Big 12 Basketball: Top 5 rising sophomores for the conference in 2018-19

Big 12 Basketball: Top 5 rising sophomores for 2018-19

LUBBOCK, TX - FEBRUARY 07: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders brings the ball up court against Lindell Wigginton #5 of the Iowa State Cyclones during the game on February 7, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Iowa State 76-58. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

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AMES, IA – FEBRUARY 10: Wigginton #5 of the Iowa State Cyclones points. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

1. Lindell Wigginton, Iowa State

After a brief detour to Austin, we are back in Ames to take another look at a rising sophomore for Iowa State. Unlike several other freshmen last year across the country, Lindell Wigginton lived up to the hype that surrounded him heading into the year. Out of high school, Wigginton was a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 35 player in the 2017 class. With a reputation for being an elite scorer, many thought that he could be the go-to-guy for the Cyclones right away considering the program had just said goodbye to Georges Niang after 2016 and Monte Morris after 2017 (among others). With an impressive freshman campaign, he was able to reach those high expectations.

Although Iowa State struggled overall, Wigginton (along with the previously mentioned Lard) was exceptional. He put on a show for Cyclones’ fans all season long and showed them a taste of what was to come considering how young the team was. For reference, KenPom shows that Iowa State was the 101st youngest teams in the nation last season. For the year, Wigginton led the way for the Cyclones. He posted averages of 16.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 33.0 minutes per game. He started all 31 games for the team.

Wigginton can improve on heading into next season, though, at scoring inside the arc. As a freshman, Wigginton shot an impressive 40.1% from 3-point land but just 42.3% elsewhere. If that number can increase, then his scoring could increase even more. If he improves overall as a sophomore, Wigginton could lead the Big 12 in scoring.

Next: Updated way-too-early Bracketology

These players are all ready to take on more responsibility in their second full seasons on campus. Which ones will rise to the occasion and lead their teams to new heights? Well, that’s what the season is for.

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