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

18. Julian Champagnie – St. John’s Red Storm

2019-20 stats: 9.9 ppg and 6.5 rpg

With LJ Figueroa leaving for Oregon, Champagnie will have an even bigger role for St. John’s next season. The 6’7 combo forward led the team in rebounding and was strong in the non-conference but had a brutal 10 stretch once Big East play arrives. Just like his twin Justin from Pittsburgh, this is a talented frontcourt asset who can be a lead piece on a power conference program.

17. Donta Scott – Maryland Terrapins

2019-20 stats: 5.9 ppg and 3.6 rpg

Scott has no choice but to be a breakout player for the Terps next season since star forward Jalen Smith went pro and several frontcourt reserves elected to transfer out. That leaves no current eligible power forward on the roster outside of Scott, who did start 21 games a year ago and had five games of 10+ points during the end. If he can rebound and defend at a proficient level, Maryland’s frontcourt will be solid enough to compete in the Big Ten.

16. James Bouknight – UConn Huskies

2019-20 stats: 13.0 ppg and 4.1 rpg

With both Christian Vital and Alterique Gilbert not with the team anymore, it’ll be up to Bouknight to elevate the Huskies now that they’re back in the Big East. The 6’4 guard is already an All-Conference performer and if transfer RJ Cole has his struggles, don’t be surprised if Bouknight averages around 18-20 ppg on the perimeter next season and lead UConn at least in bubble contention. The team wants a good impression in year 1 of the Big East and it’ll be up to the dynamic guard lead the way.