts over L Ware unless Ware is completely healthy. I predict the freshman M Williams starts for LSU in place of Poole.

 

[GamecockFam]

Looking at the lineups side by side Arkansas and Ole Miss don’t look as impressive as the others.

A couple of opinions: I predict J Malone starts over L Ware unless Ware is completely healthy. I predict the freshman M Williams starts for LSU in place of Poole.

I agree. I expect both teams to be competing for NCAA tournament bids but I don't expect them to be at the top of the SEC. Maybe Coach Yo will work her magic again this season but I get the feeling they're maintaining status quo while a few teams have upgraded their talent.

My guess as of today:

1. LSU
2. South Carolina
3. Tennessee
4. Miss State
5. Texas A&M
6. Ole Miss
7. Arkansas

 

[dws3665]

TAMU	Ark	Ole Miss	Miss State	Ten	SC	LSU
E. Rogers	Samara Spencer	KK Deans	Lauren Park-Lane	Destinee Wells	Raven Johnson	Hailey Van Lith
Sydney Bowles	Sasha Goforth	Maequesha Davis	JerKaila Jordan	Jewel Spear	Te Hina Paopao	Flau'Jae Johnson
Coulibaly	Saylor Poffenbarger	Kennedy Todd Williams	Darrione Rogers	Darby	Bree Hall	Kateri Poole
Barker	Jersey Wolfenbarger	Snudda Collins	Erynn Barnum	Rickea Jackson	Sania Feagin	Aneesah Morrow
Lauren Ware	Maryam Dauda	Kharyssa Richardson	Jessika Carter	Tamari Key	Kamilla Cardoso	Angel Reese

Potential starting 5s in the SEC.

The Ark starters are probably going to be Makayla Daniels, Spencer, Goforth, Poffenbarger, and Dauda. I think Wolfenbarger begins the season as 6th woman (maybe co-6th woman with Taliah Scott).

 

[Bone Dog]

I was gonna say Tennessee looks weaker for next year than last year and Arkansas looks stronger. Goforth Spencer and Poffenbarger look like a strong backcourt to me. But maybe I’m expecting too much from Saylor.

 

[GamecockFam]

I was gonna say Tennessee looks weaker for next year than last year and Arkansas looks stronger. Goforth Spencer and Poffenbarger look like a strong backcourt to me. But maybe I’m expecting too much from Saylor.

Losing Barnum was a huge blow. They have always had good guard play, that's never been the question, but they are severely undermanned to face the rest of the SEC without a dominant big. A healthy Barnum could have really helped on the defensive interior.

 

[Tangential]

TAMU	Ark	Ole Miss	Miss State	Ten	SC	LSU
E. Rogers	Samara Spencer	KK Deans	Lauren Park-Lane	Destinee Wells	Raven Johnson	Hailey Van Lith
Sydney Bowles	Sasha Goforth	Maequesha Davis	JerKaila Jordan	Jewel Spear	Te Hina Paopao	Flau'Jae Johnson
Coulibaly	Saylor Poffenbarger	Kennedy Todd Williams	Darrione Rogers	Darby	Bree Hall	Kateri Poole
Barker	Jersey Wolfenbarger	Snudda Collins	Erynn Barnum	Rickea Jackson	Sania Feagin	Aneesah Morrow
Lauren Ware	Maryam Dauda	Kharyssa Richardson	Jessika Carter	Tamari Key	Kamilla Cardoso	Angel Reese

Potential starting 5s

TAMU	Ark	Ole Miss	Miss State	Ten	SC	LSU
E. Rogers	Samara Spencer	KK Deans	Lauren Park-Lane	Destinee Wells	Raven Johnson	Hailey Van Lith
Sydney Bowles	Sasha Goforth	Maequesha Davis	JerKaila Jordan	Jewel Spear	Te Hina Paopao	Flau'Jae Johnson
Coulibaly	Saylor Poffenbarger	Kennedy Todd Williams	Darrione Rogers	Darby	Bree Hall	Kateri Poole
Barker	Jersey Wolfenbarger	Snudda Collins	Erynn Barnum	Rickea Jackson	Sania Feagin	Aneesah Morrow
Lauren Ware	Maryam Dauda	Kharyssa Richardson	Jessika Carter	Tamari Key	Kamilla Cardoso	Angel Reese

Potential starting 5s in the SEC.

Thanks for the chart of the potential starting lineups for the consensus top 7 teams of what should clearly be the best conference (for the top half) in the country this year. As visitingcock pointed out, South Carolina's quantity of quality depth is immense; however LSU has some nice pieces off the bench, as do the LVs.

It will be really interesting to see how Morrow fits in as her best attribute of offensive rebounding is somewhat mitigated by being duplicated by Reese and her height in SEC play, etc. Maybe she will continue to develop her outside game, but last year that resulted in extremely high usage, low efficiency, and not great results for her team. Her usage won't be as high either with Van Lith, Angel, Williams, Flau'Jae, etc.

