Sophomore Surge: Six Hoopers Making Big Leaps This Season

The college basketball season is well underway, and feast week has already served up a smorgasbord of thrilling matchups. For many teams, this is the first real test of the year, and while most programs have only played a handful of games, it’s not too early to spot breakout stars. Enter the sophomore class—players who, after a year of seasoning, are stepping into the spotlight and proving they’re ready for prime time.

Last year’s freshman class didn’t exactly blow the roof off college hoops. Many high-profile recruits opted to return for another year, and while some are still finding their rhythm, others are thriving, showing that a little extra time in the oven can lead to a fully baked star. Let’s take a look at six sophomores—three who stayed put and three who hit the transfer portal—who are making big noise early this season.

Mackenzie Mgbako – Indiana Hoosiers

Mgbako, one of the most hyped recruits in last year’s class, didn’t quite live up to the buzz during his freshman year. Solid? Sure. Spectacular? Not yet. But fast-forward to this season, and the Indiana wing is showing why he was so highly regarded. Averaging 22 points per game on absurd shooting splits, Mgbako has been torching defenses.

Yes, some of those numbers came against teams that would struggle in a YMCA rec league, but a strong showing against South Carolina proves he’s not just padding stats. If his outside shot stays this consistent, he’s on a one-way ticket to the NBA lottery.

Zvonimir Ivisic – Arkansas Razorbacks

Big Z had a rocky freshman season at Kentucky, battling eligibility issues and limited minutes. But after following John Calipari to Arkansas, the 7-foot Croatian unicorn is thriving. A rim protector who can also drain threes? Yes, please.

Ivisic has doubled his scoring output and is showing flashes of brilliance that scream “first-round pick.” Arkansas fans are already salivating at what he could do in conference play. If his smooth shooting continues, this Razorback might just gallop straight into the NBA.

Elliot Cadeau – North Carolina Tar Heels

Cadeau’s freshman season at UNC showed promise, but inconsistency kept him from truly shining. This year, though? Different story. Cadeau is orchestrating the Tar Heels’ offense like a maestro, dropping dimes and swiping steals while significantly improving his shooting range.

With RJ Davis and Seth Trimble alongside him, Cadeau is part of what might be the NCAA’s best backcourt. If he keeps this up, UNC fans might have to start dreaming about cutting down nets in March.

Solomon Ball – UConn Huskies

UConn’s championship run last year was powered by a starting five that now mostly resides in the NBA. Enter Solomon Ball, who has stepped into a much larger role and is making it count.

The sophomore guard has exploded offensively, nearly quadrupling his points per game from last season. With elite efficiency from both inside and beyond the arc, Ball is keeping the Huskies in title contention and making a strong case as one of the most improved players in the country.

Andrej Stojakovic – California Golden Bears

The son of NBA legend Peja Stojakovic, Andrej had an uneven freshman year at Stanford. After a coaching change, he transferred across the Bay to Cal, and it seems to have been the perfect move.

Stojakovic is thriving with more offensive responsibility, pouring in points and pulling down rebounds. His three-point shot is still a work in progress, but the foundation is there. If he polishes that aspect of his game, Stojakovic could become an All-Pac-12 standout—and not just because of his famous last name.

Miro Little – Utah Utes

Buried in Baylor’s depth chart as a freshman, Little made the leap to Utah, where he’s proving why he was a top-50 recruit. A knockdown shooter with a growing reputation as a facilitator, Little is already filling up the stat sheet for the Utes.

Craig Smith’s system has given Little the freedom to showcase his skills, and he’s thriving. The Big 12 is a gauntlet, but after surviving a year in Baylor’s hyper-competitive practices, Little looks ready to shine on the big stage.

Sophomores Rising

What’s clear from these early breakout performances is that patience pays off. For these six sophomores, whether they stuck with their original program or found new homes through the transfer portal, the extra year has been a game-changer.

Their stories highlight the evolving nature of college basketball, where player development often means taking the scenic route. As the season progresses, don’t be surprised if this group continues to steal the spotlight—and maybe even some hardware. For now, though, they’re just getting warmed up.