Once the college basketball season begins, check out The Platinum Sheet for all the Expert picks. The experts are coming off an unbelievable 2013-14 college basketball season where the five men combined for a 60% ATS record (332-225-19), including 62% ATS (56-35-3) in the NCAA Tournament. StatFox Brian led the way with a 69% ATS record (76-34-4) on this season, which included a 77% ATS run (44-13-4) from Jan. 17 to the end of the season. StatFox Dave was 74% ATS (14-5) in Best Bets for the 2014 NCAA Tournament to finish at 62% ATS for the season. StatFox Scott finished 59% ATS (65-46-5) for season Best Bets, while StatFox Gary was close behind with a 57% ATS mark (64-49-2) in college basketball Best Bets.

SEC CONFERENCE 2014-2015 PREVIEW

Predicted Order of Finish:
1. Kentucky
2. Florida
3. LSU
4. Georgia
5. Arkansas
6. Alabama
7. Auburn
8. Ole Miss
9. South Carolina
10. Tennessee
11. Missouri
12. Texas A&M
13. Vanderbilt
14. Mississippi State

KENTUCKY WILDCATS
2013-14SU Record: 73% (29-11)
2013-14 ATS Record: 51% (19-18-1)
2013-14 Over (Total): 43% (15-20-1)
Returning Starters: 3
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 8/5

The Wildcats made it all the way to the national title game last season, and bring back a ton of the talent from that team. It will start with the Harrison twins, as SG Aaron (13.7 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 36% threes) and PG Andrew (10.9 PPG, 4.0 APG, 3.2 RPG) both improved greatly throughout the season, and are both tough to guard at 6-foot-6. While their shooting has improved, the duo is at its best when driving to the basket. In the frontcourt, C Willie Cauley-Stein (6.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.9 BPG) is back after injuring his foot in the NCAA Tournament last year. He is still raw on the offensive end, but the 7-footer can change a game on the defensive end with his shot blocking. Joining him in this formidable frontcourt is 6-foot-8 PF Alex Poythress (5.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG in 18.4 MPG), 6-foot-9 PF Marcus Lee (2.4 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 62% FG) and fellow 7-footer C Dakari Johnson (5.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 57% FG), who all comprise what should be the best rebounding team in the country. Combining that experience with the highly-recruited freshmen talent of PF Karl-Anthony Towns, PF Trey Lyles and PG Tyler Ulis, and you have the makings of a national championship team.

FLORIDA GATORS
2013-14 SU Record: 92% (36-3)
2013-14 ATS Record: 53% (17-15-3)
2013-14 Over (Total): 31% (10-22-1)
Returning Starters: 1
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 19/1

The Gators had a tremendous team last year, earning the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA's and reaching the Final Four before falling to eventual champion UConn. While Florida lost a lot of talent from last season’s team (Casey Prather, Scottie Wilbekin and Patric Young), there is still enough able bodies remaining for the team to make another deep run in March. The biggest key to this team will be 6-foot-10 PF Chris Walker (1.9 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 59% FG in 4.8 MPG), who put on 15 pounds of muscle over the summer and appears to have his off-court affairs in order too after missing time due to academics and accepting improper benefits. Walker and freshman SF Devin Robinson will help give the Gators one of the most athletic frontcourts in the country. PF Dorian Finney-Smith (8.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.1 APG) and SG Michael Frazier II (12.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 45% threes) are two experienced players that will be looked upon to provide the Gators with 15+ points per night. Sophomore PG Kasey Hill (5.5 PPG, 3.1 APG, 2.0 RPG) is running the show now, and he had some great moments as a freshman. He is a talented playmaker that fits this Florida team perfectly. The Gators will look to run more this year than in the past, as head coach Billy Donovan has one of his speediest teams ever.

LSU TIGERS
2013-14 SU Record: 59% (20-14)
2013-14 ATS Record: 43% (12-16-12)
2013-14 Over (Total): 59% (17-12)
Returning Starters: 2
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 220/1

To compete in the SEC this season, teams are going to need great frontcourts. Luckily for LSU, it has the size down low to compete with the two SEC powerhouses, Kentucky and Florida. Six-foot-8, 235-pound PF Jordan Mickey (12.7 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 53% FG) and 6-foot-10 C Jarrell Martin (10.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 47% FG) are two future pros. Mickey is also an exceptional defender, as he blocked 3.1 shots per game last season. The backcourt will dictate how good the Tigers could be this season, as freshman Jayne Patterson and JUCO transfer Josh Gray are the projected starters. The Tigers have flown under the radar the past few years, and have not entered a season with these kinds of expectations. If Mickey and Martin are able to both have the seasons they are capable of, LSU will be able to hang with most teams in the country.

