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NCAA Basketball: Top 25 breakout sophomores to watch for 2022-23 season

By Tristan Freeman

Dec 28, 2021; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nolan Hickman (11) shoots the ball against the North Alabama Lion's in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaag won 93-63. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2021; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nolan Hickman (11) shoots the ball against the North Alabama Lion's in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaag won 93-63. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball Mississippi Rebels guard Daeshun Ruffin Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Daeshun Ruffin – Ole Miss Rebels

2021-22 stats: 12.6 ppg and 3.4 apg

An injury limited Ruffin to just 14 games last season but the 5’9 point guard impressed. In six of those games, he scored at least 17 points, including 17 points, eight assists, and four steals in a game against Mississippi State. He’s been cleared for full activities to start the season and should be the lead guard for the Rebels.

With Jarkel Joiner gone, the backcourt for Ole Miss will be primarily Ruffin and Matthew Murrell. They may be one of the younger ones in the SEC but these two have high potential. Especially Ruffin, who already has shown to be a high-level scorer.

19. Houston Mallette – Pepperdine Waves

2021-22 stats: 13.6 ppg and 1.9 apg

The Waves recently had an elite scoring guard in Colbey Ross, who was capable of going for 30 points. They may have already found the next version of him in Mallett, who was one of multiple talented freshmen on the team. The 6’5 guard and All-WCC freshman had 18 points in his debut game against Rice and had 10 games of at least 15 points last season.

He was even more special in Pepperdine’s final nine games, averaging around 20 ppg. That includes a season-high 31 points on an efficient 9/11 shooting versus BYU. Mallette putting up 18+ a night wouldn’t be a surprise and the Waves are a darkhorse candidate to make the top 4 of the WCC this season.

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