Ever since John Calipari arrived at Kentucky, the SEC has had an increased relevance for the NBA. This is especially the case for the 11-12 season as the conference has three of the top-four incoming freshmen in Anthony Davis, Michael Gilchrist and Bradley Beal.

The SEC is loaded with first round talent and will be competitive with at least five top-25 teams in Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi State. RealGM’s Dan Hanner is more bullish on Alabama competing with Kentucky than he is a Vanderbilt team that returns their core from last season.

Anthony Davis, Kentucky: Some may be expecting a freshman season from Davis along the lines of Kevin Durant at Texas or Michael Beasley at Kansas State, but he doesn’t have anywhere near the level of polish of those two players. With his remarkable ability and length around the rim and the overall talent of Kentucky’s team, Davis should easily score a bucket every other minute at a rate around 60%. But his defensive ability as a shotblocker, intangibles and eagerness to improve will continue to be why the NBA considers him to be one of the leading candidates to be the top overall selection of the 2012 Draft.

Patric Young, Florida: Young played more minutes and better minutes as his freshman season progressed. He also participated in the U-19 World Championships in Lithuania where he battled Jonas Valanciunas. In an interview with RealGM, Young talked about what he needed to work upon to become a lottery pick.

I think things such as rebounding, offensive rebounding, running the floor, playing really good defense. If I would only do those things for a longer period of time and prove to scouts that I can do those things on the next level as well.

Michael Gilchrist, Kentucky: Gilchrist may very well end up in the 2013 Draft class due to the presence of Harrison Barnes and Perry Jones at the small forward position, but his defense projects to be outstanding at any level. He may be more of a niche player as a freshman depending on how John Calipari uses him in relation to Terrence Jones, but the development of his perimeter jumper will be a key determinant of where he is drafted either way.

Bradley Beal, Florida: While the point guard position is enjoying a renaissance, the dearth of quality shooting guards has been glaring by comparison. Beal doesn’t have as much athleticism as the true greats at the position, but his fundamentals as a perimeter shooter, passer and defender make him special. We have seen far too many one-dimensional athletes produce meagerly.

Terrence Jones, Kentucky: Jones has a ton of skill for a 6-foot-9 sophomore and his willingness to play that facilitator role for the freshmen will go a long ways in revealing the type of NBA career he will have. If his usage remains over 30%  and assist/turnover ratio is below 1.00 at the end of this season, I can promise he won’t be a top-20 pick.

Marquis Teague, Kentucky: I was extremely high on his brother Jeff coming out of Wake Forest and Teague will receive instant playing time with Brandon Knight’s departure. Marquis has a remarkably similar profile as Jeff, as a scoring point who is streaky and shifty off the dribble. The dribble-drive will showcase Marquis well and even though he won’t be one of the best 10 overall prospects of the 2012 class, he will probably be pushed to the NBA due to a lack of competition at the position.

Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt: While not possessing the franchise turnaround upside of the players above him on this list, Ezeli has legit NBA center size and skill. I really liked what I saw from Ezeli last season and he is the most likely Commodore to sneak into the lottery.

Jeffrey Taylor, Vanderbilt: I thought Taylor made a prudent decision in remaining in Nashville for his senior season. He has the tools to be a productive NBA wing, but has continued to come up short in putting it all together at once. Back in the 1980s, senior seasons served as that opportunity for everything to cohere and Taylor will need to lead Vanderbilt deep into the tournament to answer scouts questions otherwise his future will be back in Europe.

John Jenkins: Vanderbilt: After flirting with the 2011 NBA Draft, Jenkins decided to return for his junior season. Jenkins is one of the best perimeter shooters and his ability to handle the ball to offset his lack of ideal height for a shooting guard could help him more easily find an NBA role.

Other Players To Watch

Doron Lamb: Kentucky
JaMychal Green, Alabama
Dee Bost, Mississippi State
Renardo Sidney, Mississippi State
Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State
Johnny O’Bryant, LSU
Tony Mitchell, Alabama