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 four players in the P5/Multi-bid level who have a golden opportunity not only for themselves but for their programs. This is the last of my three part series on break out players in college basketball!
Caleb Furst, F, Sr, Purdue
Last Year: 9 mpg, 2 ppg, 2 rpg
’24-’25 Projection: 26 mpg, 10 ppg, 6 rpg
Unfortunately for Furst, his first three years were blocked by two-time Naismith Player of the Year Zach Edey. Now, with Edey out of the way, the path for Furst to become a big-time contributor is mostly clear. When he’s had his chances, he’s shown to be ultra-productive offensively in limited action.
John Blackwell, G, So, Wisconsin
Last Year: 18 mpg, 8 ppg, 3 rpg
’24-’25 Projection: 30 mpg, 15 ppg, 5 rpg, 36% 3pt
You can see the “breakout” coming from a mile away from Blackwell. During a three-game stretch in early March, the kid put up 17 on Rutgers in a win, 18 at Purdue in a close loss, and 18 in the Big Ten Tournament against Maryland. The problem for Blackwell last year was that now Kansas Jayhawk AJ Storr was in the way. All the kid needs is minutes, and on top of that, he will be a focal point of the Badgers attack.
Blue Cain, G, So, Georgia
Last Year: 21 mpg, 7 ppg
’24-’25 Projection: 28 mpg, 12 ppg, 4 rpg, 35% 3pt
It was a typical rollercoaster freshman season for Cain, but like most on this list, it gave us enough to get excited about what’s to come. Cain played his best game of the year in the opening-round win over Missouri in the SEC Tournament, where he poured in 19 points. He can shoot the three, takes care of the ball, and uses his length on the wing to play lockdown defense. T
Tru Washington, G, So, New Mexico
Last Year: 18 mpg, 7 ppg, 3 rpg, 1 spg
’24-’25 Projection: 28 mpg, 13 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 spg
This kid not only has a great name, he’s got game. We didn’t get to see as much of it with New Mexico’s plethora of backcourt options and all the love going to fellow freshman Donovan Dent. Washington turned in a spectacular effort defensively last year and his offensive game continues to grow.
