College Basketball Predictions: 15 Players Guaranteed to Break Out in 2011-12

Even in the midst of the 2011 college football season, it is never too early to talk about college hoops.

Many of the last season's top players in the nation chose to stick around for another campaign in order to improve their respective draft stocks or to take another crack at the National Championship.

15. Marcus Thornton, UGA

Marcus Thornton was high school's Mr. Basketball in the state of Georgia two seasons ago.

Last season, Thornton did not receive much playing time due to seniors playing the 4 and 5 positions for the Dawgs (i.e Trey Thompkins).

In order for UGA to keep continuing its improvements in basketball, Thornton will have to pick up much of the scoring duties for the squad. Look for him to breakout in 2012.

14. Marquis Teague, Kentucky

According to ESPN.com, Marquis Teague, brother of PG Jeff Teague of the Atlanta Hawks, was one of the top incoming recruits in the nation.

If one thing is sure about John Calipari and Kentucky, it is that they know how to use true freshmen and then ship them to the NBA.

Teague will thrive in this situation, especially with former Kentucky PG, Brandon Knight, leaving early for the NBA.

13. Thomas Robinson, Kansas

With the departures of the Morris twins, Kansas is in need of a big man to dominate down low.

Thomas Robinson will be one of its go-to-guys and will definitely be a big factor in order for this top program to reload, so to speak. 

12. Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt

The Vanderbilt Commodores are going to be one of the teams to beat in not only the SEC, but in the whole nation—especially because of the players that they are returning.

Center Festus Ezeli is one of these players who may not be well known nationally, but is one of the most dominant centers who will take the court in 2012. His defensive presence is enough to help the Commodores advance far in the field of 64 next March.

11. JaMychal Green, Alabama

Alabama finished the season atop of the SEC West and has some real young talent.

JaMychal Green is going to break out onto the national scene this year as Alabama is ready to compete with Kentucky and Vanderbilt for the SEC Title.

He can flat-out score.

10. Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas

When VCU upset Kansas, many people blamed the loss on the inconsistent play of out of its guards. Tyshawn Taylor was one of these guards who was under the microscope.

He has incredible athletic ability and after he gets his feet under him, he will explode onto the national scene.

9. Jeremy Lamb, Conneticut

Outside of Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lamb was the best player on the national champion Huskies team.

He emerged last season, showing that he has all of the talent in the world. The Huskies are now going to be his team as they try to make a bid to repeat as national champions.

8. Dee Bost, Mississippi State

Dee Bost is an underrated player on an underrated team. He is going to be not only one of the best point guards in the SEC, but also one of the top point guards in the nation.

Look for Bost to average over 15 points per game for the Bulldogs.

7. Michael Gilchrist, Kentucky

Michael Gilchrist is another one of the talented freshmen Kentucky was able to land in this upcoming freshman class. He can play the 3 position and will be a scorer for that talented team.

6. Patric Young, Florida

Due to the amount of talented big men that Florida had last year, Patric Young went virtually unnoticed by the large majority.

He is a physical specimen whose body resembles that of a Greek god. He will be a big force for the Gators this year.

5. Terrence Jones, Kentucky

Terrence Jones had his moments last year. He had his fair share of ups, but also he had his fair share of downs.

He will be the best overall low post player in the SEC and will lead Kentucky to the SEC Title.

4. Austin Rivers, Duke

According to ESPN.com, Austin Rivers is one of top rated incoming freshman. The son of Celtics Coach Doc Rivers has all the intangibles to be great not only in college, but also in the NBA. 

Rivers will fill the void left by Irving and Smith and lead the Blue Devils back to Duke form.

3. John Jenkins, Vanderbilt

John Jenkins is the best pure scorer who is not highly nationally known. He has unbelievable range and can create his own shot.

He will lead the SEC in scoring this year.

2. Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

Harrison Barnes was one of the best freshmen in the country last year. He did struggle with consistency at some points during the season and, this year, I look for him to really break out as the player he can truly be.

1. Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Jared Sullinger is already the early favorite for player of the year and is widely known across the nation. He is going to be the best player in the nation and the best low post scorer as well.