Kentucky Kernel -- Hoops'98

Into the lion's den

The SEC looks to be its toughest in several years

Alabama Crimson Tide

Coach: Mark Gottfried (First Year)
Last Year: 15-16 (6-10 SEC, 4th SEC West)
Returning Starters/Lettermen: 3/9 Newcomers: 8
Leading Scoring/Rebounder: Brian Williams (16.1 ppg) / Jeremy Hays (7.3 rpg)
Comment: A new coach, eight newcomers and renewed hope has Tuscaloosa excited about basketball again after last year's 15-16 record. Sorry, Tide fans.

Arkansas Razorbacks

Coach: Nolan Richardson (14th year, 314-118)
Last Year: 24-9 (11-5 SEC, 2nd SEC West)
Returning Starters/Lettermen: 3/7 Newcomers: 6
Leading Scoring/Rebounder: Pat Bradley (14.8 ppg) / Derek Hood (6.1 rpg)
Comment: Nolan Richardson again has a talented, run-and-gun squad ready to make a drive for the SEC title. Pat Bradley and Kareem Reid hold to keys.

Auburn Tigers

Coach: Cliff Ellis (5th year, 67-55)
Last Year: 16-14 (7-9 SEC, 3rd SEC West)
Returning Starters/Lettermen: 4/6 Newcomers: 7
Leading Scoring/Rebounder: Bryant Smith (13.3 ppg) / Mamadou N'diaye (6.9 rpg)
Comment: Four returning starters and seven newcomers highlight a Tiger team that finished 16-14 in 1997 and appears ready to compete in the SEC West.

Florida Gators

Coach: Billy Donovan (3rd year, 27-32)
Last Year: 14-15 (6-10 SEC, 6th SEC East)
Returning Starters/Lettermen: 3/9 Newcomers: 4
Leading Scoring/Rebounder: Kenyan Weaks (12.7 ppg) / Weaks (4.8 rpg)
Comment: Look out SEC, here come the Gators. Florida may still a year or two away, but don't be surprised if UF springs some impressive upsets in '98.

Georgia Bulldogs

Coach: Ron Jirsa (2nd year, 20-15)
Last Year: 20-15 (7-9 SEC, 4th SEC East)
Returning Starters/Lettermen: 4/9 Newcomers: 3
Leading Scoring/Rebounder: Jumaine Jones (14.7 ppg) / Jones (8.5 rpg)
Comment: The SEC surprise? Georgia. Nine lettermen return to a Bulldog team that finally hit its stride late last season. Watch out Cats and Gamecocks.

Louisiana State Tigers

Coach: John Brady (2nd year, 9-18)
Last Year: 9-18 (2-14 SEC, 6th SEC West)
Returning Starters/Lettermen: 2/3 Newcomers: 10
Leading Scoring/Rebounder: Maurice Carter (14.4 ppg) / Cedric Carter (6.1 rpg)
Comment: This Tiger team is an unknown quantity as 10 newcomers will suit up for the Purple and Gold. Don't expect much from LSU in 1998-'99.

Mississippi Rebels

Coach: Rod Barnes (First Year)
Last Year: 22-7 (12-4 SEC, 1st SEC West)
Returning Starters/Lettermen: 3/9 Newcomers: 6
Leading Scoring/Rebounder: Keith Carter (14.8 ppg) / Jason Smith (6.5 rpg)
Comment: Ole Miss returns a lot, but losses its two most important pieces in Ansu Sesay and head coach Rob Evans. A solid nucleus still remains.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Coach: Rick Stansbury (First Year)
Last Year: 15-15 (4-12 SEC, 5th SEC West)
Returning Starters/Lettermen: 3/7 Newcomers: 6
Leading Scoring/Rebounder: Tyrone Washington (12.9 ppg) / Washington (9.3 rpg)
Comment: A solid recruiting class and a new coach arrive in Starkville to resurrect the Bulldog program. They are still a few years away from competing.

South Carolina Gamecocks

Coach: Eddie Fogler (6th year, 85-64)
Last Year: 23-8 (11-5 SEC, 2nd SEC East)
Returning Starters/Lettermen: 3/9 Newcomers: 4
Leading Scoring/Rebounder: BJ McKie (18.8 ppg) / William Gallman (5.9 rpg)
Comment: BJ McKie is still around, enough said. The 'Cocks have enough firepower to make some noise in the SEC, especially with a weak early schedule.

Tennessee Volunteers

Coach: Jerry Green (2nd year, 20-9)
Last Year: 20-9 (9-7 SEC, 3rd SEC East)
Returning Starters/Lettermen: 5/10 Newcomers: 1
Leading Scoring/Rebounder: Brandon Wharton (15.2 ppg) / C.J. Black (6.8 rpg)
Comment: 10 returnees highlight a very solid Tennessee squad that made it to the NCAA Tournament last year. Look for the Vols to make a return visit.

Vanderbilt Commodores

Coach: Jan van Breda Kolff (6th year, 90-66)
Last Year: 20-13 (7-9 SEC, 5th SEC East)
Returning Starters/Lettermen: 2/7 Newcomers: 6
Leading Scoring/Rebounder: Atiba Prater (8.9 ppg) / Greg LaPointe (3.4 rpg)
Comment: Vandy lost a lot after 1997-'98 so don't expect the Commodores to put up much fight in the talent-laden SEC. At least they're better than football.

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