NCAA Basketball: 20 breakout candidates for 2016-17

Who are the 20 NCAA basketball breakout candidates to watch for the 2016-17 season?

Whether it’s a freshman transitioning into a sophomore, a player stepping into a bigger role or a prospect who worked day-and-night in the gym to take their game to the next level, every year there are players who’s names go from under the radar to nationally known.

In 2015-16, we saw Providence’s Ben Bentil, Colorado’s George King, Villanova’s Josh Hart and Duke’s Grayson Allen (just to name a few) transform themselves from role players to one of the top players on their respective teams.

Bentil became the ‘Robin’ to Kris Dunn’s ‘Batman.’ George King went from averaging 1.5 points in 5.5 minutes a night to 13.6 points in 25.4 minutes an outing. Josh Hart went from a sidekick to one of the top players in the Big East Conference. Grayson Allen was a bench warmer (at least until the National Championship game) in 2014-15, before becoming one of the top scorers in the country this past year.

So who’s going to be this year’s breakout stars?

We will avoid selecting freshman, as they have yet to play a college game and expectations are unknown for the most part. We don’t know how they are going to adjust to college basketball or truly how impactful they will be in year one.

These 20 players that we have selected have an opportunity to not only elevate themselves as potential NBA draft picks down the road, but have the chance to raise the level at which their team plays at in 2016-17.

Next: 20. Zylan Cheatham

20. Zylan Cheatham (San Diego State)

Sophomore Zylan Cheatham is a former four-star recruit out of Phoenix, AZ, who was remarkably productive in his first season of college basketball.

The 6’7″ forward averaged 7.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, blocked 0.7 shots and shot 53 percent from the field in 20.8 minutes per game.

Cheatham is long, absurdly athletic, strong and has an excellent motor.

With his unique physical tools, Cheatham is versatile enough to guard multiple positions defensively (both three and four) and is a solid scorer in the painted area. The forward has decent ball handling skills but has almost no mid-range and three point jump shot. He shot 18 percent from beyond the three point line in year one.

Because of his defensive energy and toughness, Cheatham fits the Aztecs’ scheme perfectly. He’s not a great rim protector, but his ability to switch is helpful when defending in half court settings.

San Diego State is lacking in the front court with the departures of Skylar Spencer, Angelo Chol and Winston Shepard, so Cheatham should play more than 20 minutes per night in year two. That increased role will likely result in greater production.

If the sophomore can develop some touch on his jump shot, he could become a very special player for Steve Fisher and company.

Next: 19. Matisse Thybulle

19. Matisse Thybulle (Washington)

Using his solid 6’5″ frame and long arms, sophomore Matisse Thybulle is a versatile defender who can limit opposing players on the perimeter.

The small forward averaged just 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game in 24.1 minutes per night in his freshman campaign. However, Thybulle snatched 1.1 steals, blocked 0.9 shots and shot 40 percent from the field overall.

Washington will have Markelle Fultz, the potential top pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, on their roster this season, but if the Huskies are going to reach the Big Dance, Fultz will need to receive some offensive help from his teammates.

Thybulle isn’t a consistent three point shooter just yet, but he does have the ability to put the ball on the deck and get to the rim. If he developed more range on his jumper this off-season, that could open up more space for him to attack the hoop.

With Marquese Chriss and Andrew Andrews gone, the Huskies need all the offensive output they can get.

While his defense is the strength of his game, Thybulle has a ways to go to develop into a true “ball-stopper.” He fouled 3.3 times per game last season and showed lapses in judgement on that end of the floor during the team’s foreign tour in August.

He has the skills and potential, now let’s see if he can put it all on the table for the nation to see.

Next: 18. P.J. Dozier

18. P.J. Dozier (South Carolina)

P.J. Dozier has absurd length, athleticism and size for a point guard. Dozier stands at 6’7″ with impressive leaping ability, quick hands and a crazy wingspan.

The Columbia, SC native struggled offensively in year one, averaging 6.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, however, he was a solid defender. He pressured opposing players at half court and it was nearly impossible to fling passes by his outstretched arms.

