College Basketball will be quickly approaching and Phenom Hoops simply can’t wait, as we are already talking college ball on our platform. There are plenty of players that you will want to watch out for this upcoming season, as we dive into some of the sophomores that could be in for a breakout-type season. We first start in the ACC as these sophomores could make a bigger name for themselves in more than one way.
Donald Hand Jr. (Boston College)
After having a season-ending injury as a freshman at Boston College, Hand came back strong last year as a redshirt freshman. He was able to gain valuable experience by playing 34 games for the Eagles and averaging 14.5 minutes per game. He was able to show his ability to be a scoring factor, scoring double-figures in seven games while also showing more in the ACCT vs. Clemson. Hand is a 6’5 prospect who brings versatility to the court, shows his ability to use his size to his advantage, and can score off the dribble as well as from the perimeter. He finished last year hitting 34 percent from three and brought value on the boards as well. Averaging 5.0ppg, Hand Jr. comes with experience and understanding of the program.
Andrej Stojakovic (California)
Talk about a sophomore who could come in and immediately provide an impact, Stojakovic would be one of those guys. Before transferring to California, Stojakovic had an excellent freshman season at Stanford and was highly sought after this summer. He played in 32 games with 10 starts, so he has experience under his belt. He averaged nearly 8ppg and 4rpg last year, knocked down 34 three-pointers, and truly understands the game. Stojakovic has the size and feel to create problems, plays at a natural pace, shows a great feel on how to attack, and can hurt you off the dribble as well as in catch-and-shoot situations. This is a sophomore who could be in for a big year and could lead the way as a “breakout” player in the ACC for sophomores.
Caleb Foster (Duke)
Before suffering an ankle injury that took him out the rest of the season, Foster had plenty of eyes and I believe that he will remind everyone once again how talented the 6’5 guard can be. Foster started 15 games and played in 27 total last year, averaging 7.7 points, shooting 40 percent from three, and nearly 44 percent from the floor, while averaging 2.1apg and 2.4rpg. Foster can lead the offense and is so good at making plays off the dribble. His blend of size, pace, feel, and ability to create, score, and facilitate are so intriguing. Foster will be one of the key veterans that the Blue Devils will rely on this year and if he can stay healthy, his stock could quickly rise and he will remind everyone that he is one of the premier guards in the conference.
Jerry Deng (Florida State)
Florida State finished the season hovering around .500 overall and the Seminoles will be looking to replace some talent as well as take the next step forward. Landing some key transfers this past season, Deng is a 6’9 sophomore who could fit as a “breakout-type” player but could also simply be a key piece in being a valuable transfer. Deng averaged 10ppg and 4rpg at Hampton last year, and he brings good size to the table as well as potential. He shot 39 percent from three and 46 percent overall, and he could bring tremendous value to the FSU program.
Baye Ndongo (Georgia Tech)
I’m not sure you can say that Ndongo will have a “breakout-type” season after the impressive freshman season he had, averaging 12.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. But he could garner a lot more eyes and attention nationally for the ACC, as he could be one of the top players in the conference. The 6’9 prospect was off the charts in his production, shooting 56 percent from the floor, averaging nearly 28 minutes per game, incredibly strong on the boards, and is one makes an impact on both sides of the court. Ndongo moves extremely well at his size, runs the floor, finishes well at the rim, and is a really good rim runner as well as showing flashes of stepping out. Again, he was more of a breakout player last year but he could become a bigger national name as well as garner more attention by NBA scouts.