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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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – DECEMBER 07: Casey Morsell #13 of the Virginia Cavaliers (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

Casey Morsell – Virginia Cavaliers

The 6’4 guard was actually a starter for the Cavaliers to start out last season, with the height of success coming with 19 points against Arizona State. However, Morsell was relegated to the bench after a long stretch of poor shooting, making just 28% from the field overall and a disastrous 18% from three-point range.

But don’t count out the former top-100 recruit just yet. Despite the poor shooting, his outstanding defense will keep him on the court for UVA. If he can just become adequate from the field, Morsell can easily become a double-digit producer. And if that happens, not only will be starting again, the Cavaliers will once again be a national title contender.

Jahvon Quinerly – Alabama Crimson Tide

After a disastrous freshman campaign at Villanova, the former top-30 recruit transferred and sat out at Alabama after being denied a waiver. That may have worked out for the best, as starter Kira Lewis Jr. broke out as a national star to lead the team in scoring and assists. With both he and James Bolden now gone, the starting point guard position is all for Quinerley.

While head coach Nate Oats isn’t on the same level as Jay Wright in terms of title and overall x’s and o’s, his offensive style and faster-paced system probably fit Quinerly better. But with a stacked roster of surrounding talent, all of the pressure will be on his shoulders since there isn’t any other true ball-handler on the roster.

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