Even though he isn’t much of a threat from the perimeter (21 percent from three last year), Dozier has good ball handling skills, can attack the basket with ease and finishes above the rim.

The talented lead guard showed flashes of brilliance at different points during the season, including 16 points against Drexel and 16 points in an NIT second round loss to Georgia Tech to close out the year.

Dozier likely won’t be lethal from long range in 2016-17 (he’ll need a few years to develop his jump shot), but as a third option next to Duane Notice and Sindarius Thornwell, the sophomore can thrive.

Now that he has gone through the gauntlet in the SEC and adjusted to the pace/speed of the college game, Dozier is ready to up his scoring load from seven points a game to around 10 a night.

Next: 17. Justin Robinson

17. Justin Robinson (Virginia Tech)

Late in the 2015-16 season, Virginia Tech head coach Buzz Williams opted to bring point guard Seth Allen off the bench, while inserting freshman Justin Robinson into the starting lineup. The results were positive as Robinson was able to run the team efficiently and Allen averaged 17.6 points per game over the final nine games of the year.

Overall, Robinson’s first year in Blacksburg was a success. The 6’1″ point guard from Manassas, VA averaged 7.3 points, 2.8 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game. He shot 42 percent from the field, 35 percent from beyond the three point line and 73 percent from the free throw strike.

To take the next step, Robinson will have to improve his playmaking ability. He is likely to average more than 23 minutes per game and that should help him create more easy opportunities for his teammates.

He’ll need to get stronger in order to become one of the top players on the roster and will never be the most explosive player, but Robinson plays within himself, can handle the pressure and gets situational buckets.

Expect the Hokies to keep Robinson in the starting lineup with Allen coming off the pine.

Next: 16. Kam Williams

16. Kam Williams (Ohio State)

Ohio State didn’t make the Big Dance last season, but on the bright side, there’s a lot of buzz coming from Columbus in regards to junior guard Kam Williams.

That is high praise. Remember this is a team that features Marc Loving, Keita Bates-Diop, Jae’Sean Tate and JaQuan Lyle. This is not a no-name squad that has no chance of reaching the NCAA Tournament. Instead, this is a team that has the potential to be a rather dangerous unit in the Big Ten.

The thing that Williams can do best: score. He can flat out put the basketball in the hoop.

In 21.9 minutes per game last season, Williams scored 8.3 points (the team’s fifth leading scorer), shot 44 percent from the field, 44 percent from beyond the arc and 85 percent from the free throw strike.

And it wasn’t a fluke because in his freshman season, Williams was rather efficient and scored at a high level in the limited minutes he played. He scored 5.4 points, shot 45 percent from the field, 35 percent from long range and 91 percent from the free throw line in just 14 minutes a game.

You better believe that with a bigger role Williams will be able to fill it up. Ohio State will have balance next season with their top six scorers back, but Williams’ drastic improvements will mold him into one of the Buckeyes’ go-to players when a big shot is needed.

Next: 15. Shake Milton

15. Shake Milton (SMU)

With Nic Moore and Markus Kennedy gone from SMU, it’s Shake Milton’s time to shine in Dallas.

Because of an impressive freshman campaign and some upside that remains with his game, Milton has risen in the minds of many NBA scouts.

The point guard averaged 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 32.6 minutes per game in his freshman campaign last season. He also shot an efficient 48 percent from the field, 43 percent from downtown and 73 percent from the free throw strike.

What’s even more intriguing is Milton’s physical tools. He is long, athletic, has great size (6’5″) and has a frame that can fill out over time.

Those traits give him the ability to see over the defense on the offensive end of the floor, defend opposing point guards with ease, get into the passing lanes to create turnovers and pull up from the mid-range (where he is comfortable shooting his jumper).

Add in the fact that Milton can pass the rock, and the Mustangs have a special player on their hands.

Milton is not the fastest or the greatest leaper in the world, but Tim Jankovich and the Mustangs will need him to lead their team in 2016-17. Even though SMU is unlikely to make it to the NCAA Tournament, Milton is going to put his name on the map this year.

