Sophomores are like the middle child of college basketball, stuck between the buzz around freshmen and the calm confidence of seasoned veterans. Their second year is all about proving themselves. A strong “year-two leap” can turn them from potential prospects into must-draft players. Many spent their first year mostly watching from the sidelines, waiting for a real shot. Some even tested the NBA waters, only to realize they weren’t quite ready yet. It’s a tricky, in-between stage that is full of pressure.

With the College Basketball season beginning soon, Andy Katz, the former ESPN and current NCAA and Big Ten Network college basketball analyst, ranked the best sophomores. There are a lot of exciting players for NBA teams to keep an eye on. 

1. Boogie Fland

As a freshman, Fland got off to a spectacular start with the Razorbacks, averaging 15.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds over the first 18 games. However, an unfortunate hand injury in mid-January forced him to miss the second half of the regular season and the SEC conference tournament.

He did recover in time for the NCAA tournament, but only as a reserve. Now he moves to the defending champions, where he has big shoes to fill at point guard. His pick-and-roll partnership with Xamien Lee is key for Florida in going back-to-back. 

2. Ian Jackson

Despite averaging 11.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists as a UNC basketball freshman, earning  All-ACC Freshman Team honors, UNC wasn’t for Ian Jackson. He now moves to play at St.John’s under Rick Pitino. While his scoring ability stood out, Jackson would be hauled by Pitino to improve his defense.

North Carolina’s defensive rating was 14.7 points better with Jackson off the floor, per CBB Analytics. Jackson has strong support with St John’s No. 1-ranked transfer class (per 247Sports). 

3. Rob Wright 3 

A BYU squad where all the lights shine on freshman AJ Dybantsa, Rob Wright brings in solid ball handling and shot creation. He averaged 11.5 points per game along with 4.2 assists at Baylor. He shot 41.4 percent from the field, 35.2 percent from three, and 79.6 percent from the free-throw line. Richie Saunders, the third of their Big 3, called him a ‘nightmare’ to guard in practice. Wright would be an excellent support guard for Suanders and Dybantsa. 

4. Tahaad Pettiford

As a freshman, Pettiford was among the most impactful players off the bench. He averaged 11.6 points (3rd in the team) and 3.0 assists (1st in the team) a game while helping the Auburn Tigers to an SEC Championship and the Final Four. He was on the SEC All-Freshman Team and NABC Division I All-Southeast District Second Team in 2024-25 while being named to the NCAA South Region All-Tournament Team.

Pettiford is expected to be the starting floor general for the Tigers, which will further elevate these numbers. As a result, he’s one of 20 players to be named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches watchlist for the 2026 Player of the Year Award.

5. Labaron Philon

Labaron Philon was a one-and-done candidate after his freshman season at Alabama, but he reversed that call on deadline day. He averaged 10.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and a Crimson Tide-best 1.3 steals per game. Phillon is now expected to be Alabama’s primary scoring option, ball-handler, and playmaker. Before he makes that step up to the NBA, Phillon wants to improve his leadership with the new group on the team and his outside shooting, which was a sore spot last season (31.5%). 

6. Tomislav Ivisic

As a 7-footer, you expect Tomislav Ivisic to be the king of the paint. That he is, but he is also a decent passer for his frame. He was a huge factor for Illinois last season, averaging 13 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He also led Illinois in blocks (1.2) and three-point shooting (35.7 percent on 1.7 makes per game). Ivisic was ranked No. 2 by Katz among all college basketball international players, so it’s clear he rates the Croatian very highly. His NBA caliber was evident, but it will be exciting to see what he improves during his second season in college. 

7. Jayden Quaintance

After tearing his right ACL last season, there were doubts about whether Jayden Quaintance would return this season. However, coach Mark Pope simply said, “He’s too talented. He’s worked too hard.” In 24 games last season, he averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.

The talent is evident, but there are questions about whether he will be the same player after recovery. The positive part is he needn’t be thrown in immediately, considering the depth of that Kentucky squad. 

8. Isaiah Evans

As it is for freshmen, especially at a program like Duke, Isaiah Evans was limited by what he could do last year. In his 13.7 minutes each game, he averaged 6.8 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game. Even in his limited role, Evans has established himself as a three-level scorer with a huge upside going forward. Evans is expected to have a starting role this season. His shooting could become an X-Factor for Duke (41.6% from 3 last season).

 9. Flory Bidunga

With Hunter Dickinson gone, Flory Bidunga takes the next step to become the starter at Kansas State. His elite athleticism and shot-blocking have already drawn plenty of praise from Bill Self and the coaching staff. His paint coverage is already elite at 5.9 points,5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting at 69.8% without attempting any threes. There are questions whether he can contain his tendency to foul and develop a reliable outside shot. 

10. Karter Knox

Knox started 24/36 games as a freshman while averaging 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and one assist. He shot 46.2% from the field and 35% on 3-pointers while being a top defender.  Knox trusts John Calipari to make him an NBA-level talent, as he was the first high school recruit to commit to John Calipari after the Hall of Fame coach left Kentucky and arrived in Arkansas. “I didn’t think I was ready for the NBA yet. Just, why not do another year with one of the greatest coaches of all time coaching you? Great coaching staff, so why not (return)?” Knox said.