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

12. Ethan Anderson – USC Trojans

2019-20 stats: 5.5 ppg and 4.2 apg

There have been plenty of departures on the Trojans roster this offseason but they were able to keep starting point guard Ethan Anderson. He had multiple games of 10+ assists, including 12 against Long Beach State. He scored 0 points in that matchup, something that was a pattern for him in terms of scoring. Not only will he be tasked with doing more, but Anderson will also have to facilitate an offense that’ll feature a number of grad transfer rotation players brought in this offseason.

11. Boo Buie – Northwestern Wildcats

2019-20 stats: 10.3 ppg and 2.4 apg

Although the past season overall was a disaster for the team, Buie’s play was a bright spot. He became a full-time starter in league play after back-to-back 25+ point efforts against Michigan State and DePaul. Buie is a good passer as well, which will be needed to help replace Pat Spencer. Northwestern needs a lot more than Buie to be competitive in the Big Ten next season (before a potential monster 2021 class arrives) but the most likely All-Conference player from the Wildcats in 2020-21 could have the first name “Boo”.

10. DJ Jeffries – Memphis Tigers

2019-20 stats: 10.8 ppg and 4.3 rpg

What happens in the future regarding Moussa Cisse and transfer Deandre Williams’ possible waiver will certainly affect Jeffries’s role next season. But for now, he’s the best returning overall player on the roster for Memphis. When healthy, the 6’7 forward is an all-around talent that consistently produces on offense. No matter who’s in the rotation next season, look for Jeffries to still be a focal part of Coach Hardaway’s plans.