1. Phil Pressey, Jr., Missouri. Pressey was a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award last year, and don't be surprised if he wins this year in Mizzou's inaugural season in the SEC. About the only flaws in his game are that his turnover rate needs to be trimmed a bit, and he's "only" a 37% 3-point shooter. He's automatically the best offensive point guard in the conference from day one, and he'll battle Bama's Trevor Releford as the most disruptive on defense.
2. Trae Golden, Jr., Tennessee. Golden has the chance to be an elite point guard, if only he can cut down on his turnovers. Golden turned it over at least three times in 19 games (56% of the schedule) and three times had six turnovers. But otherwise, he's already a stud. 39% on threes, 47% on twos, and 83% from the line (not to mention his excellent ability to get to the line. And his assist rate was 2nd in the SEC.
3. BJ Young, So., Arkansas. Young is so good that he makes this list despite not even really being a point guard. It's tough to classify his role, though his future in the NBA is at the point. Last year he came off the bench and drained 41% of his threes and 55% of his twos. He also had the highest assist rate for the Hogs. Look for him to expand his role this year.
4. Ryan Harrow, So., Kentucky. Harrow sat last year after transferring from NC State. In his one year at State he performed well in the role of a pure point. He's not a great shooter, but he's not a liability either. His combination of elite quickness, great hands, and the developed moves of a gym rat allow him to get into the paint at will, and once inside the defense he's a classic (and flashy) point. The knocks against him are his size (or lack thereof) that allows to be muscled around, and his penchant for forcing the action.
5. Trevor Releford, Jr., Alabama. Named the the 2nd Team All Conference by the coaches, Releford doesn't generate gaudy assist numbers, but he excels elsewhere. He has an uncanny ability to get to the rack – at only 6-0 tall he took a remarkable 46% shots at the rim. He's not much of a shooter, but with that kind of explosiveness he doesn't have to be. Oh, and watch your hands around him. He stole the ball on 4% of their opponents trips, which led the SEC.
