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 01: Brad Davison #34 of the Wisconsin Badgers is called for a foul as Darryl Morsell #10 of the Maryland Terrapins heads for the net during the second round of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 1, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Darryl Morsell, Wing, So, Maryland

17-18 Stats: 8.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.0 apg, 12% 3pt, 28.8 minutes per game

Morsell might not have made many breakout player lists earlier in the offseason, but once Kevin Huerter kept his name in the NBA Draft he became a more viable selection. He is an adept slasher who uses his strength and athleticism to finish at the rim.

One major flaw in Morsell’s game is his perimeter shooting as he shot a paltry 3-25 from three as a freshman. However, his 73% free throw shooting could indicate a potential improvement from long-range.

He was fortunate enough to play a substantial role as a freshman and performed well. Morsell beat out veteran wing players Jared Nickens and Dion Wiley for the starting role and he should have even less competition this season. Top-50 recruit Aaron Wiggins will likely start alongside Morsell on the wing and the only other real threat is combo guard Eric Ayala who will be used in smaller lineups and as the backup lead guard.

Depth looks like a major weakness for Maryland, especially on the perimeter, but that is good news for Morsell who is in line for even more minutes and an even bigger role. Maryland needs Morsell to take that next step in order to replace Huerter and provide a second perimeter scorer next to Anthony Cowan. The Terps have a strong frontcourt led by NBA prospect Bruno Fernando and 5-star freshman Jalen Smith, but the backcourt is filled with question marks.

If Morsell can average 14-15 ppg, Maryland will likely return to the NCAA Tournament, in what could be a hot-seat season for head coach Mark Turgeon.

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