Coach and player of the year, USA TODAY Sports Network 2025 All-SEC men’s basketball accolades

As the college basketball season progresses, awards and accolades begin to take shape, shining a light on the players and coaches who have made a significant impact on their respective programs. The USA TODAY Sports Network’s 2025 All-SEC Men’s Basketball honors, including Coach of the Year and Player of the Year, highlight the standout individuals who have brought excellence to the Southeastern Conference. The SEC is known for its elite programs and fierce competition, so selecting the top players and coaches is no easy task. With the 2025 season nearing its climax, we take a deep dive into who might emerge as the Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, as well as some honorable mentions who have made their mark.

Coach of the Year: Who Will Claim the Honor in 2025?

The SEC has long been home to some of the top coaches in college basketball, with Nate Oats at Alabama, Bruce Pearl at Auburn, and John Calipari at Kentucky among the conference’s elite. However, the 2025 season has presented a new set of challenges and opportunities, with several programs on the rise and others seeking to reclaim their dominance. The coach who stands out in this crowded field is one who has maximized the potential of his team, developed a strong culture, and guided his program through adversity.

Nate Oats – Alabama Crimson Tide

Nate Oats has built Alabama into a powerhouse in the SEC, and the 2025 season could be his finest yet. Under his guidance, Alabama has maintained its status as one of the top teams in college basketball, blending a fast-paced offense with stifling defense. The Crimson Tide have excelled throughout the season, showing their depth and versatility on both ends of the floor. Oats’s system emphasizes speed, space, and three-point shooting, making Alabama one of the most dangerous teams in the country.

In 2025, Oats has been able to elevate his program’s consistency, ensuring that Alabama remains a top contender for both the SEC title and a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. The coach has gotten the most out of his roster, with Brandon Miller emerging as one of the most prolific players in college basketball, while others like Jahvon Quinerly and Noah Clowney have stepped up to provide vital contributions. Alabama’s ability to compete against the best teams in the SEC has made Oats one of the top candidates for Coach of the Year honors.

The improvement in Alabama’s defense has been particularly notable, as Oats has instilled a competitive edge in his players, turning them into a formidable unit on that side of the ball. If Oats can lead the Crimson Tide to a deep run in both the SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament, he will almost certainly be a top contender for Coach of the Year honors.

Bruce Pearl – Auburn Tigers

Bruce Pearl is another coach whose name is often mentioned when talking about the best in the SEC. Over the years, Pearl has built Auburn into a basketball powerhouse, and 2025 is no exception. The Tigers have shown flashes of brilliance this season, with a balanced offensive and defensive attack that has helped them rise through the ranks of the SEC standings. Auburn’s depth, combined with the leadership of Pearl, has put them in a prime position for a deep run in March.

Auburn’s play has been characterized by efficient scoring and aggressive defense, and Pearl has managed to integrate his younger players seamlessly into the system. With standout players like Wendell Green Jr., Johni Broome, and Allen Flanigan, Pearl has molded a cohesive unit that is tough to beat. Despite the competitive nature of the SEC, Pearl’s Tigers have remained in contention for the SEC title, and their performance has sparked optimism for the future of Auburn basketball.

If Pearl can lead Auburn to an SEC Championship or a deep NCAA Tournament run, he will certainly be in the conversation for Coach of the Year, as he has proven once again that he knows how to get the best out of his players.

John Calipari – Kentucky Wildcats

Few names are as synonymous with SEC basketball success as John Calipari. The veteran coach at Kentucky has consistently brought his teams to the top, winning multiple SEC titles and NCAA championships along the way. The 2025 season has seen Calipari’s Wildcats face some challenges, but the team’s resilience and ability to rise to the occasion have been remarkable. With Oscar Tshiebwe, the reigning National Player of the Year, leading the charge, Kentucky has remained a formidable force in the SEC.

