NCAA Basketball: Top 25 breakout sophomore players for 2020-21 season

Honorable Mentions

Jaime Jaquez Jr. – UCLA Bruins

2019-20 stats: 8.9 ppg and 4.8 rpg

Had the 6’6 wing played more at the beginning of the season, Jaquez would’ve been the second Bruin to average double figures. When he became a starter, that was when the team started winning games. His hard-nosed style and effect is a great compliment to Coach Mick Cronin and if he can shoot the ball a bit better, can be a star for UCLA next season.

Emanuel Miller – Texas A&M Aggies

2019-20 stats: 6.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg

The addition of grad transfer Kevin Marfo will help replace leading scoring big man Josh Nebo but if the Aggies are going to compete for a tourney bid, 6’7 forward Miller will have to up his scoring production. He led the team in rebounding last season and is a good defender, so just expanding his offensive game would be massive for his pro prospects.

Marcus Tshohonis – Washington Huskies

2019-20 stats: 7.7 ppg and 2.3 apg

The 6’3 guard didn’t play at all in the non-conference but had to play a ton of minutes after lead guard Quade Green was suspended for academic reasons. While the team tanked, Tshohonis had some bright spots, including a season-high 19 points against Arizona State. Even though Green will be back, Washington will need better surrounding guard play to make up for the frontcourt losing stars Jaden McDaniels and Isaiah Stewart.

25. Quincy Guerrier – Syracuse Orange

2019-20 stats: 6.9 ppg and 5.3 rpg

While Syracuse returns four starters from last season’s team, the missing piece is Elijah Hughes, their leading overall scorer. Assuming that Illinois transfer Alan Griffin is unable to play, Guerrier, one of the lone returning bench players is an ideal player to start at the wing. He fits well in the zone, rebounds at a high level, and can slash to the hole. If he can shoot the ball at all, the 6’7 forward can be a key piece for the Orange.