Media picks Tennessee to win SEC; Pons, Fulkerson named to All-SEC teams

The Tennessee Volunteers are media’s pick to win the Southeastern Conference this season. The votes came in on Thursday afternoon.

Tennessee edged out Kentucky for the top spot in the poll, which is the first time they’ve been the overall favorite since the 2008-09 season. LSU, Florida and Alabama rounded out the top five.

The Volunteers were ranked 12th in the initial AP Poll, trailing Kentucky by two spots. No other SEC team was ranked in the poll.

Here are the final results from the media’s preseason picks.

Preseason Media Poll

1. Tennessee

2. Kentucky

3. LSU

4. Florida

5. Alabama

6. Arkansas

7. Auburn

8. South Carolina

9. Ole Miss

10. Missouri

11. Texas A&M

12. Mississippi State

13. Georgia

14. Vanderbilt

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John Fulkerson was also named a first team All-SEC player, while Yves Pons landed on the second team. Florida’s Keyontae Johnson took home SEC preseason player of the year honors.

First Team All-SEC

John Petty Jr. - Alabama

Keyontae Johnson - Florida

Brandon Boston Jr. - Kentucky

Trendon Watford - LSU

John Fulkerson - Tennessee

Second Team All-SEC

Olivier Sarr - Kentucky

Javonte Smart - LSU

Dru Smith - Missouri

AJ Lawson - South Carolina

Yves Pons - Tennessee

Savion Flagg - Texas A&M

SEC Player of the Year

Keyontae Johnson - Florida

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Tennessee’s season is slated to begin on November 25th, with a matchup against Charlotte. SEC play will begin on December 30th for the Volunteers against Missouri. The SEC Tournament is scheduled for March 10th-14th in Nashville.