Big 12 Men's Basketball: One Breakout Player From Each Team in 2023-24
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
Langston Love, Baylor
baylorbears.com
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
Dallin Hall, BYU
ksl.com
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
CJ Fredrick, Cincinnati
gobearcats.com
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
Terrance Arceneaux, Houston
si.com
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
Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
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
Nick Timberlake, Kansas
@NickJTimberlake/X
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
Cam Carter, Kansas State
kstatesports.com
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
Milos Uzan, Oklahoma
soonersports.com
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
John-Michael Wright, Oklahoma State
On3.com
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
Ernest Udeh Jr., TCU
gofrogs.com
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
Dylan Disu, Texas
spectrumlocalnews.com
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
Devan Cambridge, Texas Tech
texastech.com
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
Darius Johnson, UCF
news.yahoo.com
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
RaeQuan Battle, West Virginia
wvusports.com
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
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