SEC Basketball 2016: Preview and predictions

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Sep 15, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De Aaron Fox (0) guard Malik Monk (5) and guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) during Kentucky media day at Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Newcomer of the Year – De’Aron Fox, Kentucky

De’Aron Fox is likely going to split time with Isaiah Briscoe at point guard to start the season. While Briscoe is going to get his opportunities this year, he could get beaten out by Fox, a top five recruit from the recent class.

The 18-year-old steps in as not only arguably the most talented point guard in Lexington, but potentially in all of college basketball. He stands at 6-foot-3, which is tall for a point guard. That’s not just what makes Fox stand out, though, as he’s a lightning bolt on the court. He has elite athleticism to travel up and down the court, which makes him and this Kentucky offense a consistent threat in transition. Fox is also coming in with a knack to score from midrange, and so along with his ability to get to the basket, he should be able to average double-digits.

By the end of the year, Fox should have nearly full control of Kentucky’s point guard position. If so, he’s going to fill up the stat sheet and look like one of the most impressive freshmen in college basketball. It will help his case at being a high pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.