The term “breakout player” gets thrown around often in the sports world. Many times, it is used too often, which sometimes causes it to lose meaning. Everyone seems to have their own definition of the term as well. To me, in College Basketball, that term should refer to players who haven’t had the opportunity to reach their potential and/or produce at this level. That has become harder over the past few years, with rosters all over the country being much older, the extra year afforded by Covid, and the doing away with transfers having to sit out. We all know who the big names like RJ Davis and Mark Sears are coming into the year. Here’s a look at three players in the P5/Multi-bid level who have a golden opportunity not only for themselves but for their programs. This is the second of my three part series on break out players in college basketball!
KJ Lewis, G, So, Arizona
Last Year: 18 mpg, 6 ppg, 3 rpg, 1 spg
’24-’25 Projection: 28 mpg, 12 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg, 2 spg, 35% 3pt
If you saw Lewis play last year, you would have seen a guy who is just oozing with talent. His individual metrics on both ends of the floor were spectacular during his freshman year. We might not see the full potential of his breakout with Caleb Love returning, but Coach Tommy Lloyd won’t be able to keep him off the floor for long stretches if they want to reach their ceiling. Expect Lewis to show up on NBA Draft Boards early and often after this year.
Xavier Booker, F, So, Michigan State
Last Year: 9 mpg, 4 ppg, 2 rpg
’24-’25 Projection: 28 mpg, 12 ppg, 6 rpg, 1 bpg, 35% 3pt
Booker got off to a really slow start trying to earn the trust of legendary Coach Tom Izzo. There is no doubt about his skill level, as he was one of the most coveted prospects from the 2023 prep ranks. There will no doubt be competition in the frontcourt with Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler back in the mix, along with Longwood transfer Szymon Zapala. But at 6’11”, Booker has the ability to dominate on both ends if he can put it all together.
Aaron Bradshaw, C, So, Ohio State
Last Year: 14 mpg, 5 ppg, 3 rpg (Kentucky)
’24-’25 Projection: 22 mpg, 9 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 bpg
Another big-time prospect from the 2023 recruiting class, Bradshaw, decided this offseason to move on from Kentucky and join the Buckeyes. Considering the amount of talent Kentucky had at his position and the injury just before the season started, Bradshaw showed enough to make us believers. There aren’t many 7’1″ mobile bigs that can shoot threes and start a block party on the other end. A change of scenery could be just what Bradshaw needs to tap into his immense potential.