Six freshmen you need to watch this year in the SEC

October 27, 1:10 PMCollege Basketball ExaminerDave Ryan

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After what can only be called a "down" year by power conference standards, the SEC looks poised to take college basketball by storm this season. Most of the league's top talent is back (Pat Patterson, Jarvis Varnardo, Devan Downey, Tyler Smith), while John Calipari, Kentucky's expensive offseason acquisition, just turned Kentucky into a powerhouse with a wave of his magical recruiting wand (may not exist). Here are six freshmen you need to watch this season in the SEC:

1. John Wall-Kentucky-Guard
(Rivals-1) (Scout-2) (ESPN-5)
Although there are some concerns over his eligibility heading into the year, John Wall might just be the most talented player at his position in the entire '09 class. His highlight reel, against NBA players no less, makes you think of a young Steve Francis. One year in college should be more than enough for Wall to hone his point guard skills, so expect him to bolt for the NBA after one season. See-ya, Calipari!

2. Renardo Sidney-Mississippi State-Center
(Rivals-16) (Scout-7) (ESPN-7)
  Believe it or not, Renardo Sidney is another high profile athlete with eligibility issues, much like his predecessor on this list. If you remember correctly Sidney was supposed to play at USC this year, but caution on both sides (or something like that) eventually led to him signing with Mississippi State in the end. Assuming Sidney can get on the court and keep his weight under control (debatable), there's no reason why he can't be a dominant force alongside Jarvis Varnardo for a year or two.

3. DeMarcus Cousins-Kentucky-Center
(Rivals-2) (Scout-3) (ESPN-4)
Kentucky's return to college basketball glory got a kick start the second John Calipari took over as head coach. For a normal school, landing a prep start like DeMarcus Cousins would be the biggest highlight of the offseason. But with John Wall, Daniel Orton, Jon Hood and Eric Bledsoe in the same signing class, Cousins doesn't start his career with nearly the same pressure of being the only hyped recruit on campus. The type of of player who would have likely skipped college altogether if the opportunity presented itself, Cousins should be one of the best big men in the country.

4. Kenny Boynton-Florida-Guard
(Rivals-12) (Scout-15) (ESPN-9)
  Things have been pretty mediocre for the Gators in recent seasons, so the arrival of Boynton to Florida's backcourt is a welcome addition. The 6'3" guard is a big time scorer, and should play 25+ minutes right out of the gate. He even has the range to eventually lead the conference in three pointers if he sticks around for a while, and players like this just find a way to flourish at the college level. The Gators might be a year away from seriously competing for a conference title, but Boynton is a good enough reason to tune in when they are playing this season.

5. John Jenkins-Vanderbilt-Guard
(Rivals-15) (Scout-41) (ESPN-21)
One of the best players to sign with the Commodores in recent memory, Jenkins is the definition of a lights out shooter. This guy averaged 42 points a game in high school ball, and was named the state of Tennessee's Mr. Basketball for his efforts. Some have compared his shooting ability and playing style to that of NBA rookie Stephen Curry, and that's a heck of a lot of praise for a kid who hasn't played a game in college yet. Still, I wouldn't be surprised if Jenkins drops like 35 and helps knock off a big time SEC opponent at some point in the year.

6. Reginald Buckner-Ole Miss-Forward
(Rivals-29) (Scout-79) (ESPN-NR)
Mississippi's only signee from the '09 class, Reggie Buckner will join an Ole Miss frontcourt that lost forward Malcom White to LSU in the spring. Buckner has the size (6'8", 210lbs) and athleticism to play right away, but White's departure made things much easier for the freshman to see extended minutes.

Just Missed: Daniel Orton-Kentucky, Eric Bledsoe-Kentucky, Marshawn Powell-Arkansas, Aaron Dotson-LSU, Jon Hood-Kentucky, Kenny Hall-Tennessee

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