Next: 14. Kassoum Yakwe

14. Kassoum Yakwe (St. John’s)

With his high school, Our Savior American, and athletic records under review by the NCAA, forward Kassoum Yakwe sat out the first five games of the season for the St. John’s Red Storm last year.

But as soon as he touched the floor for the Johnnies, Yakwe’s impact was undeniable.

In his first game of his college career, the former four-star recruit scored nine points in 18 minutes against Fordham. Three games later, Yakwe added 15 points and provided valuable rim protection in St. John’s upset win over Syracuse.

Over the final 10 games of the season, Yakwe averaged 9.2 points per game, including a 16 point, 15 rebound game versus Seton Hall and an 11 point, 11 rebound game in a win over DePaul. Overall, Yakwe put up 7.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 23.4 minutes per game in his freshman campaign.

The 6’7″ sophomore forward from Mali is ready for an even bigger role in 2016-17. Yakwe’s length, athleticism, improving strength and instincts defensively will help him combine with Yankuba Sima to form an imposing front court tandem that will keep opponents out of the lane and away from the basket. He can switch onto opposing offensive players on the perimeter and continues to work on his timing when it comes to blocking shots at the rim.

But Yakwe’s work ethic is going to have the strongest impact on the offensive end. He is a very shaky shooter from the mid-range and beyond, struggles at the free throw line (52 percent) and is very robotic in the post.

However, Yakwe’s excellent motor, relentless ability to grab rebounds on both ends of the floor and mobility, fits perfectly within Chris Mullin’s pace-and-space scheme. If he developed more strength and a better shooting form in the off-season, this could be a monster season for the St. John’s big man.

The Johnnies are not expected to make or compete for an NCAA Tournament berth in 2016-17, but they have an undersized power forward that gives them an awfully bright future.

13. Tyler Davis (Texas A&M)

Outside of the Kentucky Wildcats, the SEC will be wide open…and I mean wide open…in 2016-17. One of the reasons for that is the fact that Texas A&M lost multiple key pieces off last year’s second round NCAA Tournament team.

Danuel House, Alex Caruso, Anthony Collins and Jalen Jones are gone to greener pastures, so there is a lot of uncertainty in College Station for this upcoming year.

The guy A&M will count on on a nightly basis is sophomore center Tyler Davis. The 6’10” big man from Plano, TX averaged 11.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game during his freshman year. He was also highly efficient as he shot 66 percent from the field, scoring around the basket with ease.

Davis is not the flashiest player in the SEC or the greatest leaper in the country, but he swallows up rebounds because of his size and strength. He has solid post moves on the block and can finish with either hand due to his soft touch.

Defensively, he lacks the lateral movement and quickness to switch successfully in the pick-and-roll. However, he has enough height to protect the paint.

Expect Davis to increase his scoring average and rebounding totals (possibly average close to a double-double) in his second year on campus. He will combine with Admon Gilder and D.J. Hogg (two guys who very well could’ve made this list) to form a solid trio.

The Aggies won’t even come close to challenging Kentucky this upcoming season, but Davis is a player to watch when it comes to the SEC Player of the Year award.

12. Kyron Cartwright (Providence)

Without point guard Kris Dunn and forward Ben Bentil, the Providence Friars will be heavily reliant upon Rodney Bullock, Jalen Lindsey and Kyron Cartwright both on the floor and in the locker room.

While Bullock is likely to lead the team in scoring, Cartwright will be the program’s most valuable player in 2016-17.

He will be given the keys to Providence’s offense after averaging 5.9 points, 4.0 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 24.2 minutes per night last season. Cartwright will never be a “scorer” and needs to become more efficient (36 percent from field and 36 percent from three point line), but he has incredible speed and quickness.

This is important because Providence doesn’t have the players necessary to create offense in the half court. If Cartwright can get the Friars out and running (similar to what he did when he came off the bench last season), Providence can capitalize with some easy baskets and wear their opponents down.

