Sophomores are often referred to as the middle child of college basketball. They are stuck between the hype surrounding freshmen and the experience and confidence of seasoned veterans. Their second year in college is crucial as it is all about proving themselves and making a name for themselves in the highly competitive world of college basketball. This is the year where they have the opportunity to make a strong “year-two leap” and transform from potential prospects into must-draft players. With the new college basketball season just around the corner, let’s take a look at the top 10 sophomore stars who are ready to make their mark in the upcoming season.
1. Cade Cunningham – Oklahoma State University
Cade Cunningham is a 6’8″ point guard who is set to take the college basketball world by storm in his sophomore year at Oklahoma State University. He was the number one recruit in the class of 2020 and is known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and court vision. Cunningham is a versatile player who can play multiple positions and is a threat on both ends of the court. He averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in his freshman year and is expected to have an even bigger impact in his second year.
2. Evan Mobley – University of Southern California
Evan Mobley is a 7’0″ center who is set to dominate the paint in his sophomore year at the University of Southern California. He was the number two recruit in the class of 2020 and is known for his athleticism, shot-blocking abilities, and post moves. Mobley averaged 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game in his freshman year and was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year. He is expected to continue his dominant performance in his second year and lead USC to a successful season.
3. Jalen Suggs – Gonzaga University
Jalen Suggs is a 6’4″ point guard who is ready to make a big impact in his sophomore year at Gonzaga University. He was the number five recruit in the class of 2020 and is known for his explosive athleticism and playmaking abilities. Suggs is a dynamic player who can score, rebound, and facilitate for his team. He averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in his freshman year and was named to the All-WCC First Team. He is expected to lead Gonzaga to another successful season and make a strong case for the NBA draft.
4. Jalen Green – NBA G League Ignite
Jalen Green is a 6’5″ shooting guard who is set to make his mark in the NBA G League Ignite team in his sophomore year. He was the number three recruit in the class of 2020 and is known for his elite scoring abilities and athleticism. Green is a natural scorer who can create his own shot and is a threat from anywhere on the court. He averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in his freshman year and is expected to continue his impressive performance in the G League.
5. Ziaire Williams – Stanford University
Ziaire Williams is a 6’8″ small forward who is ready to showcase his talents in his sophomore year at Stanford University. He was the number six recruit in the class of 2020 and is known for his smooth shooting stroke and versatility on the court. Williams is a skilled player who can score, rebound, and defend at a high level. He averaged 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in his freshman year and is expected to have a breakout season in his second year.
6. Jalen Johnson – Duke University
Jalen Johnson is a 6’9″ small forward who is set to make a big impact in his sophomore year at Duke University. He was the number thirteen recruit in the class of 2020 and is known for his all-around game and high basketball IQ. Johnson is a versatile player who can handle the ball, shoot, and rebound at a high level. He averaged 11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in his freshman year and is expected to be a key player for Duke in the