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Below are the SEC’s top 5 point guards heading into next year.
1) Zia Cooke — South Carolina
Cooke will be taking the torch from Ty Harris. Under the stewardship of Dawn Staley, she has the experience to excel at the point. Cooke averaged 12.1 points per game last year and added 60 total assists. She is a score-first point guard with vision.
Cooke is also a capable defender. With 35 steals, none was more iconic than her game-winning interception against Mississippi State, as the Gamecocks held on to defeat the Bulldogs 81-79. Cooke has developed a well-rounded game, and it will be a problem for the opposition.
2) Myah Taylor — Mississippi State
Taylor is a pure floor general who can play defense. Vic Schaefer taught Taylor toughness, and she prides her game on it. She racked up 151 assists and 63 steals. Coach Nikki McCray-Penson will rely on Taylor in big moments.
Taylor has proven she can lead the offense. She can create opportunities for teammates and make a play when needed.
3) Destiny Slocum — Arkansas
The Razorbacks’ offense just got lethal with the addition of Slocum, a graduate transfer from Oregon State. Slocum was an offensive force with the Beavers. She averaged 14.9 points with 150 assists throughout her time in Corvallis.
The Razorbacks boast one of the SEC’s most formidable backcourts with Slocum and fellow guard Chelsea Dungee. Slocum and company will be a problem all year long. Expect her to make an immediate impact.
4) Jordan Lewis — Alabama
Lewis plays with unrivaled energy and is a multifaceted weapon for the Crimson Tide. She has a flare for the dramatic and can be counted on. Lewis averaged 13.1 points.
Per Lewis’ play, the Crimson Tide should finish next year and improve from an 18-12 record. Her experience and talent speak for themselves. Look for Lewis’ name to be called frequently.
5) Robyn Benton — Auburn
Benton will be heavily relied on and can score in bunches. She has a steady shot and makes the right decisions. Benson should see the floor more often than not.
Auburn is trending upward, and Benton may be the critical piece in elevating the program to the next level. Benton has a nonstop motor, a strong desire to win.
All five point guards can orchestrate an offense and can make big plays. As it pertains to the Bulldogs, Taylor is just what the doctor ordered for next year’s squad. In her first season as an upperclassman, expect Taylor’s all-round game and leadership to be on full display.
Hail State!