NCAA Basketball: 9 players primed for breakout seasons in 2018-19

7 of 9

AMES, IA – FEBRUARY 10: Lindell Wigginton #5 of the Iowa State Cyclones points to the crowd after scoring a three point shot in the second half of play against the Oklahoma Sooners at Hilton Coliseum on February 10, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 88-80 over the Oklahoma Sooners. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

Lindell Wigginton, PG, Iowa State

Iowa State knew they were in for a major rebuild during the 2017-18 season due to an insane amount of roster turnover. However, in that 13-18 season, they found a player who will become a star in Wigginton. The 6-foot-2, 188-pounder led the Cyclones in points and minutes as a freshman, emerging as the clear first option in December when he had five 20-point games in a seven-game stretch.

He also proved he could perform against top competition in the Big 12, recording a 22-point, five-assist performance in a blowout win over West Virginia and a 26-point, five-rebound, five-assist game in an upset victory over Trae Young and Oklahoma.

Wigginton was inconsistent during the course of the season in both production and efficiency – which is to be expected from any freshman – but closed the season strong with 11 consecutive double-digit scoring outings, including four straight 20+ point performances in Iowa State’s final four games of the year.

The Cyclones are expected to be much better this season and, if they compete for an NCAA Tournament berth, Wigginton will be the biggest reason why.

Home/NCAA Basketball News