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

18. Malachi Smith – Dayton Flyers

2021-22 stats: 9.3 ppg and 5.3 apg

When Smith either came off the bench or played fewer than 20 minutes at the start of last season, the Flyers lost. And those three losses to bad teams at home ultimately cost them a trip to the NCAA Tournament. But it was clear that the freshman playmaker was the right guy to run the offense, passing for at least seven assists in eight games, along with 16 double-digit scoring games.

A reported leg injury may keep him out of the first few games of the season but once he returns, look for Smith to establish himself as one of the best guards in the Atlantic 10. He showed in some games that he can be a great passer or scorer but can he do it both consistently at the same time?

17. Mouhamed Gueye – Washington State Cougars

2021-22 stats: 7.4 ppg and 5.2 rpg

Despite being on a very crowded frontcourt, Gueye started all 35 games for the Cougars and displayed a raw, yet talented two-way potential. He had three double-doubles and a 25-point game against Washington. His production and scoring were limited in part to the inefficiency of all of the guards, along with playing next to another center in either Efe Abogidi or Dishon Jackson.

With Abogidi off to the NBA G League and hopefully guards that can run a better offense, Gueye is primed to have a big year and could average a double-double as a sophomore. Washington State will need that from him in order to have a shot at the postseason.