NCAA Basketball: 20 sophomores under pressure to break out in 2020-21

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 12: Matthew Hurt #21 of the Duke Blue Devils takes a three-point shot against the Central Arkansas Bears during the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 12, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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AUSTIN, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 19: PJ Fuller #4 of the TCU Horned Frogs (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

Zach Freemantle – Xavier Musketeers

A very solid producer in the frontcourt, Freemantle averaged 7.5 ppg and 4.3 rpg, splitting time both as a starter and a key reserve. He’ll certainly start full-time in 2020-21, now that double-double machine and All-Big East star Tyrique Jones has graduated.

The perimeter shooting for Xavier is going to be a key question this offseason but how the frontcourt of Freemantle and rising senior Jason Carter is also going to be huge. These two won’t produce to the same level as Jones and Naji Marshall did last season but at least from a scoring production standpoint, they’ll have to combine for at least 15-20 ppg.

PJ Fuller – TCU Horned Frogs

With star guard Desmond Bane now graduated, the Horned Frogs are going to rely heavily on rising juniors Kevin Samuel and RJ Nembhard for next season. But if they’re going to be better than .500 overall, they’ll need for this to become a trio of potential stars. Fuller, one of the key returning players on the roster, is the most likely candidate to be that guy.

Fuller averaged 5.7 ppg as a freshman but did have a few big individual performances, including a season-high 21 points against Baylor. The 6’4 guard and former top-100 recruit will certainly get more minutes as a sophomore but can he be a steady 12-15 scorer?

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