NCAA Basketball: Sensational sophomores of 2016

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Mar 13, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Memphis Tigers forward Dedric Lawson (1) drives to the net between Connecticut Huskies guard Daniel Hamilton (5) and forward Shonn Miller (32) during the first half of the AAC Conference tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Dedric Lawson (Memphis)

Dedric Lawson, a 6-foot-8, 195-pound power forward out of Memphis, TN chose to attend the University of Memphis over offers from Alabama, Kentucky, Georgetown, Mississippi State, Missouri and Ole Miss.

A top-40 recruit coming out of high school, Lawson’s arrival at Memphis was highly anticipated by Tiger fans. In his freshman season, he proved to them that he was worth the wait.

In his first season at Memphis, Lawson averaged 15.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Although his per-game averages look nice, he did struggle with his efficiency.

Despite scoring nearly 16 points a game, Lawson shot below 41 percent from the floor and 35 percent from long-range. The big man did manage to hit nearly 71 percent of his free-throw attempts, though.

Despite his struggles to find consistency on the offensive end of the court, Lawson is an immensely talented young player with tons of upside.

As a sophomore, Lawson will look to be more dominant on offense. If he can find his shooting touch early in the season, it will bode well for first year coach Tubby Smith and the Memphis Tigers.

Next: 9. Allonzo Trier

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