SEC Tournament 2012: John Jenkins and Non-Kentucky Players That Will Dominate

Seeing as the Kentucky Wildcats are the No. 1 team in the nation, lost just one game all year by a single point and went undefeated in SEC play, it's easy to understand why most of the focus is on them heading into the SEC tournament.

With all of that said, though, there are plenty of excellent players on other teams that are being overshadowed.

Kentucky is the overwhelming favorite to win the tournament, and even if the Wildcats do prevail, there are other teams that can really help themselves by doing some damage in the conference tourney. Everyone knows about the likes of Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, but some unsung players from other teams will make their presence known in the tournament as well.

Here are three non-Kentucky players that will dominate in the SEC tournament.

John Jenkins, Vanderbilt

At 21-10 overall and 10-6 in the SEC, the Vanderbilt Commodores seem like a lock to make the NCAA Tournament. One of the biggest reasons for that has been the play of junior guard John Jenkins.

The versatile Jenkins is one of the best scorers in the nation, as he is averaging 20 points per game this season. His shooting has been lights out all year long, as he converts nearly 49 percent of his shots from the field, 46 percent from beyond the arc and 85 percent from the charity stripe. It's fair to say that he is the most efficient shooter in college basketball.

Efficiency will obviously be key in the SEC tournament, particularly against Kentucky's smothering defense. If Vandy is going to do any type of damage in either the SEC or NCAA Tournament, then Jenkins has to continue to have impeccable shot selection. He has been able to do it all season long, so there's no reason to think that he will slow down when the stakes get higher.

Kenny Boynton, Florida

For the past three seasons, Florida guard Kenny Boynton has been the Gators' driving force. Despite his diminutive 189-lb. frame, Boynton has played big since his freshman year, and he has often done it on the big stage. Boynton is having the best year of his collegiate career this season, as he is averaging close to 17 points per game, along with 2.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 102 three-point field goals.

Also, despite how often he handles the ball, Boynton only turns it over a little over once per game. That is a byproduct of his intelligent play and ability to find his teammates in scoring positions. Although they were a distant second, the Gators were the Wildcats' closest competitors all season long, and Boynton is the biggest reason for that. Another Kentucky vs. Florida meeting in the semifinals seems likely, and Boynton will be the one that gets them there.

Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

With a record of 21-10, the Mississippi State Bulldogs seem well on their way to playing in the NCAA Tournament. Since they don't have much to lose in the SEC tourney, I expect junior forward Arnett Moultrie to be a dominant force. He was one of the best players in the SEC all season long, as he averaged 16.1 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Thanks to his 6'11", 230-lb. frame, Moultrie was too much too handle for most opposing big men.

The Bulldogs had a very strong all-around offense all season long, but it was Moultrie who opened up space for everyone else. He shot 56 percent from the field, so opposing teams constantly had to commit extra defenders to him, leaving other capable scorers open. The Bulldogs are an intriguing dark horse in the SEC tournament, and Moultrie's play will determine how far they go.