5 Potential College Basketball Breakout Players

The 2018-2019 season is only a week away!

If you paid close attention to college basketball last season, then you know these players. Expect these players to become more important for their teams and breakout into the national scene for the 2018-2019 season. With the season about a week away, here are five potential breakout players for the upcoming season.

DeAndre Hunter, Sophomore, Forward, Virginia: DeAndre Hunter showcased that he’s one of the most versatile defenders in the country. With his size, length, and athleticism, at 6’7-220 pounds with a 7’0 wingspan, Hunter can guard all positions. Hunter has huge upside, as he really showcased his offensive game towards the end of the season. Hunter showed how important he was for Virginia when he missed the game against UMBC. Hunter along with the rest of the Virginia team will have a chip on his shoulder this season. With a year under his belt under the Virginia system, expect Hunter to be featured more in the offense. While Hunter is still expanding his offensive game, but with the talent his has, expect him to put it all together. The amount of upside Hunter has on the offense end along with his versatility on both offense and defense, don’t be surprised if Hunter ends up being a lottery pick or a first-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Eric Paschall, Senior, Forward, Villanova: Eric Paschall was the fifth leading scorer on Villanova national championship team. Due to losing their top four players to the NBA, Paschall is primed to have a breakout season. Paschall role will change from being a role player to being the go to player on this year’s Villanova team. Paschall averaged 10.6 points per game, expect him or Phil Booth to be the leading scorer on this year’s Villanova team. Paschall is an athletic forward who can do a bit of everything on offense and defense. Jay Wright has a history of developing players into stars (Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo). Paschall had a breakout performance against Kansas in the Final Four by scoring 24 points on 10 of 11 shooting from the field. During the premier off-season camp, Paschall was the most dominant player at the Nike Basketball Academy. Paschall opened a lot of NBA Scouts eyes, as he really showcased NBA potential. Don’t be surprised if Eric Paschall plays himself into a late first round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Lindell Wigginton, Sophomore, Guard, Iowa State: Lindell Wigginton was one of the few bright spots for Iowa State this past season. Wigginton had a strong freshman season. Wigginton went under the radar due to the other freshman phenoms. Wigginton played his best against top competition (27 points against Kansas, 29 points against West Virginia, and a career high of 30 points against Baylor). Wigginton finished the season scoring in double figures in the final 11 games and scored 20 plus points in the final four games. With this year’s Iowa State team being much improved, don’t be surprised to see Iowa State in the tournament, for Wigginton to breakout into the national scene, and for Wigginton to be a late first round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Cassius Winston, Junior, Point Guard, Michigan State: Cassius Winston is one of the best passers in the country. Winston ability to run a team has been an underappreciated part of Michigan State success over the last couple of seasons. Winston is an underrated scorer, who can get to the rim at will, shoot it from mid-range, and his 3-point shooting has continued to improve. Winston has been more of a setup man with Miles Bridges & Jaren Jackson Jr on the previous Michigan State teams. With Miles Bridges & Jaren Jackson Jr off to the NBA, expect Winston to be the go to player along with Josh Langford. Winston will not only showcase his floor general skills and ability to run a team but he will also showcase his ability to score.

John Petty, Sophomore, Guard, Alabama: The forgotten five-star of the Alabama duo due to the fact of Colin Sexton receiving all of the headlines and media attention from last year’s Alabama team. With Colin Sexton off to the NBA, Petty should be the go-to-player for this year’s Alabama team. Petty is an athletic-shooting wing which is a great combo for today’s game. The 6’5 Sophomore had his ups and downs during his freshman season. When Petty is on top of his game, he gives Alabama a different dimension & makes them a different team. Obviously, Petty has a lot of talent and potential. If Petty can be more consistent and puts it all together don’t be surprised if he ends up being a late first pick or early second round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.