GEORGIA BULLDOGS
2013-14 SU Record: 59% (20-14)
2013-14 ATS Record: 56% (18-14)
2013-14 Over (Total): 30% (9-21)
Returning Starters: 4
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 300/1

Georgia had a solid 2013-14 campaign with 20 wins, and expects even more this season with its top five scorers all coming back. Unlike the schools ahead of the Bulldogs in the projected SEC standings, they are going to rely heavily on the play of the backcourt. PG Charles Mann (13.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.9 APG) and SG Kenny Gaines (13.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 38% threes) are two guards that are effective in different ways. Mann is at his best slashing to the rim, but he must limit the turnovers (3.4 TOPG). PF Marcus Thornton (8.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG) is heading into his senior year, and he took a giant step as a junior with a team-high 45 blocks (1.3 BPG). The Bulldogs didn’t make the NCAA Tournament because of a slow start, but they finished second in the SEC with a 12-6 record. They will have to have a stronger non-conference performance, but the Bulldogs should contend for a tournament berth.

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
2013-14 SU Record: 65% (22-12)
2013-14 ATS Record: 53% (16-14-1)
2013-14 Over (Total): 54% (15-13)
Returning Starters: 3
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 115/1

Head coach Mike Anderson has continued to build his program, and this could be the season that Arkansas breaks through. C Bobby Portis (12.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.6 BPG) had an incredible freshman season, showing the ability to be a player a team can lean on. What makes him special is his ability to run the floor, something you do not see in a lot of 6-foot-11 post players in college basketball. On the perimeter, SF Michael Qualls (11.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 35% threes) and SG Rashad Madden (12.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.8 APG) are two consistent scorers who will make it tough for defenses to double-team Portis in the paint. Incoming PGs Anton Beard (freshman) and Jabril Durham (JUCO) are expected to share point-guard duties. The Razorbacks have been great at home, but if they want to make a deeper run, they need to win more consistently on the road.

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
2013-14 SU Record: 41% (13-19)
2013-14 ATS Record: 46% (12-14-2)
2013-14 Over (Total): 46% (12-14)
Returning Starters: 3
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 300/1

The Crimson Tide have been on the NCAA Tournament bubble the past few seasons, missing out on the tourney each time. However, there is reason for optimism for the team this season, and SG Levi Randolph (9.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 35% threes) and SF Shannon Hale (8.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 35% threes) are a talented backcourt duo, as both guys are able to score in bunches. They do a great job of keeping pressure on the defense, as they are always looking to push the pace. The backcourt will be a strength of this team, as incoming freshmen like PG Justin Coleman and SG Devin Mitchell have the potential to contribute heavily this season. The Tide will have to figure out how to win outside of Tuscaloosa, as they did not win a road or neutral-site game last season, going 0-15 SU.

AUBURN TIGERS
2013-14 SU Record: 47% (14-16)
2013-14 ATS Record: 50% (13-13)
2013-14 Over (Total): 57% (13-10)
Returning Starters: 2
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 300/1

Just having Bruce Pearl in as the new head coach is a big reason to have Auburn fans optimistic for the season. However, a combination of experienced players and transfers make the Tigers an intriguing team in the SEC. Senior SG KT Harrell (18.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.1 APG) and sophomore PG Tahj Shamsid-Deen (9.5 PPG, 2.9 APG and 1.5 RPG) played well together last season, and should improve with a full summer and offseason to work together. SG Antoine Mason (25.6 PPG last season at Niagara) should come in and give the Tigers a guy capable of taking a game over with his scoring. The frontcourt is very thin though, as sophomore C Matthew Atewe (1.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG in 14.4 MPG) needs to stay out of foul trouble to help this team compete every night.

OLE MISS REBELS
2013-14 SU Record: 58% (19-14)
2013-14 ATS Record: 41% (11-16-2)
2013-14 Over (Total): 56% (15-12)
Returning Starters: 1
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 220/1

Leading scorer Marshall Henderson is no longer a part of this program, but that may not be a bad thing for this school. Leading the way for the Rebels is PG Jarvis Summers (17.3 PPG, 3.8 APG, 2.4 RPG), who gives the team a calming presence on the floor. He can also hit from outside, knocking down 42% of his three-point tries last season. C Aaron Jones (6.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.1 BPG) is a terrific defensive player, but he will need to become more of a scoring presence on the other end of the court. Transfers will play a big role for Ole Miss, especially in the scoring department. Guards Stefan Moody and Terence Smith have the ability to come off the bench and ignite the team on offense.

