NCAA Basketball: Sensational sophomores of 2016

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Feb 6, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) celebrates with guard Sam Singer (2) during the game against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports. Cal won 76-61. /

1. Ivan Rabb (California)

Ivan Rabb wasn’t spectacular in his freshman season. He was just really good. Once all is said and done, it’ll be difficult to say that about his sophomore season.

The fact that he nearly averaged a double-double as a freshman in a complimentary role speaks volumes to the potential that this young man has.

Rabb opted to return to Cal even when fellow freshman Jaylen Brown declared for the NBA Draft. He turned down the NBA even when he was told that he would almost certainly be a lottery pick. He turned down the millions of dollars that he was guaranteed as part of a rookie contract.

Why? He simply wanted to play more college basketball. He wanted to better prepare himself for the NBA. And simply put, he enjoys the college life at the University of California.

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Head coach Cuonzo Martin and the Golden Bears are the beneficiaries of that decision, and it should pay big dividends this season as Rabb begins his sophomore year as the front-runner for Pac-12 Player of the Year.

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