SEC Player of the Year Contenders
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The SEC has consistently been one of the top basketball conferences in the Garden State with the American division arguably being the toughest division in the state. It is filled with multiple players who have the ability to take home…
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Continue ReadingThe SEC has consistently been one of the top basketball conferences in the Garden State with the American division arguably being the toughest division in the state. It is filled with multiple players who have the ability to take home conference player of the year. Here are the top candidates for the SEC Player of the Year.
Jalen Robinson Jalen Robinson 5'10" | PG Columbia | 2023 State NJ , 5’10 PG Columbia 2023
Robinson ran the show efficiently for the Cougars last season and will be shouldering a larger scoring role in his junior campaign. The 5’10 guard has a tight handle and knows how to break his defender down off the bounce. Robinson has a clean release on his jumper and has deep range. He plays with good court vision and is a tough on-ball defender. Robinson had a pair of 20-point and 10-assist games and should have plenty more of those games during his third varsity season.
Spencer Joyner Spencer Joyner 6'4" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ , 6’4 PG Arts 2023
Joyner had a good debut season for the Jaguars, but he is just warming up. The 6’4 guard attacks the basket with a purpose and draws contact with consistency. Joyner is a good finisher around the basket and uses his size to scan the defense over his defender. He is a strong rebounder and makes plays on the defensive end. Joyner is a talented guard prospect who is in store for a big junior season.
David Olaniyi David Olaniyi 5'10" | PG Newark East Side | 2022 State NJ , 5’10 PG Newark East Side 2022
Olaniyi had a breakout junior season as he racked up nine 20-point games in 2021. The 5’10 guard has a nice shooting form and is capable of getting hot in a hurry as evidenced by his six made triples against Payne Tech. Olaniyi is more than just a shooter as he can also beat his defender off the bounce and finish around the rim. He plays with quick hands on the defensive end and is an underrated passer. Olaniyi will be the go-to guy again for Newark East Side in 2021-22 as the Red Raiders look to contend for supremacy in the SEC American Division.
Gavin Kreitz Gavin Kreitz 5'9" | PG Seton Hall Prep | 2022 State NJ , 5’9 PG Seton Hall Prep 2022
Kreitz was a welcome addition to the Pirates as the Ridge transfer wound up leading them in scoring in 2021. The 5’9 guard has a quick release and can bury triples in bunches. Kreitz moves exceptionally well off the ball, setting himself up for easy layups and jumpers. He is a tough defender and makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Kreitz eclipsed the 20-point mark twice last season and should do it more often for Seton Hall Prep in his senior season.
Naceiar Kirksey, PG Shabazz 2022
Shabazz shocked the SEC by going 12-3 in 2021 and Kirksey was a big reason why. He is tough to contain off the bounce and is unafraid of finishing through contact. Kirksey is also a dangerous shooter from distance with four games of at least three made triples. He is a good passer and plays with quick hands on the defensive end. Kirksey had a breakout 2021 season and should build on it in his final varsity season.
Other Prospects to Watch:
Chase Clarke Chase Clarke 6'5" | SF Newark Academy | 2022 State NJ , 6’5 SF Newark Academy 2022
Tavian Pullock Tavian Pullock 6'5" | SF Montclair Immaculate | 2023 State NJ , SF Montclair Immaculate 2023
Khalid Sanders Khalid Sanders 5'11" | PG Kinston | 2024 NC , 5’10 PG Newark Tech 2024
Zahree Brown, 5’10 PG Newark Central 2022
Elijon Nix Elijon Nix 6'0" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ , 6’0 PG Arts 2023