Beyond his speed, the 5’11” point guard from Compton, CA is a instinctual passer, makes solid decisions and can hit open jump shots from the perimeter and mid-range. His penetration, ability to operate in pick-and-roll situations and knack for getting in the lane will create open shots for his teammates on the perimeter.

Although the junior doesn’t have the size and length to switch defensively, Cartwright is a pest who can pressure the basketball all night long.

The Friars are likely to finish at the bottom of the Big East, but Ed Cooley always seems to do more with less. Without a single senior on the roster, things are looking up for the Friars with Cartwright at the helm.

11. Devin Robinson (Florida)

Similar to Tyler Davis and Texas A&M, Florida will need improved production from junior forward Devin Robinson if they want to finish second in the SEC.

The 6’8″ talent from Virginia joined the Gators back in 2014 as a five-star recruit who was ranked 23rd in ESPN’s top 100. Robinson played 19 minutes in his freshman campaign, scoring just 6.4 points, grabbing 2.8 rebounds and dishing out 0.7 assists per game.

The thought was that Robinson would take a step to stardom in 2015-16, instead, the forward was very inconsistent.

All his numbers increased (9.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 46 percent shooting overall), but he still didn’t shoot the ball efficiently from beyond the arc and still didn’t live up to his potential out of high school.

We already know Robinson is long, athletic, excels in transition and can attack the rim ferociously.

https://twitter.com/malikellis_/status/570788177327329280

But this is year three of Robinson’s college career. It’s time for him to be consistent and become the best player on Florida’s team.

Robinson has NBA potential, but he clearly hasn’t put everything all together yet.

That’s what this upcoming season is for.

His improved numbers across the board from year one to year two should prove he is due for a steady role in 2016-17. He doesn’t turn the basketball over and his 76 percent rate from the free throw line shows that he has the potential to be a more respectable three point shooter.

Expect more dunks that make you breathless (and earn a spot on SportsCenter’s top-10), but also expect more double figure scoring performances and more assertiveness from Robinson.

10. Isaiah Hicks (North Carolina)

Roy Williams and the North Carolina Tar Heels have to make up for the loss of Brice Johnson, who averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds per game in 2015-16.

Related Story: Top 10 super seniors

The player that has to fill Johnson’s slot in the front court is senior forward Isaiah Hicks.

The 6’8″, 230 pound forward averaged 8.9 points and 4.6 rebounds in 18.1 minutes per game last season. Hicks also shot 61 percent from the field and 76 percent from the free throw line.

He has never averaged more than 18 minutes per game in a single season in his entire college career. In 2016-17, that is almost certainly going to change though. Hicks is likely to start up front as he brings athleticism, mobility and strength to the Tar Heels’ front court.

Hicks can run the floor with the best of them, rebound the basketball on both ends of the court, finish emphatically and block the occasional shot. He must learn how to defend without fouling (stop reaching and play straight up in the paint), but other than that weakness, Hicks is just waiting for his turn in UNC’s loaded lineup.

With Hicks, Joel Berry II, Nate Britt, Theo Pinson, Justin Jackson and a solid recruiting class in Chapel Hill, Tar Heel fans have to be excited about the possibility of yet another Final Four appearance. This time it could be because of balance and the breakout play of Hicks.

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.

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.

More from NCAA Basketball News

• NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 4 teams for PF Jaxon Johnson
• NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 5 teams for top-100 SG Larry Johnson
• NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 5 teams for 4-star PG Jeremiah Johnson
• NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 8 teams for 5-star SF Annor Boateng
• NCAA Basketball: 4 head coaches who needs to win big in 2023-24 season

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.

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.

6. Edmond Sumner (Xavier)

Edmond Sumner is the third Big East point guard to make this list, but he is the best of the bunch.

https://twitter.com/XU_Xtreme_Fans/status/679473362528112641

The Michigan native came out of high school as a rail thin four-star prospect (160 pounds) who had offers from just Xavier, Kent State, UMass and Toledo. Dealing with a significant, painful knee injury, Sumner decided to red-shirt in his first year on campus, leaving Xavier with very few options beyond then-senior lead guard Dee Davis.

