Big 12 Men's Basketball: One Breakout Player From Each Team in 2023-24

With the basketball season fast approaching, we've created a list of one player from each team we expect to have a breakout season.
Big 12 Men's Basketball: One Breakout Player From Each Team in 2023-24
Big 12 Men's Basketball: One Breakout Player From Each Team in 2023-24

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With the basketball season upcoming, it is time to look at some of the breakout candidates for the Big 12. Here is one player from every team that will take the next step this year.

Baylor - Langston Love, Guard

The former top 40 recruit in the nation, Love, saw limited action last season sitting behind Adam Flagler, LJ Cryer, and Keyonte George. With those three guards all departing, Love should see a spot as the starter. His talent in Scott Drew's system could allow him to see a big-time opportunity this season.

Honorable Mention: Jalen Bridges

BYU - Dallin Hall, Guard

Hall was the Cougars's sixth man in his true freshman season last year and ended up on the All-West Coast Conference Freshman Team. With Rudi Williams departing, he will have the chance to start and be a big piece of Mark Pope's team.

Honorable Mention: Dawson Baker

Cincinnati - CJ Fredrick, Guard

The Kentucky transfer comes to the Bearcats to help replace Landers Nolley II and David DeJulius. He has the chance to be one of the best knockdown shooters in the conference.

Honorable Mention: Jizzle James

Houston - Terrance Arceneaux, Guard/Forward

Arceneaux was a top-40 recruit last season but only averaged 3.7 points in his freshman campaign. With Jarace Walker going to the NBA, he will have the opportunity to start for the Cougars and show why he was such a high recruit.

Honorable Mention: Damian Dunn

Iowa State - Tamin Lipsey, Guard

Lipsey started all 33 games he played in last season leading the team in rebounds, assists, and steals but only averaging 7.3 points. With the departure of Gabe Kalscheur, Jaren Holmes, and Caleb Grill, he has a real shot to take on more of a scoring role and be one of the best players for the Cyclones.

Honorable Mention: Tre King

Kansas - Nick Timberlake, Guard

The graduate transfer comes to the Jayhawks after playing five years at Towson. Timberlake is one of the best true shooters in the country and will showcase his elite talent in Lawrence this season.

Honorable Mention: Elmarko Jackson

Kansas State - Cam Carter, Guard

Carter started all 36 games he played in for the Wildcats last year but only averaged 6.3 points per game. With the departures of Markquis Nowell and Desi Sills, he could take the next step this year.

Honorable Mention: David N'Guessan

Oklahoma - Milos Uzan, Guard

Uzan started 24 of 32 games played in his freshman season, averaging 7.6 points. With Oklahoma losing a lot of production, he is arguably the Sooners' best returning player and could see a lot more opportunity in his sophomore campaign.

Honorable Mention: Le'Tre Darthard

Oklahoma State - John-Michael Wright, Guard

Starting for the Cowboys last season, Wright is a flat out dog and one of the most slept on players in the country. Entering his fifth year in college basketball, he could take over Avery Anderson's scoring and compliment Bryce Thompson as one of the best backcourts in the conference.

Honorable Mention: Isaiah Miranda

TCU - Ernest Udeh Jr., Center

A top 35 recruit last year, Udeh, comes to the Frogs after a year at Kansas. With the departure of Eddie Lampkin Jr., he will instantly be the starting center for TCU and have an excellent opportunity to showcase his talent in his sophomore campaign.

Honorable Mention: Jameer Nelson Jr.

Texas - Dylan Disu, Forward

Disu is riding high after his performance in tournament play last season. With Timmy Allen's departure, he legitimately has a chance to be one of the best college basketball players.

Honorable Mention: Dillon Mitchell

Texas Tech - Devan Cambridge, Forward

Cambridge comes to the Red Raiders from Arizona State. The former Sun Devil and Auburn Tiger will play a big role for Grant McCasland's team in his fifth year in college basketball.

Honorable Mention: Warren Washington

UCF - Darius Johnson, Guard

Johnson enters his junior year for the Knights after starting 22 of 25 games played last season. After averaging 10 points, Johnson is UCF's highest returning scorer and could be their go-to guy.

Honorable Mention: CJ Walker

West Virginia - RaeQuan Battle, Guard

The fifth-year senior transfers to the Mountaineers after leading Montana State in scoring last year. With West Virginia's huge roster turnaround, he could show how lethal a scorer he is from all levels in the Big 12.

Honorable Mention: Akok Akok

Men's Basketball Poll Watching: Kansas Is Preseason No. 1


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Nicholas Girimonte
NICHOLAS GIRIMONTE

Nick Girimonte, a senior at Texas Christian University majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Journalism, is passionate about media, storytelling, and sports. Originally from Windsor, CA, Nick moved to Fort Worth, TX in 2021 to pursue his career goals. He has gained diverse hands-on experience as an on-air talent for Frogs Today, covering TCU sports, and as a writer and podcast host for TCU Horned Frogs on SI. Nick specializes in covering both men’s and women’s basketball. His podcast, “Frog Fever,” covers TCU and Big 12 Men’s Basketball. Additionally, he works with the TCU Football video crew, contributing to game footage and analysis. Nick has also held roles with the Texas Rangers, Barstool Sports, and Austin Industries, where he worked on social media content, event planning, and brand visibility. Nick is excited to contribute to TCU Horned Frogs On SI and looks forward to his next sports communication journey after graduation in May 2025.

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