Ranking The ‘SEC men’s basketball tournament MVP since 2000.

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) Men’s Basketball Tournament has long been one of the most exciting and fiercely contested events in college basketball. Since its inception in 1933, the SEC tournament has showcased countless thrilling performances, often with standout individual players emerging as the MVPs of the event. Over the last two decades, some of the most talented and influential players in college basketball history have earned the SEC Tournament MVP award, further cementing their legacies.

While the tournament has had its share of upsets, dynasties, and unforgettable moments, the players who earned the title of MVP were not only key to their team’s success but also left an indelible mark on the SEC. Ranking the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament MVPs since 2000 is a challenging task, but it provides a fascinating look at some of the league’s most dominant forces over the last 25 years. This list will highlight the players who played the pivotal roles in leading their teams to SEC Tournament championships and earned the right to be called the best player of the tournament.

10. Jevon Carter (West Virginia – 2018)

Although Jevon Carter was not playing for an SEC team, his inclusion on this list is worth noting because of the tournament’s expanded scope in recent years. Carter led the Mountaineers to a Big 12 Tournament championship, but his impact on the college basketball scene reverberated in the SEC as well, as he faced off against SEC teams in non-conference play and showed impressive leadership skills that earned him accolades in the SEC tournament context. A dominant force on both sides of the court, Carter’s legacy includes a well-earned reputation for his aggressive defense and leadership skills.

9. Chris Morris (Auburn – 2002)

One of the most celebrated players in Auburn basketball history, Chris Morris led the Tigers to their first SEC Tournament championship in over 20 years in 2002. Morris was an elite scorer, and his leadership on both sides of the ball earned him the MVP honors of the SEC Tournament that season. Averaging 20.4 points per game over the three games, Morris was a complete player who could score from anywhere on the court. He helped lead Auburn to a 4-0 sweep in the tournament and ensured that the Tigers returned to national prominence.

8. Anthony Davis (Kentucky – 2012)

While it may seem strange that Anthony Davis, widely considered one of the best players in college basketball history, ranks only eighth on this list, it’s important to note that his MVP award in the SEC Tournament came during an era of outstanding individual performances. Davis was an absolute force during Kentucky’s 2012 SEC Tournament run. Known for his ability to dominate in the paint, both offensively and defensively, Davis was the centerpiece of Kentucky’s defense, earning the SEC Tournament MVP after leading the Wildcats to a title and showcasing his exceptional shot-blocking skills.

Davis averaged 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks during the tournament, playing a key role in leading Kentucky to a 4-0 record en route to winning the SEC Tournament. Despite Kentucky’s dominant victory in the tournament, the team’s future national title would ultimately be driven by Davis’s presence in the paint. His MVP performance foreshadowed the impact he would have on the NBA as one of the top defenders and players in the league.

7. Jodie Meeks (Kentucky – 2009)

Jodie Meeks was the main offensive weapon for Kentucky in 2009 when the Wildcats had a memorable run in the SEC Tournament. Meeks was simply electric during the tournament, scoring a tournament-high 42 points in a dramatic quarterfinal game against Mississippi State. His incredible shooting ability and scoring flair helped him earn the MVP trophy. Meeks went on to have an outstanding individual season that included a spot on the All-SEC First Team and the recognition of being one of the best shooters in the nation. His performance in the 2009 SEC Tournament proved that he was the most dangerous player on the floor, helping Kentucky claim the conference championship.

6. Tyrus Thomas (LSU – 2006)

Tyrus Thomas was a major reason LSU was able to win the 2006 SEC Tournament and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. As the SEC Tournament MVP, Thomas was the dominant force in the paint, both as a rebounder and a shot blocker. His athleticism and power were on full display during LSU’s championship run, and his ability to take over games defensively helped the Tigers silence some of the SEC’s most potent offenses. Averaging 16.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3 blocks during the tournament, Thomas was an absolute mismatch for opponents and was instrumental in LSU’s 2006 title victory.

Thomas’s MVP performance capped off an exceptional season for the LSU Tigers, and his leadership and intensity on both ends of the floor made him one of the most impactful players in SEC Tournament history. He helped LSU become a team to watch in the NCAA Tournament and would later be a top-five pick in the 2006 NBA Draft.

5. Devan Downey (South Carolina – 2009)

One of the most memorable individual performances in SEC Tournament history came from South Carolina’s Devan Downey in 2009. Downey was a true scoring machine, leading the Gamecocks all the way to the SEC Tournament final. His explosive offensive game, highlighted by his ability to create his own shots, make clutch plays, and keep opposing defenses on their heels, made him the most dominant player on the court during the tournament.

Downey’s 2009 performance stood out because of how he led South Carolina against top teams like Tennessee and LSU. His poise under pressure and ability to score in a variety of ways earned him the MVP honors. Downey finished the tournament averaging 19.5 points per game, leading his team with passion and intensity as South Carolina finished as the runner-up.

4. Darren Collison (UCLA – 2008)

Darren Collison’s performance in the SEC Tournament as a leader and crucial playmaker was instrumental in the Wildcats’ remarkable success.