More from Busting Brackets

• NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 4 teams for PF Jaxon Johnson
• NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 5 teams for top-100 SG Larry Johnson
• Oregon Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2023-24
• Big East Basketball: Ranking all head coaches going into 2023-24 season
• Florida State Basketball: Is Seminoles roster good enough to win in 2023-24?

With Davis graduating after the 2014-15 season, Sumner was the top point guard on Xavier’s roster last season. As a redshirt freshman, he played 25.9 minutes per game, while averaging 11.0 points, 3.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. He also shot 40 percent from the field, 30 percent from the three point line and 73 percent from the free throw line.

Sumner put up solid numbers and showed poise running the team, but there are still aspects of his game that he can work on. The 6’5″ guard has terrific size and length, can score in transition, is an explosive athlete, is a good passer and plays solid defense, but he needs to become a more consistent shooter from beyond the arc and turn the ball over less.

Sumner, who is now up to 186 pounds, attacks the lane on a regular basis and is efficient in pick-and-roll situations. But he will need to learn how to play without a true strength.

The Musketeers are looking to make a run in the Big Dance in 2016-17. Ultimately, Xavier’s success in 2016-17 is going to ride on the back of Sumner.

5. Johnathan Motley (Baylor)

Taurean Prince is a member of the Atlanta Hawks.

Rico Gathers is a member of the Dallas Cowboys practice squad (yes, if you didn’t know, he is now in the NFL).

This means that Baylor is lacking experience up front – well at least other than forward Johnathan Motley.

Motley has played two seasons in Waco, showing a ton of potential as a scorer in the paint, rebounder and defender. The issue is that his role hasn’t always been concrete. He has also lacked the consistency to be a national name.

In fact, Motley has never averaged more than 21.5 minutes per game in a single season. In 2015-16, his average minutes per night actually fell from 21.5 to 20.9, his blocks per game decreased, and his free throw percentage was lower.

There were other areas that seemed to be pointed upwards for the 6’9″ big man from Houston, TX though, as he averaged 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and shot a very efficient 61 percent from the floor (a career high). He didn’t force shots from the perimeter (something he is not very good at) and he was an energizer off the bench.

Motley will be more than just an occasional rebounder and defender this upcoming season. His length, athleticism and mobility gives him the opportunity to play both the four and the five position, and he will become more of a focal point on offense.

He won’t be the bruiser that Gathers is or the floor stretcher that Prince is, but he has his own unique game that suits the Bears’ style of play.

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., Terry Maston, Nuni Omot and Mark Vital are the other forwards on the roster. There’s a lot of inexperience, so it’s Motley’s job to take the Bears’ front court to the next level.

4. Jacob Evans (Cincinnati)

Cincinnati has always been known for their defensive energy, but head coach Mick Cronin may have his best offensive team EVER this upcoming season.

Senior point guard Troy Caupain, forward Gary Clark, North Carolina State transfer Kyle Washington and freshman Jarron Cumberland will have key roles offensively, however, the player that will make the biggest jump is sophomore Jacob Evans.

The 6’6″ small forward scored 8.4 points, grabbed 4.1 rebounds and dished out 1.6 assists per game last season, while shooting 37 percent from the field overall and 33 percent from long range.

It took a while for Evans to get comfortable creating at the college level, but as soon as the youngster got into rhythm he was nearly unstoppable.

In the final five games of the year, Evans averaged almost 13 points a game. He dropped 13 points in a win over UConn, 18 points (7-of-12 shooting) at East Carolina and 26 points in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against St. Joe’s.

All great scorers have a “bucket getting” mentality and that’s exactly what the Baton Rouge native brings to the table. He can create his own shot, not only because of his ball handling ability, strength and instincts, but because of his size and high IQ in terms of picking his spots. Most impressively, Evans can score on all three levels.

Even though he’s not a well-rounded player just yet (he needs to improve his playmaking, efficiency and defense), Cronin is going to count on Evans in a specialized role: They want him to get buckets.

