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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 Colorado Buffaloes guard KJ Simpson John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball Colorado Buffaloes guard KJ Simpson John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

14. KJ Simpson – Colorado Buffaloes

2021-22 stats: 7.4 ppg and 2.7 apg

Simpson came off the bench last season, playing around 20 mpg but was plenty effective when on the court. He had nine games of double-digit scoring, including five of the last nine games of the season. One of them was a 19-point effort in 26 minutes against California. The 6’2 playmaker is a good passer as well and with more playing time should be a leading contributor for the Buffs.

Simpson actually led Colorado in assists last season and with both Keeshawn Barthelemy and Eli Parquet gone, becomes the new lead guard for the team. He and forward Tristan Da Silva will be one of the best duos in the Pac-12 and the team will need both to be All-Pac-12 performers to have postseason hopes.

13. Charles Bediako – Alabama Crimson Tide

2021-22 stats: 6.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg

The former five-star prospect was viewed as “raw” and Bediako certainly took his freshman lumps. Still, he started in 27 of 30 games and had a few big outings. He had six blocks and eight rebounds in Alabama’s upset win over Gonzaga, along with a season-high 15 points versus Mississippi State.

He has the potential to be a real rim protector and floor runner for the Tide and with a year under his belt, should be very comfortable as a sophomore and solidify the frontcourt this season. And with guards this season that are more willing passers than individual scorers, Bediako’s stats will improve as well.

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