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

12. Chucky Hepburn – Wisconsin Badgers

2021-22 stats: 7.9 ppg and 2.3 apg

The All-Freshman guard started each game for the Badgers and despite Big Ten Player of the Year Johnny Davis and Brad Davison taking up most of the usage, had his own role last season. Hepburn had 12 games of double-digit scoring, including 17 points versus Purdue in league play.

While Wisconsin did add a couple of guards this offseason via the portal, look for Hepburn to run the offense. In order for them to be an NCAA Tournament team, he might have to lead the team in both scoring and passing. He’s not likely to be at the same level as Davis was but the sophomore playmaker will be an all-conference candidate this season.

11. Julian Reese – Maryland Terrapins

2021-22 stats: 5.7 ppg and 4.4 rpg

Reese came off the bench last season behind Qudus Wahab at center and an argument can be made that he was better overall. The 6’9 forward started off strong, with three double-digit games in the first five. Yet Reese only had four outings of 10+ the rest of the way.

He did show that he can be a good defender and rebounder at the five-spot and with a new head coach (Kevin Willard) that prioritizes that, should start to thrive with the Terrapins. And with Wahab gone, all the minutes at center are for Reese. In a league with plenty of elite bigs, he’ll have to be ready to hold down the position.