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SEC overview

Personnel losses could open door for up-and-comers

By Mark Schlabach, Special to CNNSI.com

Tayshaun Prince will lead a Kentucky team that may struggle to attain its usual level of success. Jonathan Daniel/Allsport

Order of Finish Eastern Division 1. Tennessee 2. South Carolina 3. Florida 4. Kentucky 5. Georgia 6. Vanderbilt Western Division 1. Arkansas 2. Alabama 3. Mississippi State 4. Auburn 5. Louisiana State 6. Mississippi

Top storylines

The SEC doesn't figure to be as strong as last season, when six teams were invited to the NCAA Tournament. Florida, which lost to Michigan State in the NCAA championship game, saw talented underclassmen Mike Miller and Donnell Harvey leave for the NBA Draft. LSU lost super sophomore Stromile Swift (No. 2 pick of the draft) and center Jabari Smith, who graduated. Auburn lost four seniors, including forward Chris Porter. And Kentucky will be without center Jamaal Magloire, who also graduated.

With last year's powers suffering heavy personnel losses, the door may be open for Arkansas, Alabama or South Carolina, which were all in the midst of rebuilding during the 1999-2000 season. Or maybe it will be Tennessee, which hasn't reached its potential despite an abundance of talent. With senior Tony Harris in the backcourt and Vincent Yarbrough on the wing, this might finally be the season the Vols play deep into March.

There isn't a truly dominant team, but there are enough good ones to put the SEC back near the top in the nation.

How they will spend Selection Sunday
Relaxing	Sweating	Fishing
Tennessee, Arkansas, South Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama, Florida	Mississippi State, Georgia, Auburn	Vanderbilt, Mississippi, LSU

Players to Watch

Top Three Frontcourt Players

Vincent Yarbrough, Tennessee • Yarbrough, a junior, has his eyes on the NBA Draft and he's tired of playing second fiddle to teammate Tony Harris. Joe Johnson, Arkansas • He finished fourth in the SEC in scoring as a freshman last season. He might be another underclassmen ready to jump to the pros. Tayshaun Prince, Kentucky • He is the Cats' top returner in scoring and rebounding; needs to improve outside shooting.

Top Three Backcourt Players

Tony Harris, Tennessee • Maybe the senior will finally mature and quit shooting so much. Brett Nelson, Florida • The West Virginia playground legend was the first Florida freshman to lead team in steals and assists. D.A. Layne, Georgia • A fantastic 3-point shooter, the junior needs to improve on defense and distribution.

Top Three Newcomers

Gerald Wallace, Alabama • Arguably the nation's top recruit, he'll have to replace leading scorer Schea Cotton. Mario Austin, Mississippi State • The 260-pound freshman will form a formidable duo with 245-pound banger Robert Jackson. Ezra Williams, Georgia • Ineligible last season because of academic problems, Williams is a terrific outside shooter and slasher.

Coaches

Hot Coach

Billy Donovan, Florida • He took the Gators to the Final Four last season. What does he do for an encore?

Coach on the Hot Seat

Jerry Green, Tennessee • The Vols won a share of the SEC East title last season, but Tennessee also suffered a first-round loss in the SEC Tournament and then a third-round exit in the NCAAs. His teams annually underachieve.

Schedules

Toughest Schedule

Georgia • What was Jim Harrick thinking? His team won 10 games last season and he schedules Minnesota, Pepperdine, N.C. State, Wake Forest, California, Fresno State and Villanova for non-conference games.

Quickest-Way-to-20-Wins Schedule

Alabama • It's the typical Crimson Tide non-conference schedule: Louisville and every directional school in the Southeast.

Mark Your Calendar

Dec. 2, Florida vs. DePaul • Two of the nation's more athletic teams and Donovan vs. former Florida State coach Pat Kennedy. Jan. 30, Florida vs. Tennessee • The SEC East title could be at stake; the teams went into overtime in two games last season. Feb. 14, Tennessee vs. Kentucky • There's no love lost in this Valentine's Day matchup; the Vols won by seven points in Knoxville last season. Feb. 28, Alabama vs. Arkansas • The two SEC West favorites meet in the final week of the regular season.

Mark Schlabach covers the SEC for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and will write a conference insider for CNNSI.com this season.

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