Busting Brackets
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Big East Basketball: 2018-19 breakout candidates from each team

By Lukas Harkins

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 10: Sean McDermott #22 of the Butler Bulldogs drives to the basket against Collin Gillespie #2 of the Villanova Wildcats at the Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 10: Sean McDermott #22 of the Butler Bulldogs drives to the basket against Collin Gillespie #2 of the Villanova Wildcats at the Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 02: Head coach Jay Wright and Paschall of the Villanova Wildcats discuss. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 02: Head coach Jay Wright and Paschall of the Villanova Wildcats discuss. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Eric Paschall, Villanova Wildcats

Senior | Forward | 6-foot-9 | 255 lbs

Before you jump into my mentions talking about how Eric Paschall is already a well-known player, here me out. For the last two seasons, Paschall has not been a top offensive option. In 2016-17, his sophomore year with the Wildcats, he was sixth on the team in scoring at 7.2 points per game. Then, this past season, he averaged scoring in double figures (10.2 ppg) but was still fourth on the team in that category. Now, though, Villanova is his team.

Yes, there are a few other returners as well as some dynamite newcomers, but Paschall is going to be the man in 2018-19. And for those who overlook Paschall as a low-volume-high-efficiency guy, let’s not forget that he did not start his college career at Villanova. In fact, he played one season at Fordham prior to transferring. During that year (2014-15), Paschall posted 15.9 points per game while attempting nearly double the number of field goals per game than he did this past season (13.3 to 7.1). In addition, his usage rate of 29.5% greatly exceeded that of his career 17.5% rate at Villanova.

Related Story: Breaking down Villanova's 2018 recruiting class

As the likely focal point of the offense for Villanova, Paschall could emerge as one of the best players in the Big East during this past season. While it is unlikely that he can keep up his ridiculous efficiency of 63.9%/35.6%/81.3% (2P/3P/FT) with more volume shooting, he is still one tremendous offensive talent. At 6-foot-9, he is a matchup nightmare for a lot of Big East forwards and he could be the leading scorer on the best team in the conference.

As a go-to offensive option, Paschall could average upwards of 15 points per game next season. If that is the case, he will have certainly made the jump from elite role player to bonafide stud. In my opinion, that would count as a breakout season, regardless of the fact that it is his final college season.

Others considered: Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree and Collin Gillespie.

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