While Calipari’s squad has had to overcome some growing pains, including integrating several freshmen into the lineup, the coach’s experience and leadership have been crucial in keeping Kentucky near the top of the standings. If Kentucky can manage to secure an SEC title and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, Calipari’s ability to manage and develop talent will likely earn him another Coach of the Year nod, solidifying his reputation as one of the best in the business.

Honorable Mentions

While the above coaches are certainly the frontrunners for Coach of the Year honors, several other coaches have also made a strong impact in 2025. Ben Howland of Mississippi State has done an excellent job of rebuilding the program, leading the Bulldogs to unexpected success in the SEC. Meanwhile, Jerry Stackhouse of Vanderbilt has steadily improved his team, making them a tough opponent for anyone in the conference. Tom Crean at Georgia and Frank Martin at South Carolina have also done impressive jobs of developing their teams in a highly competitive conference.

Player of the Year: The Top Contenders in 2025

The SEC has produced some of the most dynamic and electrifying players in college basketball, and the 2025 season is no exception. From sharpshooters to dominant post players, the conference has a wealth of talent that makes picking just one Player of the Year incredibly difficult. But as the season progresses, certain players have stood out due to their individual performances, leadership, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Brandon Miller – Alabama Crimson Tide

Brandon Miller has been one of the most impressive players in college basketball in 2025, and his play has made him a strong contender for Player of the Year honors. As a freshman, Miller has been a revelation for Alabama, bringing an elite scoring ability and a well-rounded game to the table. The 6-foot-9 forward has the versatility to score from anywhere on the floor, whether it’s from beyond the arc, in the post, or in transition.

Miller’s offensive ability has been a driving force for the Crimson Tide this season, but his impact goes beyond scoring. His basketball IQ, defense, and ability to rebound make him a true two-way player who can change the course of a game. With Alabama’s national title aspirations squarely on his shoulders, Miller has risen to the occasion, leading his team through a competitive SEC and solidifying himself as one of the top prospects in college basketball.

If Alabama continues its strong play and Miller maintains his level of excellence throughout the season, he will undoubtedly be in the running for Player of the Year, especially with his ability to contribute in all areas of the game.

Oscar Tshiebwe – Kentucky Wildcats

Oscar Tshiebwe, the reigning National Player of the Year, has been one of the most dominant players in college basketball for the past two seasons. The 6-foot-9 forward/center has been a double-double machine, racking up impressive numbers on both the boards and in scoring. Tshiebwe’s ability to dominate in the paint has made Kentucky one of the most dangerous teams in the SEC, and his leadership has been pivotal in keeping the Wildcats competitive in a challenging conference.

In 2025, Tshiebwe has continued his stellar play, using his physicality and skill to overwhelm opponents. His rebounding prowess, in particular, has been a key factor in Kentucky’s success, as he regularly secures double-digit rebounds and provides second-chance opportunities for his teammates. Despite Kentucky’s early-season struggles, Tshiebwe has been the anchor of the team, and if the Wildcats can make a strong push in the SEC and NCAA Tournament, Tshiebwe will once again be a strong candidate for Player of the Year honors.

Wendell Green Jr. – Auburn Tigers

Auburn’s Wendell Green Jr. has emerged as one of the best point guards in the SEC and a legitimate Player of the Year candidate. Green is the engine that drives Auburn’s high-powered offense, and his ability to score, facilitate, and create for others has been vital to the Tigers’ success. He has the ability to take over games, and his leadership has been key for Auburn as they look to secure an SEC title.

Green’s ability to make plays for both himself and his teammates, combined with his clutch performances in critical moments, has made him one of the most exciting players in the SEC. If Auburn can continue their strong play and win the SEC Tournament, Green will undoubtedly be in the running for Player of the Year honors.

Honorable Mentions

Other players worthy of consideration for Player of the Year include Johni Broome of Auburn, Jahvon Quinerly of Alabama, Tyrese Radford of Texas A&M, and Scotty Pippen Jr. of Vanderbilt. These players have had outstanding individual performances this season and have the ability to lead their teams deep into March Madness.