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NCAA Basketball: 20 breakout candidates for 2016-17

By Carmine Carcieri

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
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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Jan 19, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) drives to the basket as Kansas Jayhawks forward Carlton Bragg Jr. (15) defends during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. OSU won 86-67. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) drives to the basket as Kansas Jayhawks forward Carlton Bragg Jr. (15) defends during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. OSU won 86-67. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Jawun Evans (Oklahoma State)

New head coach Brad Underwood has one heck of a back court to build around in 2016-17.

Senior sharp shooter Phil Forte and sophomore point guard Jawun Evans are projected to be a dangerous duo within the Big 12 Conference.

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We know what Forte brings to the table, but Evans has yet to truly break out.

Last year, Evans started his freshman season very slowly. He averaged six points in his first four games, including just four combined points in two games against Towson and George Mason. He played 21 or more minutes in all four outings, but only showed flashes of brilliances and no consistency.

When Big 12 play tipped-off things, drastically changed. Evans dropped 42 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a two point loss to Oklahoma, 22 points, eight assists and six rebounds in an upset win over Kansas, and 21 points and seven rebounds at Auburn.

Following those brilliant performances in the first half of conference play, Evans suffered a shoulder injury and was forced to miss the final 10 games of the season.

His overall numbers (12.9 points, 4.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds) are impressive for a freshman, however, he will be even better if he stays healthy in 2016-17. Evans very well could average up to 16-to-17 points a game, which could help lead the Cowboys to a few more wins this upcoming season.

While Oklahoma State is unlikely to compete for a postseason berth, Evans could be in the mix to win Big 12 Player of the Year in 2016-17. Between his ability to score the basketball, rebound at 6’0″ and get his teammates involved offensively, Evans is not someone you want to match-up with.

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