Find out who the SEC’s leading scorers are through week 13 of the college basketball season.
No. 5 Ja’Kobi Gillespie: 18.6 PPG | 2.9 REB | 5.6 AST | 42.7 FG%
The Volunteers’ senior guard, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, has been very consistent through the first half of the season. Gillespie is an experienced guard who has been with Tennessee for four years and came into the season with high expectations, hoping to be among the top guards not only in the SEC but in the nation.
Tennessee basketball is historically known as a strong college basketball program that has struggled to break through at the highest level. That being said, the Volunteers have likely not met expectations so far this season. However, that is certainly not because of Gillespie. He has done his job week in and week out, consistently putting his team in a position to win. Hopefully, the Vols can figure some things out and string together wins in conference play.
No. 4 Darius Acuff Jr.: 19.6 PPG | 2.9 REB | 6.2 AST | 48.7 FG%
Darius Acuff Jr. is a 6’3” freshman point guard out of Detroit, Michigan, who has clearly shown he is a phenomenal athlete. Arkansas has found one of the best playmakers in the country. After watching Acuff throughout the season, the biggest thing that stands out is his ability to get to the rim.
His play style is very similar to Anthony Edwards or Russell Westbrook — a guard who thrives in isolation situations. While that can be effective, relying too heavily on one-on-one basketball is not always how games are ultimately won. Acuff is currently on pace to be a first-round draft pick, but to maintain that trajectory, he will need to improve his off-ball movement and better understand the flow of the offense. All things considered, Acuff has a very bright future ahead of him.
No. 3 Keyshawn Hall: 20.1 PPG | 7.6 REB | 2.9 AST | 47.6 FG%
Having a player like Keyshawn Hall on your roster is invaluable. Hall can score from anywhere on the court and is capable of getting a bucket at any time. However, despite his talent, he has occasionally hurt Auburn this season by turning games into one-on-one matchups at critical moments.
This mirrors some of the issues discussed with Acuff. Hall is an outstanding talent, but he could elevate his game and his career by committing more fully to a true offensive system and getting his teammates more involved.
No. 2 Josh Hubbard: 21.7 PPG | 2.3 REB | 3.7 AST | 41.0 FG%
Josh Hubbard is a junior point guard from Mississippi State. While standing just 6 feet tall, he plays like a 6’6” slashing guard. Hubbard controls the offense and does an excellent job of getting everyone involved.
Despite lacking the typical size of an SEC point guard, one could argue he is one of the best finishers at the rim in the conference. He is extremely quick, constantly moving with and without the ball, and a nightmare matchup for defenders. In addition to his finishing ability, Hubbard is also a strong shooter from beyond the arc. He is a solid draft prospect who continues to improve his stock week after week.
No. 1 LeBaron Philon Jr.: 22.2 PPG | 3.5 REB | 5.0 AST | 52.0 FG%
After an outstanding freshman season for the Crimson Tide last year, LeBaron Philon Jr. has shown no signs of slowing down. He is once again leading Alabama to a strong season under head coach Nate Oats.
Philon is an incredibly fast and twitchy guard who can score from virtually anywhere on the court. His presence often feels even more dominant than his stat line, as opposing teams are frequently forced to double-team him, leaving teammates wide open. While Philon does struggle with consistency at times, when he is locked in, he is borderline unstoppable.
