I recently joined a new gym. One that has a basketball court inside. Now, for the past couple of months, I’ve been shooting hoops for about 20 minutes after my workout. Sometimes in pickup games, sometimes just by myself.

I forgot how relaxing it is. I used to do it all the time when I was younger, but I haven’t consistently played basketball since pickup games at the Mizzou rec center.

Even though college basketball season is coming to an end on Monday night, it’s nice to be able to go shoot some hoops by myself when I want. Very relaxing!

Now, let’s dive into your questions for this week’s Mailbag:

Kevin:

How would you rank the top 5 teams in the SEC heading into next year’s men’s basketball season?

It’s still really early, obviously, and the transfer portal cycle has only just begun, so a lot can and will change between now and the start of the 2022-23 season. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate!

I think Arkansas will be the clear No. 1 in the league next fall. The Hogs should get Jaylin Williams back and are bringing in the nation’s No. 2 recruiting class. Eric Musselman also just landed Mizzou transfer Trevon Brazile in the transfer portal.

The Hogs are going to be a heck of a team next year. Here’s how I’d project the rest of the top 5:

  1. Arkansas
  2. Kentucky
  3. Auburn
  4. Alabama
  5. Florida

I’m taking a big leap with Florida at No. 5, but I’ve made my thoughts on Todd Golden known in this column before. I think the Gators make immediate improvements.

If Santiago Vescovi returns to Tennessee, the Vols should be in the top 5, probably. And if Quenton Jackson comes back to Texas A&M, the Aggies will be a team to watch, too.

The SEC should be loaded next year!

Alan:

Who are some SEC NFL Draft prospects you think aren’t getting enough buzz?

If Wan’Dale Robinson doesn’t go in Round 2, I’m going to be shocked. He’s going to be great in the NFL. Just look at what he did against SEC corners this past season! He’s a Randall Cobb type (and not just because they both went to Kentucky). That’s worth a second-round pick.

Another guy I’m high on is Mizzou RB Tyler Badie. He seems to be exactly what NFL teams want in a running back these days. He’s a 3-down back, can run between the tackles, can catch the ball out of the backfield and is a solid blocker in pass protection. Sounds like a guy who should be a Day 2 pick.

Also, since he’ll almost certainly be a top-5 pick, it’s hard to call Alabama OL Evan Neal “underrated,” but I truly believe if he’s not the No. 1 overall pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars are making a huge mistake. That’s never stopped them before, though, so expect the Jaguars to look elsewhere with the top pick.

Robert:

The SEC has produced several first-round WRs in recent years. Who are the guys to keep an eye on this fall ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft?

Well, there’s one name that stands out above the rest, but it remains to be seen if he’ll even be suiting up for his current team this fall. That would be LSU star Kayshon Boutte, who was lighting the SEC on fire last year before suffering an injury that ended his year.

His relationship with incoming coach Brian Kelly has been strange thus far, though, and it seems possible that Boutte could enter the transfer portal. Wherever he plays this fall, he’s a Round 1 talent at receiver.

I’m also interested in seeing Jermaine Burton at Alabama. The Georgia transfer has the chance to be Bryce Young’s top target, and that should provide plenty of opportunities to showcase his skills.

Also keep an eye on Ainias Smith at Texas A&M, Arik Gilbert at Georgia, Justin Shorter at Florida and Jadon Haselwood at Arkansas. The SEC should have plenty of talent at receiver once again this fall!

@Dobbe8:

Would you rather your team win the NIT or lose in Round 2 of the NCAA Tournament?

That’s a tough question. Anything other than an NIT championship, I’d rather make the NCAA Tournament. But, when you can add a trophy to your case, that’s tempting.

I’d rather my school win an NIT title than lose in Round 1, but winning a game in the NCAA Tournament means you’re among the top 32 teams in the country. That’s something worth celebrating.

Plus, March Madness is infinitely more entertaining and has millions more viewers than the NIT. That means more eyes on your program and more cachet.

I think I’d rather get to Round 2 of the NCAA Tournament than win the NIT, but it is definitely a close call. An NIT trophy is certainly tempting, especially if you aren’t going to make it to at least the Sweet 16!

Have a question for next week’s Mailbag? Tweet at us using #SDSMailbag or email me at ASpencer@SaturdayDownSouth.com.