NCAA Basketball: 20 breakout candidates for 2016-17
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.
Not too shabby, P.J. Dozier. https://t.co/f61nOvs7zp
— Michael Bohlin (@MBohlinCBS) February 6, 2016
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