AAC Basketball: Breaking down the stars on each team in the conference

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TULSA, OK – MARCH 17: Shake Milton (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

SMU Mustangs – JR Shake Milton

Sterling Brown and Semi Ojeleye are now playing in the NBA and Ben Moore has graduated. After a great season in 2016-17, it looks like SMU will be taking a step back this season. But, they do return junior guard Shake Milton, a nominee for the best name in college basketball.

Although Milton averaged in double figures as a freshman two years ago, he took a massive step up as a sophomore. Many players increase their production from year to year by increasing their minutes, but that was not the case for Milton. Milton truly became a more effective and all-around talent as a sophomore and it showed on the court.

He increased his scoring output (10.5 PPG –> 13.0 PPG), playmaking (2.7 APG –> 4.5 APG), rebounding (3.0 RPG –> 4.1 RPB) and increased his steal rate (0.8 SPG –> 1.2 SPG) all while playing just three more minutes per game. This overall progression from his freshman to sophomore year was astounding and it will greatly help SMU if he can have a similar production increase in his junior season.

Already one of the best shooters in the conference (82-for-194, 42.3% from three last season), Milton is a dangerous offensive weapon. If SMU is to stay around the top of the AAC, it will be up to Milton to take that next step.