From hidden gem to household name: 10 breakout college hoops stars poised to own 2026-27

Every year in college basketball, a few players take a huge leap forward when they finally get their chance. Some go from coming off the bench to starting, while others simply get the extra playing time they need to show what they can really do.

The 2026-27 season is full of guys like this. Most fans might not know their names yet, but their situations make them fun to watch.

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Rosters change fast in college ball. With players leaving for the NBA, others entering the transfer portal, and new coaches arriving, plenty of spots have opened up. Some of these guys showed flashes of greatness last year, while others finished the season strong or played great in the opening games this fall.

MORE: 25 best men’s college basketball players of all time

Of course, they still have work to do. To stay on the floor, many will need to knock down shots more consistently, protect the ball and earn their coach’s trust. But the path to a breakout year is right in front of them.

Here are 10 college basketball players who have a real shot at becoming household names this season.

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10. Chase McCarty, F, Houston Cougars

Houston Cougars forward Chase McCarty (24) reacts while playing against the La Salle Explorers in the first half at Fertitta Center. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Chase McCarty could benefit from Houston’s roster changes. The 6-foot-5 forward averaged 4.1 points and 2.5 rebounds in 12.3 minutes across 35 games last season. He shot 40.9 percent from the field, 35.8 percent from three and 88.9 percent at the free-throw line. His career-high 20 points came against Oklahoma State, where he made six of nine threes.

Houston lost Kingston Flemings, Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp. Coach Kelvin Sampson plans to use McCarty at small forward, and he earned his first career start against La Salle. He finished with 10 points, six rebounds, two steals and one block in a 94-55 win. However, a sprained left knee made him day-to-day and questionable for Sunday’s…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/hidden-gem-household-name-10-141900635.html

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Publish date : 2026-11-07 14:19:00

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