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Big Ten Basketball: 5 Potential Breakout Players for 2018-19

By Brad Cavallaro

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts as time expires to defeat the Loyola Ramblers during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Michigan defeated Loyola 69-57. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts as time expires to defeat the Loyola Ramblers during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Michigan defeated Loyola 69-57. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts as time expires to defeat the Loyola Ramblers during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Michigan defeated Loyola 69-57. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts as time expires to defeat the Loyola Ramblers during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Michigan defeated Loyola 69-57. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Jordan Poole, Wing, So, Michigan

17-18 Stats: 6.0 ppg, 37% 3pt, 12.2 mpg

Perhaps the most obvious choice for this list, Poole will likely be a fixture on any Big Ten or national breakout player lists. The 6’4” wing only played 12.2 minutes per game as a freshman, but will see a much bigger role with Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman’s graduation.

Poole is an excellent shooter and could exceed 12-13 ppg as a sophomore in his expanded role. He made a name for himself when he hit an improbable buzzer beater against Houston in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Despite his promising performances, Poole saw sporadic playing time. He was out of the rotation to start the season before eventually carving out a consistent reserve role towards the end of the non-conference. However, his minutes fluctuated throughout the remainder of the season, partly because of the pair of talented wings (MAAR and Charles Matthews) playing in front of him.

Scoring 6 ppg in just over 12 minutes per contest is quite impressive and indicates that it will not be long before Poole becomes a household name, for more than his one game-winning shot. I would be shocked if he does not take advantage of this golden opportunity for a starting role.

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