With a number of seniors and talented underclassmen making their way to the NBA, Pac-12 Basketball is going to see a number of new stars emerge. Every team has one that will break out this season and be somebody to pay attention to out West.
The detailed version of how the term ‘breakout’ is defined is found in my Big Ten breakout preview, as well you can check out the breakouts in the SEC. If you have not read either one as of yet, the type of players that will be recognized as ‘breakout’ are the ones that will be improving their stats and contributing to the team’s success. A vast improvement from three to seven points will not be considered a ‘breakout’, similar to those who averaged 18 and show signs of scoring 22, they have already had their breakout season.
Many of these players are going to benefit from increased opportunity or responsibility and they all have the ability to capitalize when given the chance. Not all are going to make the All-PAC 12 team, but they will be important contributors to their team’s success.
PAC-12 Basketball had four teams that were ranked in the AP Poll at one time or another during the 2019-20 season. The conference itself had a breakout season as it placed fourth in the conference power rankings. They were being projected to have up to seven NCAA bids and ten top 75 NBA prospects (second-most).
Once the 2020-21 season begins, the breakout players in the PAC-12 will become apparent rather quickly as each coach strives to start the non-conference season on the right foot. The ‘East Coast bias’ may be forced to come to an end as these West Coast teams aim for the championship.