ACC Basketball: Breakout candidates from each team for 2020-21 season

ACC Basketball breakout candidate – Earl Timberlake (Miami)

Miami found themselves somewhat stuck between mediocrity and some occasional waves filled with quickly dissipating optimism during their campaign this year. As perhaps the ACC’s most streaky team, some new faces rather than already existing ones might serve as the more fruitful option while attempting to pull themselves back into the limelight as a top conference team.

With Dejan Vasiljevic recently deciding to leave the program, the stars continue to align for his likely replacement, four-star wing player Earl Timberlake. As a perhaps Miami’s best recruit since Lonnie Walker, Timberlake dominated as a high school player both offensively and defensively. With a jump shot, ball-handling skills, size, speed, and defensive tenacity, nobody doubts Timberlake’s potential to become a top ACC player and eventual NBA prospect.

Hailing from a prestigious high school program which also produced Victor Oladipo, first overall pick Markelle Fultz, and all three Grant brothers, Jim Larrañaga must feel excited with a chance to work with Timberlake. His all-around adept skill set makes him a coach’s dream, but expect his defensive tendencies to draw the most appreciation, as Miami ranked second last defensively last year by surrendering 73.2 PPG to their opponents. Inbound to a team that reeks with defensive holes, Timberlake’s value absolutely skyrockets.

While last year’s top scorer Chris Lykes and other rising senior Kameron McGusty may hold onto their spots as the team’s leaders and “go-to” guys despite Timberlake’s admission to the team, nobody owns a better chance to truly make a meaningful impact than Timberlake. If he hits his ceiling, he may even find his name called before Lykes or McGusty come draft night.