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

Herbert Jones, SG, Alabama

Collin Sexton stole virtually all of the headlines surrounding Alabama last season (and rightfully so), but Jones showed flashes of his immense potential. He wasn’t able to produce at a high level on a consistent basis, but with Sexton gone to the NBA and Braxton Key transferring to Virginia, Jones should see his role increase.

He was one of the SEC’s best defensive players last year – which will still be the biggest strength of his game – but his offensive game is expected to greatly improve. The 6-foot-7 rising sophomore did not shoot much last year, averaging just over four field goal attempts per game, but Alabama found success when he was able to contribute in some capacity on that end of the floor. The Tide were 14-2 in games in which Jones scored at least five points (a modest number) compared to 6-14 when he did not.

Jones’ potential is obvious and is a projected first-round pick in the 2019 draft because of it. Just how big of a jump will he make from the 4.2 ppg and 3.5 rpg he averaged last season? We’ll find out.

Next: Preseason Player of the Year contenders

Breakout seasons happen every year, whether it be from a player taking advantage of increased playing time or simply improving greatly during the offseason. There will undoubtedly be more players who come out of nowhere to have a major impact, but these nine guys all have what it takes to become stars.