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

21. Rylan Jones – Utah Utes

2019-20 stats: 9.6 ppg and 4.4 apg

The transfer departure of guard Both Gach puts the point guard in a situation where he needs to provide more scoring next season. He’s capable, including a season-high 25 points against rival BYU, along with notching a triple-double in a win over Mississippi Valley State. Jones needs to be much more consistent overall, including being more aggressive in finding his own shot.

20. DJ Stewart – Mississippi State Bulldogs

2019-20 stats: 8.5 ppg and 2.5 rpg

The 6’6 combo forward had an impressive first year, despite being the 4th or 5th option on the court. He was inserted into the starting lineup for SEC play and reached double figures in six of the final eight games. With the team’s top four scorers now gone, Stewart will be tasked with being the No. 1 option for the Bulldogs. If he can become a 14-16 ppg, Miss State won’t take a major step back.

19. Al-Amir Dawes – Clemson Tigers

2019-20 stats: 9.0 ppg and 2.5 apg

The perimeter for the Tigers will be strong in 2020-21 but in order to take the next step, the 6’2 guard will have to become a consist double-digit contributor in the starting lineup. Dawes showed some of that towards the end of last season, scoring 18+ points in four of the final eight contests. With transfer Nick Honor and John Newman III on the roster, Dawes won’t have to be a primary facilitator. So scoring at a high level from him is a need for Clemson to help out Aamir Simms on offense.