Big Ten Basketball: 5 early breakout candidates for 2024-25 season

The 2024-25 will usher in a new era of Big Ten basketball, bringing with it four new programs that further expand the league's geographic footprint. With the additions, plenty of new faces are set to arrive and looking to make their mark in one of college basketball's most competitive conferences.

The infusion of talent couldn't have come at a better time for the Big Ten. As the conference prepares for yet another season in which they look to conclude their seemingly never-ending quest to win an elusive National Title, it's saying goodbye to a slew of players who have led the league for some time. Zach Edey is the biggest name moving on, but also departing are Boo Buie, Tyson Walker, Terrence Shannon Jr., and plenty more.

Coaching turnover has also created an environment ripe with opportunity. Major programs like Michigan and Ohio State are starting anew, and even among the newcomers like Washington and USC, they'll begin life in the league with new figureheads in charge of their programs.

With so much star power on the way out and new coaches looking for players to step up, it's the perfect breeding ground for young talent and incoming transfers to take advantage and have their respective "breakout" moments. Of course, trying to predict those breakout players before a season begins is an imperfect science, especially with several months before the action tips off. But, with the transfer portal slowing down and rosters beginning to firm up, what better time than now? These are the 5 Big Ten breakout candidates I'm keeping a close eye on throughout summer and fall as we inch towards the 2024-25 college basketball season.