Big West Basketball: Top 5 rising sophomores for 2018-19

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 06: Basketballs are shown in a ball rack before a semifinal game of the West Coast Conference Basketball Tournament between the Santa Clara Broncos and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the Orleans Arena on March 6, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gonzaga won 77-68. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images /

The Big West freshmen class turned heads in 2017-18 with their early contributions. Here’s a look at some names to watch in 2018-19.

Big West basketball saw a lot of young faces take the stage in conference play in 2017-18. It’s a testament to the depth of talent in the conference. In 2018-19, there’s a number of names to keep an eye on.

Cal State Northridge freshman Terell Gomez took home the conference Rookie of the Year award, despite his team’s 6-24 overall record. With a new head coach in Mark Gottfried, things are sure to change sooner rather than later for the Matadors.

The Long Beach State 49ers are another team with some rising stars of their own. They boast two players on this year’s list of rising stars in Jordan Roberts and Edon Maxhuni. They posted strong numbers during their freshmen campaigns to lift the team to 9-7 in conference play. Their return should boost Long Beach’ status in the conference in 2018-19.

With departing seniors across the board, the Big West Conference is more wide open than ever. UC Davis will do their best to repeat as conference champions but teams return tons of experience from some bitter losses last season. The rising sophomores are a talented bunch, that’s for sure. Here’s a look at five rising sophomores to watch in 2018-19.