College Basketball Sophomore Evaluations: Part 3

Williams had a very good sophomore season for Washington State and will lead a dynamic backcourt next season. Furthermore, he has very good size and athleticism with the ability to be dynamic in transition. Next, he is very good from the perimeter as a shooter with 37.9% from three. Continued, he moves well off the basketball getting in a position to be a threat. Also, he can use his size against smaller guards with mid-range pull-ups and the ability to post up. Additionally, he could improve his ability to get to the basket more often with his size and being able to finish around defense more effectively. Williams has a lot of talent offensively and must continually put it together to reach another level in his game. As for defensively, he has the length and size to be a dynamic perimeter defender. He does a good job of disrupting guards’ ability to great looks consistently especially off the dribble. Noah Williams has the talent to elevate into one of the best players in the PAC 12.

Sasser had a really productive sophomore season for Houston and will be their go-to guy on the perimeter next season. First off, he really shoots well off the catch for Houston especially off of their success on offensive rebounds at 33.5% from three. Next, he moves well off the basketball consistently moving to be in the best position to score the basketball. Additionally, his improvement is going to be his ability to make plays off the dribble and be more of a threat getting to the basket. Also, the evolvement in his game as a ball-handler and distributor will be vital in his growth as a playmaker. As well as, continuing to grow his game in being able to use ball screens to get shots from all over and especially the rim with flashes in that area. Now defensively, he does a solid job on the ball with his activity and positioning. He needs to become an improved defender off the basketball especially the help side. Marcus Sasser will be one of the best players in the AAC in a position to be the player of the year.

Radford had a good sophomore season and showed the overall potential he has to contribute in multiple ways. First off, he has the toughness and ability to finish around the basket consistently off dribble penetration and in transition. Next, his efficiency around the basket is really good, however, he needs to improve his perimeter jumper as he shot 29.2% from three. Further, he has the ability to use the ball screen well helping him get downhill and attack well in isolated situations. Continued, he brings really good effort on the offensive glass with contributing to extra possessions. Radford’s consistent pursuit of attacking the basket makes it very difficult for opposing guards to contain him from the lane. As for the defensive end, he brings really good length and activity on the basketball to disrupt opposing guards. Also, he fights through screens and will dig down on the post as well. Radford has the ability to be an elite perimeter defender for Virginia Tech. Tyrece Radford should be one of the best two-way guards in the ACC and country next season.

Alleyne had a solid sophomore season for Virginia Tech with the potential to develop even further. Next, he has really good size and spots up well on the perimeter with a quick shot release at 40.8% from three. Additionally, he can be really productive in transition spotting up as a shooter off the catch and bounce. Also, he moves well off the basketball getting in scoring positions. Continued, his improvement needs to come with driving to the basket as a more consistent finisher. He has the potential to develop into a more complete scorer and be the go-to option for Virginia Tech. Now defensively, he plays with good activity and adds good lateral movement on the basketball. Also, his size and length add to his ability to be a good perimeter defender. Nahiem Alleyne has the potential to develop into one of the best guards in the ACC next season.

Molinar had a very good sophomore season for Mississippi State being a go-to scorer with great efficiency. First off, he is very efficient from the perimeter as a shooter off the catch or dribble at 43.6% from three. Next, he uses ball screens very well being able to get to the rim quickly and finishes strong. Additionally, he has shiftiness with the basketball, making it difficult for defenders to stay in front of him. Continued, his ability to be dynamic with the basketball makes him one of the best guards in the SEC. The area he can improve would be his playmaking ability for others as a distributor. Molinar’s pace in transition adds another element to his game being able to generate offense. As for the defensive end, he’s excellent on the defensive end with his ability to contain the basketball. The lateral moment Molinar has is great and he is really good at forcing difficult drives for offensive players. Iverson Molinar will be one of the best guards in the SEC next season leading what will be an NCAA tournament team at Mississippi State.

Dante showed improvement in his sophomore until he ended with a season-ending injury due to a torn ACL. Now, Dante brings a physicality to his game with the ability to be a major contributor on the offensive glass. Additionally, he is very productive in high-low situations getting good positioning in duck-in opportunities. Also, he does a good job of opening up around the basket. Continued, he does a good job of powering up around the basket while posting up. The overall skill in the post for Dante needs to improve for him to become a more dominant post player. His efficiency around the basket is good at 65.6% from the field. Dante runs the floor well in transition and that will be key to return with that form next season from his torn ACL. As for defensively, he needs to improve his mobility in being able to get out on the perimeter when necessary. Also, his interior defense is solid but could get even better being a true rim protector. N’Faly Dante has the potential to be a major factor for Oregon, but his health will be vital.

Brown had a productive sophomore season and will look to really take the next jump this coming season. Brown brings good size matched with having solid athleticism finishing around the basket strong and with good touch. Next, he is very solid in ball screen situations being able to operate well on dives to the rim. Also, he uses his body well in the body using physicality to get to areas where he can be effective around the basket. Additionally, he has the ability to be a factor on the offensive glass with the activity of his game. As for defensively, he needs to improve his mobility on defense to be more effective on the perimeter. He’s decent at protecting the lane and basket; however, he could improve in that area. Jordan Brown has the potential to have an even better season next year under the new regime at Arizona.

Nolley is a talented player who had a good season for Memphis and has the ability to be the best player in the AAC. Now, Nolley showed massive improvement on his shooting from the perimeter at 38.7% from three and has a quick release. Next, he is very good off the dribble being able to get to the mid-range game very effectively. Additionally, he is a major threat in transition spotting up as a shooter on the perimeter. Continued, Nolley rebounds effectively on both ends using his size to his advantage and giving extra possessions for Memphis. Furthermore, the area he could grow is becoming the guy for Memphis as he will return to a team with a lot of departures, Nolley will need to lead the way. As for the defensive end, he has the size and length to be disruptive on the perimeter. The biggest thing is needing that consistent edge and motor on the defensive end. Landers Nolley will be the guy for Memphis and has the potential to be one of the best players in the AAC conference.