Generally, it takes a while to incorporate a lot of quality transfers as we saw with Tennessee who couldn't beat any of their quality nonconference foes last year. LSU went the other route and chose not to play any, which probably resulted in less team doubt and turmoil.

As of now:

1. LSU (I have too much respect for Kim, even compared to other great coaches in this conference)
2. SC (good chance that I move them to #1)
3. Tenn
4. MSU
5. A&M
6. Ole Miss
7. Ark
8. Bama
9. GA
10. Auburn
11. Mizzou
12. Florida
13. Vanderbilt
14. Kentucky

 

[jdote33]

Thanks for the chart of the potential starting lineups for the consensus top 7 teams of what should clearly be the best conference (for the top half) in the country this year. As visitingcock pointed out, South Carolina's quantity of quality depth is immense; however LSU has some nice pieces off the bench, as do the LVs.

It will be really interesting to see how Morrow fits in as her best attribute of offensive rebounding is somewhat mitigated by being duplicated by Reese and her height in SEC play, etc. Maybe she will continue to develop her outside game, but last year that resulted in extremely high usage, low efficiency, and not great results for her team. Her usage won't be as high either with Van Lith, Angel, Williams, Flau'Jae, etc.

Generally, it takes a while to incorporate a lot of quality transfers as we saw with Tennessee who couldn't beat any of their quality nonconference foes last year. LSU went the other route and chose not to play any, which probably resulted in less team doubt and turmoil.

As of now:

1. LSU (I have too much respect for Kim, even compared to other great coaches in this conference)
2. SC (good chance that I move them to #1)
3. Tenn
4. MSU
5. A&M
6. Ole Miss
7. Ark
8. Bama
9. GA
10. Auburn
11. Mizzou
12. Florida
13. Vanderbilt
14. Kentucky

Great point about the top 3 teams benches. It really may be the separator as A&M and MSU have really talented potential starting units. Harper and Mulkey in particular are not afraid to use their bench and both teams should have quality experienced players off their bench.

 

[militarydog]

Great point about the top 3 teams benches. It really may be the separator as A&M and MSU have really talented potential starting units. Harper and Mulkey in particular are not afraid to use their bench and both teams should have quality experienced players off their bench.

It is a great point. Regarding MSU’s bench, R Parker will be the backup at five and four. D Powe will be the primary at three and four. Powe was freshman All SEC. She was a starter and one of the leaders minutes played last season and will push for major minutes again. R Parker will likely play more four and E Barnum will slide to the post when they are paired. There is also the big 6-6 freshman. Front court starters and backups are fine. However, other than D Rogers sliding to the back court, the depth there consists of two freshmen and a junior college player. MSU could really use one more experienced combo guard.

 

[Tangential]

It is a great point. Regarding MSU’s bench, R Parker will be the backup at five and four. D Powe will be the primary at three and four. Powe was freshman All SEC. She was a starter and one of the leaders minutes played last season and will push for major minutes again. R Parker will likely play more four and E Barnum will slide to the post when they are paired. There is also the big 6-6 freshman. Front court starters and backups are fine. However, other than D Rogers sliding to the back court, the depth there consists of two freshmen and a junior college player. MSU could really use one more experienced combo guard.

Agreed. Debreasha had a really nice start, but ran into a bit of a Freshman wall (which most did -- even Latson & Flau'Jae; Cotie, not so much), and relied on the 3 too often (shot more 3's than 2's going 30% from deep, resulting in an overall FG% in the 30s). That being said, I think that Powe will take a major step forward in her sophomore year.

Parker did get more comfortable as the year progressed and she will be needed against frontcourt depth vs. top-tier SEC competition. I am a big fan of Coach Purcell's enthusiasm as it relates to recruiting and motivating the team, but his in-game decisions left a lot to be desired (especially and ironically in their win vs TN).

 

[SCGamecock]

I was gonna say Tennessee looks weaker for next year than last year and Arkansas looks stronger. Goforth Spencer and Poffenbarger look like a strong backcourt to me. But maybe I’m expecting too much from Saylor.

Poffenbarger looked great in her games vs. SC. I think she’s due for a breakout.

 

[dws3665]

Losing Barnum was a huge blow. They have always had good guard play, that's never been the question, but they are severely undermanned to face the rest of the SEC without a dominant big. A healthy Barnum could have really helped on the defensive interior.

I think you have that wrong. Barnum's biggest weakness is her defense. She is very crafty with the ball and can score in a number of ways, as long as she isn't guarded by someone like Boston. But on defense, she is pretty average.

 

[SECbbfan24]

I think you have that wrong. Barnum's biggest weakness is her defense. She is very crafty with the ball and can score in a number of ways, as long as she isn't guarded by someone like Boston. But on defense, she is pretty average.

I think Arkansas is going to be electric with their guard play, but I do think its a sincere question on who's going to be able to be competitive in the paint. We know Arkansas has guards who are quick and able to generate a lot of offense. But the Lack of an interior presence (rebounding and defense) is a major concern for Arkansas at this point. I was very high on Dauda coming out of HS but waiting and see how she will be able to handle a bigger role inside this coming year.

