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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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Mar 3, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs guard Shake Milton (1) grabs a rebound in the first half against the Connecticut Huskies at Moody Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs guard Shake Milton (1) grabs a rebound in the first half against the Connecticut Huskies at Moody Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

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

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