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

V.J. King, SG, Louisville

King has always had talent, and now that the former five-star recruit is on stable ground with the Cardinals, I expect him to flourish. Remember, King was forced to come off the bench during his freshman season but showed flashes of potential…then last season felt like a lost one for the entire Louisville program following the fallout from the FBI investigation and firing of Rick Pitino.

There’s no denying that King’s sophomore campaign was a disappointment. He did start all but one game for the Cardinals but couldn’t be the playmaker or scorer Louisville needed him to be, averaging only 8.6 points per game.

Now, with new head coach Chris Mack taking over and Deng Adel surprisingly choosing to go pro, King is expected to see a much larger role. At 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot wingspan, a good jump shot, and the quickness to be successful attacking the basket, he has all the tools to be successful – which is why his production last season was so frustrating for Louisville fans.

Mack was known for getting the most out of his players at Xavier and instilling them with confidence – something King really needs. The Cardinals will be looking for a go-to option and King is a prime candidate to fill that role. Will he finally deliver on his potential?