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

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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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 02: Isaiah Roby #15 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Charles Matthews #1 of the Michigan Wolverines fight for the rebound in the first half during quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 2, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Isaiah Roby, PF, Jr, Nebraska

2017-18 Stats: 8.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 41% 3pt

Roby already saw a jump in production from his freshman to sophomore seasons, but the 6’8” PF could be in line for another step forward this season. He went from 3.1 ppg as a freshman to 8.7 ppg as a sophomore and his playing time increased from 15.2 mpg to 24.0 mpg.

This indicates that Roby did not just benefit from a bigger role, he also made major improvements in his game which led to this transformation. The talented forward has also started to generate some NBA draft buzz as his combination of athleticism and offensive skill make him an appealing power forward (or even a small ball 5) in the modern NBA.

Roby is a powerful finisher who likes to play above the rim, but can also put the ball on the floor and beat his man off the dribble. He is a capable long-range shooter as he shot 41% from three last season, albeit on a fairly limited sample size (42 attempts). All in all, Roby has tantalizing upside and is just scratching the surface of his potential.

I don’t think it’s unreasonable to think Roby exceeds 30 minutes per game and averages at least 14 ppg as he makes another leap in his third season. The Isaac Copeland, Isaiah Roby, Jordy Tshimanga frontcourt rotation should be very interesting and their play could determine whether Nebraska makes the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014.

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