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 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Justin Robinson (5) dribbles the ball as Miami Hurricanes guard Angel Rodriguez (13) defends in the first half during day three of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

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

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