Generating extra possessions: A concept that has become a point of emphasis in modern NBA analytics. Teams are increasingly looking for players who catch and block at high rates, or are impactful rebounders, for example.
While players like Jordan Smith Jr, Thomas Haugh, and Tyran Stokes will deservedly grab the headlines, take a look below at three sophomores who have helped teams gain possession and could be in line for a breakout season.
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Jordan Scott, Michigan State
Michigan State’s Jordan Scott shoots during the first basketball practice of the season on Tuesday, Sept. 22. 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Scott is a 6-foot wing who was an impact player in the rotation last season with the Spartans, averaging 20.8 minutes per game.
He made an impact as a defensive creator, recording a 2.1 steal percentage and a 3.3 block percentage. Offensively, impact as an offensive rebounder and space spacer spacer He did – offensive rebounding generating 7.9 rebounds while shooting 37% from three in 8.2 three-pointers per 100 possessions (100 total attempts).
Scott was also effective at the rim and two non-rims, albeit in limited efforts. The former four-star recruit made 72.2% of his attempts at the rim (18 attempts) and 37.8% from outside the rim (45 attempts) this past season.
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If Scott can continue to make an impact in increased minutes, he’ll find himself on NBA radars — the league always has a spot for a 6-foot wing who can make a positive impact defensively and space alone. How well one can fill in the drop-in components of the droplet archetype will help their draft types.
Love Evans, Texas
Mar 27, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Amari Evans (1) dunks in the midfield against the Iowa State Cyclones in the Sweet 16 game of the 2026 Men’s Central Region NCAA Tournament at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Image Images via Reuters Connect
Evans is a 6-point guard who played at Tennessee this past season and transferred to Texas for this upcoming season.
He only appeared in 33.8% of Tennessee’s total minutes last season as a freshman (14.4 minutes per game), but he was impactful in those few minutes. He made 67.3% of his attempts at the rim (49 attempts) and 33.3% of his non-goal attempts (30 attempts). Additionally, he has a 7.2 offensive rebounding percentage and a 17.4 defensive rebounding percentage while also receiving 4.0 steal percentage and a 2.0 percentage of obstructions.
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While his impact as a defensive event creator and rebounder is clear, how Evans continues to develop offensively — especially as a three-point shooter — will be key.
Dillan Shaw, Arizona
31 Jan, 2026; Spokane, Washington, USA; Saint Mary’s Gaels guard Dillan Shaw (11) runs back on defense against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at midfield at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | Image Images via Reuters Connect
Shaw is a 6-foot wing who played at Saint Mary’s this past season and transferred to Arizona State this upcoming season.
Shaw made 41.6% of his threes (125 attempts | 8.3 three-point attempts per 100 possessions), and 59.5% of his 42 attempts at the rim, while posting an impressive 6.2 rebounding percentage, 2.0 steal percentage, and 2.4 block percentage this past season. Like Scott, Shaw will be on NBA radars if his floor space, rebounding, and defensive impact continue this season.
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This article was originally published at www.si.com/nba/draft/onsi College Basketball: Three Two-way Sophomores to Watch Next Season