Clark, Bing and Fielder Named SEC Breakout Candidates for 2026-27

A Yahoo Sports column identifies three players positioned for bigger roles across the SEC this season.

Three SEC players have been singled out as breakout candidates ahead of the 2026-27 college basketball season: Ole Miss guard Adam "Budd" Clark, Vanderbilt sophomore guard Chandler Bing and Alabama forward Drew Fielder.

Clark arrives at Ole Miss after a season at Seton Hall in which he earned all-Big East recognition. The senior averaged 4.9 assists per game, tied for third in the conference, and two steals per contest, and is expected to run the Rebels' offense under coach Chris Beard. He made 43.7% of his field goals but connected on just 22% from three-point range.

Bing, one of the youngest players highlighted, is in line for a larger role at Vanderbilt after a freshman season in which he averaged 3.6 points per game. The 6-foot-5 wing shot 47.8% on mid-range attempts, and coach Mark Byington intends to use him to guard the opposition's top scorer.

Fielder, a 6-11 senior, transferred to Alabama from Boise State after forward Aidan Sherell left for Indiana. An all-Mountain West selection in 2025-26, he averaged 14.7 points per game and shot 40.9% from three, giving coach Nate Oats a big man who can score both inside and on the perimeter.