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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Mar 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward OG Anunoby (3) drives against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1) during the first half in a semifinal game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

7. OG Anunoby (Indiana)

If you watched the Indiana Hoosiers last season, you almost certainly noticed OG Anunoby, who jumped off the screen with his freaky athleticism and defensive prowess.

But that wasn’t the case all season. The first year player from Jefferson City, MO wasn’t a true factor until the start of conference play. He averaged just eight minutes per game in non-conference play, with his highest scoring game coming in the season opener against Eastern Illinois. The most minutes he played was against Alcorn State (17), yet he scored just four points.

Even when conference play rolled around, Anunoby was playing under 20 minutes per game. It wasn’t until postseason play that Anunoby became a true force to be reckoned with.

Against the Michigan Wolverines in the Big Ten Tournament, the 6’8″, 215 pound forward scored 13 points (6-of-6 shooting) in 27 minutes of action. He followed that performance up with an impressive display in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Chattanooga, in which he scored 14 points in 15 minutes (!).

Then came the battle against the Kentucky Wildcats. Indiana not only won this game, but Anunoby’s defense was the main reason why. He forced the Wildcats’ top scorer, Jamal Murray, into tough shots and kept him completely out of rhythm.

While he only averaged 4.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game in his freshman year, Anunoby is set to have a much larger role this season.

The now-sophomore forward can guard four positions, is capable of switching in pick-and-roll situations, has dynamic leaping ability and maintains unique length. If Anunoby increases his offensive production, especially his free throw shooting (48 percent) and mid-range jumper, he could become a potential mid-1st round selection in the 2017 NBA Draft and lead Indiana to yet another Big Dance appearance.

Anunoby has been compared to Victor Oladipo, but that won’t hold to form unless he makes a name for himself nationally in 2016-17.

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