When Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook publisher Chris Dortch called me this summer to ask if I'd be interested in writing the Big West Conference preview, I quickly accepted.
The reason? I love the Big West.
Despite being a conference that's been hit with roster turnover in recent years due to the increasing number of transfers, it's still one that features great talent and an experienced coaching roster.
There are a lot of excellent playmakers around the league entering the 2019-20 season, but it's always intriguing to find the players who could break out given their roles in the rotation.
So, here are 10 Big West players who could take a big step forward this season.
10. Matt Neufeld (UC Davis)
Neufeld emerged last season as a reliable frontcourt contributor for Jim Les and company, and now it's a matter of taking things a step further. The 6-11 center did a great job developing his offensive game in finishing third in the Big West in field-goal percentage. Les mentioned this summer that the key for Neufeld will be becoming more consistent as a defender and rebounder. If that happens, it should equal a breakout campaign.
9. Nolan Taylor (Cal Poly)
New Cal Poly head coach John Smith will try to turn things around for a program that has struggled to find success. The Mustangs will add a lot of newcomers to the mix, and Taylor is set to return to the court after sitting out last season. The 6-7 forward averaged 8.9 points and 4.0 rebounds in 15 games at Pepperdine in 2017-18 before suffering a season-ending injury, and the potential is there for him to become a staple in the rotation as one of the team's primary leaders.
8. Chance Hunter (Long Beach State)
There are several breakout players on the Long Beach State roster since head coach Dan Monson has a young team on his hands, and Hunter could be at the top of the group. The 6-6 sophomore guard led Cerritos College (CA) in scoring before transferring to join the 49ers. Monson raved about Hunter's versatility this summer, which could allow the staff to showcase his talents at multiple positions.
7. Brandon Cyrus (UC Santa Barbara)
The DePaul transfer adds to what is an already experienced backcourt for the Gauchos. And frankly, it's probably the deepest and most talented group of guards in the conference. Cyrus, a 6-5 junior, figures to play an important role in UC Santa Barbara's plans this season after averaging 7.2 points and 3.5 rebounds as a sophomore at DePaul. Head coach Joe Pasternack said this summer that Cyrus will be a big part of what the team does, and how the staff uses their plethora of versatile guards should be exciting to watch.
6. Callum McRae (UC Riverside)
McRae is another player who essentially had a breakout season last year, and he could put together a repeat performance this season. The 7-1, 245-pound sophomore saw lots of double teams a season ago, yet was still able to lead the Highlanders in field-goal percentage while also finishing as their leading rebounder. After starting 17 games as a freshman, he should have the confidence to take his game to another level.
5. Darius Brown (Cal State Northridge)
Speaking of players who earned valuable experience as freshmen, Brown started 32 games as had an excellent 3.0 assist-to-turnover ratio. He dished out more assists (176) than any freshman in CSUN history, and his overall game should continue to make strides in his sophomore season. While Lamine Diane and Terrell Gomez will garner a lot of attention, Brown will play a very important role as the primary facilitator on a team that hopes to compete for a Big West title.
4. Austen Awosika (Cal State Fullerton)
I know what you're thinking. How can a senior who started every single game last season and has played in 98 games the past three seasons be considered a breakout player? Well, it's because Awosika's role will expand a great deal due to the departures of Khalil Ahmad (18.2 ppg) and Kyle Allman (17.5 ppg). So, the 6-3 guard will become even more of a driving force in the backcourt as one of the best passers and facilitators in the Big West, and we could see new elements of his game this season.
3. Brad Greene (UC Irvine)
Greene is on the list for a very simple reason. When I asked UC Irvine coach Russell Turner about the 6-10, 280-pound junior's development in the offseason, his response was that he expected Greene to have a breakout season. So, there you go. Turner has seen Greene's game improve dramatically, which should result in him playing a significant role for the reigning Big West champs heading into the '19-20 campaign.
2. Samuta Avea (Hawaii)
Likewise, Avea's coach thinks he's set for a big second season. Eran Ganot compared the 6-6 wing to senior Zigmars Raimo who made a big jump last season and former guard Brocke Stepteau who made a jump the year before. Avea's strength and athleticism is undeniable, and after an impressive offseason, he should become a major contributor this season.
1. Collin Welp (UC Irvine)
Welp, who was a redshirt freshman last season, became someone that the Anteaters turned to in their most important games. The 6-9 sophomore now takes on an even bigger role after scoring 23 points in the Big West title game against Fullerton. Turner has a ton of confidence in him, so Welp will have the opportunities needed to become an All-Big West player.
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Blake Lovell is a national college basketball writer for ClutchPoints. He’s also a contributor for the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook and Athlon Sports College Basketball Preview magazine. He hosts two podcasts: Marching to Madness (CBB) and Establish the Pass (NFL).
You can follow him on Twitter @theblakelovell. Also, be sure to follow the ClutchPoints NCAA Facebook page for more great college basketball discussion.
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