The League: Candidates

Staff writer Kevin Brockway takes a look at the top candidates for SEC player of the year:

Jodie Meeks

School: Kentucky

Position: Guard

Key stats: 25.1 ppg (tops in SEC), 43 percent shooter from 3-point range.

The case for: Meeks has carried the Wildcats for much of the season. ... His 54-point performance against Tennessee broke Dan Issel’s 39-year old school record (53) for points in a game. ... Hit clutch game-winning 3-pointer against Florida.

The case against: For all his heroics, Kentucky remains looking up to South Carolina in the SEC East Division standings down the stretch. ... Prone to occasional mental lapses on the court. ... Has been unable to elevate some of his teammates to his level of play.

Nick Calathes

School: Florida

Position: Guard

Key stats: 18.4 ppg, 6.4 apg (leads SEC)

The case for: The league’s best passer, Calathes is on pace to break the UF record for assists he set last season. ... Also has carried the load as UF’s leading scorer for two seasons in a row. .. Ranks second in the SEC in steals at 2.1 per game.

The case against: Has been unable to hit clutch shots and free throws down the stretch in games. ... Missed three straight free throws that could have sent the Feb. 10 Kentucky game into overtime. ... Still prone to occasional bad turnovers.

Marcus Thornton

School: LSU

Position: Guard

Key stats: 20.9 ppg, 1.7 spg

The case for: The leading scorer on the best team this season. ... A dangerous long range shooter who makes 2.2 3-pointers per game.

The case against: Thornton has had help from an excellent starting five. ... Hasn’t been asked to produce in pressure situations.

Tyler Smith

School: Tennessee

Position: Forward

Key stats: 17.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg

The case for: Has remained a consistent leader during a rocky Tennessee season. ... Probably the toughest player in the league to defend off the dribble. ... An excellent inside scorer.

The case against: Hasn’t developed a perimeter game to complement his slashing ability. ... Hasn’t come up with the same timely rebounds and putbacks as he did last season.

Devan Downey

School: South Carolina

Position: Guard

Key stats: 20.1 ppg, 3.0 spg

The case for: The fastest player with the ball in the SEC, Downey ranks in the top five in the league in three key categories (scoring, assists and steals). ... A complete offensive player who can shoot from 3-point range and has the quickness to drive to the basket and finish at the rim. ... Hit clutch shot at Kentucky in the closing seconds to upset the Wildcats at Rupp Arena.

The case against: Not a great assist-to-turnover ratio (113-90). ... Has been helped in the backcourt by senior Zam Fredrick, an excellent scoring complement.