NCAA Basketball: 20 breakout candidates for 2016-17

Mar 19, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Jalen Adams (2) brings the ball up court against Kansas Jayhawks forward Jamari Traylor (31) in the first half during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) guards Villanova Wildcats guard Jalen Brunson (1) during the first half in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Final Four at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Jalen Brunson (Villanova)

Jay Wright’s Villanova Wildcats have the talent, depth and experience to be the first team since the 2006-07 Florida Gators to repeat as college basketball nation champs.

If the Wildcats have one concern heading into the season, it’s the fact that they will have to replace steady lead guard Ryan Arciadiacono. “The Arch” was a four-year player who helped lead Villanova to four straight NCAA Tournaments and was the anchor of the 2015-16 team that won the program’s first National Title since 1985.

He will have help in the form of Phil Booth, but sophomore lead guard Jalen Brunson is the top option to replace Arciadiacono.

Brunson, a former five-star recruit who was ranked in ESPN’s top 20, averaged 9.6 points, 2.5 assists and 1.8 rebounds in 24 minutes per game in 2015-16.

The 6’3″ Illinois native showed excellent poise, shooting ability, composure and feel. He is a smart player who possesses good vision and instincts, which helps him make the proper passes within the framework of the Wildcats’ offense.

Brunson secures the ball, can push the tempo in transition and also uses his high IQ to make plays defensively.

He’s not overly athletic or fast, but he plays similar to “The Arch” and already has the experience of playing on the biggest stage in college basketball.

Expect Brunson’s minutes, points and assist averages to shoot up. He’s going to be the team’s starting point guard (and will play off the ball on occasion). He’s going to have the keys to the car. And most importantly, he’ll have the opportunity to lead ‘Nova back to the promise land.

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