The Big Ten will be loaded with familiar faces like Ethan Happ, Carsen Edwards and Charles Matthews in 2018-19. Other programs will lean on key newcomers such as Indiana’s Romeo Langford to fill notable voids.
Every year there is also a group of players who rise from less prominent roles to become key contributors. These are the breakout stars of the conference and what makes following the league so rewarding.
The first thing to look for in any breakout candidate is new opportunity. The chance the fill a void left by a player who used a lot of possessions or played a lot of minutes is almost always a prerequisite to a breakout role.
Here are ten Big Ten players who fit the criteria and should be poised for big seasons in 2018-19.
Still to come
- Jordan Poole, Michigan, sophomore
- Isaiah Roby, Nebraska, junior
- Justin Smith, Indiana, sophomore
- Nojel Eastern, Purdue, sophomore
- Isaiah Moss, Iowa, junior
+ 10 more
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