It’s often mentioned that the most crucial offseason for college basketball players happens between their freshman and sophomore years. This has led to the phrase “breakout sophomore” becoming quite common in sports discussions.
While some rising sophomores had already distinguished themselves as freshmen, players like Robert Wright, Boogie Brand, and Wesley Yates aren’t included on this particular list.
As we approach the season in November, here are ten standout sophomore players to keep an eye on.
Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
Pettiford might be the most straightforward choice here, having flirted with the NBA Draft before deciding to withdraw in late May. During his freshman year, he came off the bench for Auburn, which made it to the Final Four. Now, as a sophomore, he’s expected to lead the team’s offense. His ability to score is among the best in the nation, and he’ll likely showcase his skills throughout the season.
Lavalon Philon, Alabama
Philon returning to college basketball was a surprising decision, especially since he announced it just minutes before the deadline. The 6’4” guard averaged 10.4 points per game last season as a freshman, making Alabama a strong contender in the SEC. He has lottery pick potential and could transform from a solid player to an elite one this offseason, likely boosting his offensive stats significantly.
Jayden Quaint, Kentucky
Quaint, the youngest player in college basketball last season, had impressive stats (9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game) for a struggling Arizona team. He turned 18 just this past July, which made him ineligible for the 2025 NBA Draft. As he moves into his sophomore year, he boasts excellent defensive skills, and if he can improve his offense, he could join the ranks of Big Blue All-Americans. A major concern, however, is how he’ll perform after recovering from a torn ACL that affected his freshman season.
Isaiah Evans, Duke
Evans had a relatively low-profile role on a star-studded Duke team last year, averaging 6.8 points with a 41.6% shooting rate from beyond the arc, all while only playing about 13.7 minutes per game. Standing at 6’6”, he’s a combo guard with potential. His perimeter shooting is a strength, but he also has the ability to create his own shots, which should become more apparent as he takes on a bigger role in his sophomore year for a team aiming for championship aspirations again.
Canon Catching, Georgia
Following the transfer of Silas Demary, Catching, who played a different position last season, is expected to rise as a key player. He’s 6’9” and averaged 7.2 points per game last season, shooting 35%. His size and skills make him an intriguing NBA prospect, and this next season could be critical as he looks to establish himself as a standout.
Lasan Somerville, Washington
Somerville had a quiet yet impressive freshman season at Rutgers, averaging 8.2 points and 4.1 rebounds. It’s tough to stand out on a team with other top freshmen, but he did show flashes of potential, including a 17-point game against Michigan State. Heading into his second season, he has a good chance to become one of the standout players in the Big Ten.
Jacob Cofie, USC
In a challenging season for Virginia, Cofie, standing at 6’10”, showed great promise. With changes in USC’s lineup, he has the opportunity to step into a more prominent role. Fans should keep an eye on his development; he could really shine this season.
Matas Vockiettis, Texas
The 7-foot center from Lithuania averaged 10.2 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting an impressive 68% last season. Even with limited minutes, he was named the AAC Freshman of the Year. As he steps into a more significant role in Texas, he could make a big impact on the team under Sean Miller.
Moustapha Thiam, Cincinnati
Thiam, a former top 30 recruit, averaged 10.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks during his freshman year. Although inconsistencies marred his season, tapping into Thiam’s full potential may be key for Cincinnati’s success moving forward.
Mores Johnson, Michigan
Johnson, a 6’9” power forward, played a solid role on a good Illinois team, averaging 7.0 points and 6.7 rebounds, including three double-doubles last season. He recently demonstrated strong performance at the FIBA U19 World Cup. With continued improvement, he could be a consistent double-double threat this winter.
