Three Sophomores to Watch in College Basketball Next Season

As the emphasis on generating extra possessions grows in modern NBA analytics, players who excel in steals, blocks, and rebounding are increasingly sought after. While popular names like Jordan Smith Jr., Thomas Haugh, and Tyran Stokes will attract attention, three sophomores who contributed to their teams’ possession games could be poised for breakout seasons.

Jordan Scott from Michigan State is a 6-foot-8 wing who played a significant role for the Spartans last season, averaging 20.8 minutes per game. He showcased his defensive skills with a 2.1 steal percentage and a 3.3 block percentage. Offensively, Scott was effective as an offensive rebounder, posting a 7.9 offensive rebound percentage while shooting 37% from three on 100 total attempts. His shooting efficiency extended to the rim, where he converted 72.2% of his attempts, and he made 37.8% of his non-rim two-point shots. If Scott secures more playing time and maintains his impact, he could attract NBA interest due to his defensive prowess and ability to space the floor.

Amari Evans, a 6-foot-5 guard, played for Tennessee last season but has transferred to Texas. Limited to 14.4 minutes per game, he still made a strong impact in his freshman year, converting 67.3% of his attempts at the rim and 33.3% of his non-rim two-point shots. Evans also demonstrated promise in rebounding with a 7.2 offensive rebound percentage and a 17.4 defensive rebound percentage, alongside a 4.0 steal percentage and a 2.0 block percentage. His development as a three-point shooter will be crucial for his future performance.

Dillan Shaw, who is transitioning from Saint Mary's to Arizona State, stands 6-foot-7 and had a successful season last year. He shot 41.6% from three on 125 attempts and 59.5% from the rim on 42 attempts. Shaw also contributed defensively with a 2.0 steal percentage and a 2.4 block percentage, along with a 6.2 offensive rebound percentage. Like Scott, Shaw’s ability to maintain effective floor spacing and defensive contributions could elevate his profile for the NBA.