Harmon had a really good sophomore season for Oklahoma and is now transferring to Oregon. First off, Harmon plays with great competitiveness and toughness that leads to winning type plays. Next, he brings the ability to attack downhill with his driving and finishes strong around the basket. Furthermore, Harmon is very solid in the midrange with his ability to make pull-up jumpers. Continued, his three-point shooting is solid at 33.0%, however, he could improve from that area to take the next step. Also, Harmon is a factor on the boards on both ends and can distribute the basketball at times. He plays well off the basketball getting in a scoring position whether on a drive or shot effectively. Now defensively, he is solid on the basketball but could improve his overall positioning. His effort defensively is good and should only get better on that end. De’Vion Harmon is going to be an impact player for Oregon next season.

Jimerson had a solid season for Saint Louis and will look to elevate further into his role next season. Now, Jimerson brings the ability to be a knockdown shooter for Saint Louis at 39.4% from three. Furthermore, he moves extremely well without the basketball with spacing and coming off screen effectively. Next, he is a major threat in transition with his ability to shoot and space the floor with a quick shot release. Additionally, his ability to move off hand-offs and screen to have the footwork matched with the tempo makes him a difficult matchup for defenses. Defenses constantly need to be aware of where Jimerson is on the floor at all times with his shooting. As for defensively, he brings really good activity on the ball with active hands. As well as, being constantly in the right position of the basketball. Gibson Jimerson should have an elevated role next season for Saint Louis being their go-to shooter.

Lucas had a breakout NCAA tournament being a major part of Oregon State’s run to the Elite 8. Furthermore, he does a really good moving off the basketball with pace and gets in a great position for scoring opportunities. Next, his catch and shoot ability from the perimeter is really good at 38.9% and sets his feet quickly coming off screens. Also, he can get to the basket with his quickness and needs to look for more of these opportunities when defenses overplay his shooting. Additionally, his ability to draw out defense to the perimeter opens up opportunities for others. Lucas brings the ability to change the momentum of games with his shooting ability and could develop more off the dribble. Now defensively, he brings good activity on the basketball and has great lateral movement. He can give up some drives due to his size against bigger guards. Jarod Lucas will look to be an even bigger part of the Oregon State offense next season.

Fredrick battled through his sophomore season with injuries, but when he was on the floor he was very productive. Next, Fredrick is a sharpshooter who can do that either off the catch or dribble at 47.4% from three. Additionally, he moves extremely well off the basketball getting in position to score the basketball. Also, he is pretty good with the basketball as well being able to utilize ball screens well. Next, he brings good quickness with the basketball and a capability to finish around the rim well. Continued, he is very good with shot fakes with his potent shooting being able to put the ball down and get to spots in the mid-range effectively. The footwork and feel Fredrick plays with is very difficult for opposing defenses to guard him in movement. As for the defensive end, he’s solid on the basketball with his activity. The lack of athleticism and length does hurt his ability to be a more effective help-side defender. CJ Fredrick will be a major contributor for Kentucky with his ability to be a game-changing offensive guard with his shooting.

McCaffery had a very solid season after missing his true freshman season recovering from his cancer treatment. Now, this season he showed all the potential he has with the size and athleticism he plays with. Additionally, he runs the floor in transition hard and finishes really well around the basket. Also, he drives the basketball really well with his ball-handling ability and finishes strong at the rim. Continued, he can space the floor from the perimeter shooting 30.2% from three, however, he could take the next step as a shooter. Next, he has a good feel around the basket with his ability to make short jumpers and runners along with his size over the top of defenders. As for defensively, the physical traits for McCaffery give him a lot of potential on the defensive end. Also, he plays with a good motor and has the versatility to guard multiple positions. McCaffery’s offensive potential is very high and is a breakout candidate going into next season for Iowa.

Girard had a solid sophomore season for Syracuse and will look to elevate his game further next season. Now, Girard has the ability to be a big shot maker from the perimeter whether off the dribble or with his movement off the ball at 33.3% from three. Next, he needs to improve his ability as a driver to be a more consistent finisher around the basket. Also, he does a solid job of getting to the midrange by creating separation to make shots. Continued. he could improve his overall shot selection to become a more efficient player. Furthermore, his playmaking ability could take the next step as well as being that dependable point guard. He can be very good in transition with the ability to pull up off the dribble. As for defensively, he brings activity to the 2-3 zone however he is not the perfect fit for the zone with the lack of length. Joe Girard will have the potential to take a massive step in his Junior year at Syracuse.

Wheeler is a dynamic guard who had a great season in his sophomore season at Georgia and is being heavily pursued as a transfer. First off, his playmaking ability is good with his pace and overall feel with the basketball. Next, he brings great quickness with the basketball allowing him to get in the lane with his finishing ability. Also, he effectively uses ball screens to make drives to the rim, shots in the midrange, and making plays for others. Additionally, his overall efficiency as a shooter needs to improve becoming a more dependable score from the perimeter. Continued, his ability to operate over bigger defenders needs to improve to be a better score and distributor. Wheeler contributes on the boards effectively to be able to get out in transition immediately. Now defensively, he needs to be more active on and off the basketball without giving up too many easy opportunities. He is a capable defender, but the consistency with his motor needs to be there. Shavir Wheeler has the potential to be an impact transfer, however, he will need to continue to develop his game.

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