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
2013-14 SU Record: 41% (14-20)
2013-14 ATS Record: 57% (17-13-1)
2013-14 Over (Total): 38% (11-18-1)
Returning Starters: 1
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 300/1

The Gamecocks are trying to bounce back from a horrible 2013-14 campaign where they lost 20 games, but they did win four of the final six contests, giving the team some hope for the upcoming season. SG Sindarius Thornwell (13.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.0 APG) was even better than advertised as a freshman, showing he can score both on the bounce, and from deep (37% threes). One thing he will need to improve on is limiting his turnovers, as he averaged more turnovers than assists. SG Tyrone Johnson (11.2 PPG, 3.4 APG and 2.9 RPG) is back after sustaining a season-ending foot injury early in the SEC season, and should give the Gamecocks another guy capable of putting up major points. Incoming freshmen PG Marcus Stroman and swingman TeMarcus Blanton also look to earn some playing time early in their careers. C/F Demetrius Henry (4.0 PPG, 3.4 RPG in 18.0 MPG) is the best frontcourt option, and will be asked to clean the glass after adding 10 pounds of muscle in the offseason.

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
2013-14 SU Record: 65% (24-13)
2013-14 ATS Record: 59% (19-13-3)
2013-14 Over (Total): 44% (15-19-1)
Returning Starters: 1
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 500/1

The Volunteers were so close to making it to the Elite Eight last year, losing by only two points to Michigan in the Sweet 16. But after losing four players that combined for 51.0 PPG, Tennessee is now in rebuilding mode with Donnie Tyndall as the new head coach. Tyndall does have a potential star in the making in swingman Josh Richardson (10.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 79% FT). Richardson averaged 19.3 PPG on 62% FG in three NCAA Tournament games, showing he is ready to become the No. 1 scoring threat on the team. This is a team with a lot of question marks, as freshmen like PF Tariq Owens and SF Willie Carmichael will be asked to provide the team with some scoring pop. The same goes for sophomore SG Robert Hubbs III (5.0 PPG) who shot a miserable 28% threes as a freshman before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Now fully healthy, the team will count on Hubbs to provide some much needed long-range shooting.

MISSOURI TIGERS
2013-14 SU Record: 66% (23-12)
2013-14 ATS Record: 39% (13-20)
2013-14 Over (Total): 40% (12-18)
Returning Starters: 1
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 500/1

Kim Anderson is the new coach of the Tigers, and year one may be difficult for the team to get a lot of wins. PF Johnathan Williams III (5.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 1.6 BPG) started every game last season as a freshman, improving steadily throughout the season. With Williams as the top returning scorer, transfers will have to play a big role on this team, as SG Deuce Bello (Baylor) and PG Keith Shamburger (Hawaii) are super athletic and should be major assets on both ends of the court. Sophomore PG Wes Clark (4.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 2.1 APG) will be the guy running the show for the Tigers, as he is the only returning guard, but it's possible that Anderson will have both Clark and Shamburger on the court at the same time.

TEXAS A&M AGGIES
2013-14 SU Record: 53% (18-16)
2013-14 ATS Record: 50% (14-14)
2013-14 Over (Total): 35% (9-17)
Returning Starters: 3
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 300/1

The Aggies have struggled since joining the SEC, and it may be tough for them to get things going this season. There are some quality players left on the team though, most notably PG Alex Caruso (9.0 PPG, 5.0 APG, 3.6 RPG) who is the returning assist leader in the conference. At 6-foot-5, he forces to defenses to have to collapse on him when he is driving, because he can finish very well at the basket. SG Jordan Green (6.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.6 APG) and PF Kourtney Roberson (9.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 59% FG) are two experienced players who are willing to do the dirty work for the team. Transfer F/G Jalen Jones (14 PPG and 7.7 RPG at SMU) is a player who is capable of leading this team in scoring.

VANDERBILT COMMODORES
2013-14 SU Record: 48% (15-16)
2013-14 ATS Record: 55% (16-13-1)
2013-14 Over (Total): 30% (8-19-1)
Returning Starters: 1
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 300/1

The Commodores had a great recruiting class, showing their program is taking the right steps to move up the standings in the conference. Everything for the team will start with sophomore C Damian Jones (11.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG), who showed last season that he is ready to be the leader on the team. While it may still take a little while for this team to start producing a lot of wins, PG Shelton Mitchell, SG Riley LaChance and SF Matthew Fisher-Davis are among the projected freshmen starters who could be the cornerstone of this program in the next few seasons.

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS
2013-14 SU Record: 42% (14-19)
2013-14 ATS Record: 46% (11-13-1)
2013-14 Over (Total): 54% (13-11)
Returning Starters: 4
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 75/1 (Field)

The Bulldogs bring back a lot of the starters from last season’s team, but there still is a lot of work to do for this program to get back to respectability. Junior PG Craig Sword (13.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.8 APG) is a very intelligent player on the court, but he has to improve on his outside shooting (27% threes overall, 19% threes in SEC play). He does a nice job of scoring off the dribble, but if defenses had to respect him more from the perimeter, he would be even tougher to slow down. PF Gavin Ware (10.0 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 58% FG) is the team's best post player, and has reportedly improved upon his conditioning for the upcoming season. There is some young potential down low in freshmen PF Fallou Ndoye and SF Oliver Black, but Mississippi State is still a long ways from competing in the SEC.

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