NCAA Basketball: 9 players primed for breakout seasons in 2018-19
By Brian Rauf
Tremont Waters, PG, LSU
Waters quietly had one of the best freshman seasons in the country a year ago as he averaged 15.9 points and 6.0 assists per game. LSU’s lack of team success kept him out of the spotlight but his range, shooting ability, and vision had some comparing him to Trae Young.
The 5-11, 170-pounder went through the NBA Draft process before opting to return to school for his sophomore season, and head coach Will Wade thinks that decision will pay major dividends for LSU: “Certainly, you want what’s best for the kid,” he said, via The Advocate. “But you’re excited for our program and for what our team can certainly be next season.”
That process will only help Waters improve his game and, with a top-five recruiting class coming in headlined by five-star forwards Naz Reid and Emmitt Williams, expect him to raise his level of play as the team’s unquestioned leader.
That influx of talent is why LSU will be ranked in the preseason top-25 but Waters will be the driving force behind any success they have. Don’t be surprised if he’s in the conversation for National Player of the Year.