 

[dws3665]

I think Arkansas is going to be electric with their guard play, but I do think its a sincere question on who's going to be able to be competitive in the paint. We know Arkansas has guards who are quick and able to generate a lot of offense. But the Lack of an interior presence (rebounding and defense) is a major concern for Arkansas at this point. I was very high on Dauda coming out of HS but waiting and see how she will be able to handle a bigger role inside this coming year.

As is every Hog fan. I was really hoping to see us land some help from the portal, but it certainly seems at this point that Neighbors is willing to roll with Dauda and Ellis in the post.
I don't think Maryam was fully healthy this past year. I am hopeful that another off-season of rehab will get her back to her potential.

 

[Bone Dog]

Any thoughts on why Wolfenbarger isn’t an effective post player?

 

[amb3096]

Any thoughts on why Wolfenbarger isn’t an effective post player?

Because she's not a post player. She's a wing who lost her shooting touch.

 

[Bone Dog]

Because she's not a post player. She's a wing who lost her shooting touch.

I already got that. She’s listed as a 6’5” guard. Why isn’t she a post? At least a high post? That length is an asset in the paint or at the top of the key or the elbow, but it can be a liability on the perimeter if it entails lack of quickness.

 

[dws3665]

She is still adjusting to her massive growth spurt, imo. Her shot is just absurdly flat most of the time, and she is really struggling with it. She's improved her off-ball movement and she is becoming a pretty solid defender.

 

[GamecockFam]

I think you have that wrong. Barnum's biggest weakness is her defense. She is very crafty with the ball and can score in a number of ways, as long as she isn't guarded by someone like Boston. But on defense, she is pretty average.

Oh I know it was a weakness but she was probably the best y'all had on last year's team. She brought that x factor that I haven't seen from any other post on last year's team.

 

[GamecockFam]

Thanks for the chart of the potential starting lineups for the consensus top 7 teams of what should clearly be the best conference (for the top half) in the country this year. As visitingcock pointed out, South Carolina's quantity of quality depth is immense; however LSU has some nice pieces off the bench, as do the LVs.

It will be really interesting to see how Morrow fits in as her best attribute of offensive rebounding is somewhat mitigated by being duplicated by Reese and her height in SEC play, etc. Maybe she will continue to develop her outside game, but last year that resulted in extremely high usage, low efficiency, and not great results for her team. Her usage won't be as high either with Van Lith, Angel, Williams, Flau'Jae, etc.

Generally, it takes a while to incorporate a lot of quality transfers as we saw with Tennessee who couldn't beat any of their quality nonconference foes last year. LSU went the other route and chose not to play any, which probably resulted in less team doubt and turmoil.

As of now:

1. LSU (I have too much respect for Kim, even compared to other great coaches in this conference)
2. SC (good chance that I move them to #1)
3. Tenn
4. MSU
5. A&M
6. Ole Miss
7. Ark
8. Bama
9. GA
10. Auburn
11. Mizzou
12. Florida
13. Vanderbilt
14. Kentucky

I don't mean this as a slight to your rankings and this is more of a general comment but your ranking of Auburn and Mizzou got me thinking about this...

Auburn, Mizzou, and Kentucky look to be on the downward spiral. Do they have any exciting players on those teams this next season? I really think all three could be candidates for last place in conference. All three of those coaches may be fired by the end of next season.

 

[dws3665]

While the top of the conference seems to be getting a lot better, the bottom of the conference seems to be weakening. @GamecockFam mentions Auburn, Mizzou, and Kentucky. I'd lump in Florida, too.

Mizzou's most exciting players: Hayley Frank, maybe Fr Grace Slaughter?

Auburn's most exciting players: Their 2023-24 roster indicates that Scott-Grayson is coming back (as does a post on her Insta), though ... how? She ought to be out of eligibility. She has played the 3 years of eligibility it was reported that she had. Pairing her with Mingo-Young might be interesting.

Kentucky - Maddie Scherr and Eniya Russell?

Florida - Zippy Brougton returning from injury, Leilani Correa, RaShya Kyle? Matharu?

These could be some very weak teams.

 

[militarydog]

Oh I know it was a weakness but she was probably the best y'all had on last year's team. She brought that x factor that I haven't seen from any other post on last year's team.

I’ll be interested to see how she does paired with J Carter next season. She will be often matched against smaller but quicker players. She should be fine on offense but I want to see how she moves her feet on defense.

 

[YoDore]

She is still adjusting to her massive growth spurt, imo. Her shot is just absurdly flat most of the time, and she is really struggling with it. She's improved her off-ball movement and she is becoming a pretty solid defender.

Oh I know it was a weakness but she was probably the best y'all had on last year's team. She brought that x factor that I haven't seen from any other post on last year's team.

I was hoping coach Neighbors might take a second look at Amauri Williams. I think he offered her in high school. Looks like she has committed to Prairie View A&M. No offense to either side in the transaction, but that really surprises me.