SEC Blog

Player of the Week

With his Commodores having dropped three of four games, Jenkins raised his marksmanship to new levels of proficiency. In comfortable road victories at Mississippi and at Georgia, the junior guard cashed in on 13/16 field goal attempts, 10/12 three-pointers and 18/21 free throws. Those 21 FT’s matched his total from the prior six games combined. He scored 54 points for an astounding 3.4 points per shot attempt. Jenkins leads the nation in treys made (3.9 per game) while still holding firm at 13th in percentage (45.9). In a word: money. Vanderbilt has a breather versus South Carolina before critical contests at Kentucky and hosting Florida.

Who’s Hot

Florida backcourt

The guard trio of Erving Walker, Brad Beal and Kenny Boynton single-handedly outscored Arkansas on Saturday afternoon 77-68. Walker tallied 31 points on 9/12 shooting, including 5/6 from deep and 8/8 from the charity stripe. Beal scored 21 points on 6/8 shooting, 2/4 3PTers and 7/8 from the line. Boynton finished with 25 points and 10/11 free throws. The Razorbacks entered the game perfect in Fayetteville (17-0), but they were decimated in every facet of the game in a 30-point beat down. Florida shot 58% from the floor, hit 13 three’s, held a +11 edge at the FT line and +17 edge on the glass.

Who’s Cold

Mississippi State

The Bulldogs have dropped three straight games, falling out of the Top 25 and back to .500 in conference play. Three-point shooting, which has been a staple of their offensive attack all season, has let them down to the tune of 19/63 (30%). Additionally, MSU was beaten up on the backboards against Georgia (-7), turned the ball over 21 times at LSU and shot a dreadful 35% at Auburn. To make matters worse, their frontcourt is banged up. Arnett Moultrie is battling a left shoulder injury and Renardo Sidney sat out Saturday night’s game with back spasms. Oh yeah, and the big bad Kentucky Wildcats are coming to town on Tuesday night. With a 50 RPI and 68 SOS, the Bulldogs could be flirting with bubble talk should their struggles persist.

Top 5: Slumping Freshmen to Watch in 2012-2013

Cody Larson, Florida- Redshirt frosh has been setback by injuries and unable to crack the rotation. Larson is a true PF with excellent athleticism for a 245 pounder and could be a major factor next season, particularly if Patric Young leaves for the NBA.

Levi Randolph, Alabama

Long, lanky wing has played major minutes as a freshman. Randolph has struggled to shoot straight (38%), but he’s contributed on the boards and on D. A sure bet to take massive strides as he matures physically.

Ky Madden, Arkansas

6’5 combo guard has had his moments, but all things considered it’s been a season of growing pains. Razorbacks frenetic style is not exactly a recipe for consistent play. Madden is a versatile playmaker when on his game.

Kedren Johnson, Vanderbilt

Penetrating PG has upped his productivity behind more playing time. Seems to have earned Kevin Stallings trust more so than fellow frosh Dai-Jon Parker.Johnson is a likely starter in 2012-2013.

LaDarius White, Mississippi

White has the prototypical shooting guard frame at 6’6 200+. Missed the season’s opening month and subsequently has found difficulty fitting in on a crowded roster. Reputation as a lethal shooter, something the Rebels badly need.

Player Notes

–Festus Ezeli played only 13 minutes at Georgia, attempting 1 field goal, grabbing 1 rebound and committing a ghastly 5 turnovers. Ezeli hasn’t surpassed the 6-rebound mark in seven games.

–Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was snapped back to reality this week, making just 6/25 field goal attempts and 1/14 three’s. He’s been limited to single digit scoring in six SEC games.

–BJ Young is lighting up the scoreboard, but the Razorbacks aren’t benefiting in the W column. He’s averaging 23 PPG over his last four, diminished somewhat by a 7:9 AST: TO ratio.

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