3. Donovan Mitchell (Louisville)

Donovan Mitchell joined the Louisville Cardinals as a four-star recruit out of Brewster Academy. He was ranked 43rd in ESPN’s top 100 (class of 2015) and had offers from major schools across the country.

Mitchell played behind graduate transfers Damion Lee and Trey Lewis last season, so he didn’t receive more than 19 minutes a night. He averaged just 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists per night, while also shooting 44 percent from the field and 75 percent from the charity strike.

Mitchell is a tremendous defensive player who pressures opponents from end-to-end. He uses his length, energy, athleticism and size to guard numerous positions and switch in pick-and-roll situations.

The Greenwich, CT native will likely continue his prowess on that end of the court, especially given Rick Pitino’s defensive oriented scheme and love for constant pressure that stifles opposing guards.

Where Mitchell is projected to see refinement is on the offensive end. His percentage from beyond the three point line can only go up from here (25 percent last year) and he will have more chances to attack the rim on straight line drives. Mitchell finishes through contact because of his size, strength and leaping ability.

Playing with the ball in his hands more often in 2016-17, will only help Mitchell mold into one of the top guards in the ACC.

2. Eron Harris (Michigan State)

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo recently told ESPN analyst Andy Katz that the Spartans need senior Eron Harris to be the team’s leading scorer.

Why?

The Spartans are losing five of their top six scorers, including three players that scored in double figures. Michigan State is also losing a ton of experience. Denzel Valentine, Matt Costello and Bryn Forbes are not walking through that door any time soon, and Marvin Clark Jr. transferred to St. John’s.

Harris, a transfer guard from West Virginia, averaged 9.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his first year in East Lansing. He shot 43 percent from the field overall and 44 percent from beyond the three point line.

Those numbers look solid on the surface but Harris struggled with his transition to the Big Ten. He couldn’t create as much as he did in 2013-14 with West Virginia and was rusty after sitting out a season.

But this upcoming year, Harris will be the go-to player offensively for the Spartans.

Harris will have to score from all three levels, take the big shots in the big moments and occasionally handle the ball on offense.

Michigan State’s strength lies in it’s recruiting class, but if they are going to make their annual run in March Madness, they need Harris to do his best 2013-14 Mountaineer impression.

1. Jalen Adams (UConn)

The UConn Huskies have won two NCAA titles in the last six years.

What do those two seasons have in common? The Huskies had lethal backcourts during both years. First, it was the dynamic Kemba Walker and Shabazz Napier. Then, it was Napier and Ryan Boatright.

Kevin Ollie’s squad is not likely to win it all in 2016-17, but the Huskies have a similar backcourt duo that could help them win the AAC title and make a long run in March.

And it all will start with sophomore point guard Jalen Adams.

The 6’2″ Roxbury, MA native is ready to burst onto the scene following a campaign in which he averaged just 7.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals in 23.3 minutes per game.

With Daniel Hamilton and Sterling Gibbs gone, Adams will have the ball in his hands a lot. He now has a year of experience under his belt and will almost certainly double his scoring average in 2016-17.

If it’s any indication, Adams showed flashes of brilliance last season during conference play. The lead guard scored 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting in a loss to Cincinnati, put up 12 points, six assists and six rebounds in a 30-point victory over USF and had 22 points (and a crazy beyond half court game tying buzzer beater) in a four overtime win over Cincy in the AAC Tournament.

He didn’t perform well in the postseason (an inefficient 16 points in two games) and didn’t shoot well from three (27 percent), but he was excellent at the free throw line (86 percent) and was a solid defender.

Adams is going to be a legitimate scorer, a better passer and an even better defender in year two. He has the ability to play both on and off the ball, and if he was able to take his jump shot to the next level, watch out.

Four-star recruit Alterique Gilbert is the second half of that backcourt duo, however, it’s likely going to take him some time to find his rhythm on both ends of the court.

Next: Duke, Kentucky to host NBA pro days

Adams is going to be a college basketball star in 2016-17, so just imagine how great UConn can be if Gilbert, Purvis and others also rise to the occasion.