College Basketball Predictions: 15 Players That Will Have Breakout Seasons

Every year, new names surface in the college basketball world as the season rolls on. Player's who weren't well-known before the season get recognition and praise they weren't accustomed to due to them having a breakout season on the hardwood.

Some of these candidates will hail from BCS conference schools like Syracuse, Duke and Kentucky, while others will carry the torch for the small schools like Winthrop, Portland and Northern Arizona.

This year, there are 15 candidates who look like they are ready to explode onto the national radar, and become big-time prospects during this 2011-2012 college basketball season. Here they are...

Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

The 6'11" UTEP transfer has become the inside threat that Renardo Sidney never became for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Already this season, he dominated the Arizona Wildcats at Madison Square Garden to the tune of 19 points and 10 rebounds. He is an explosive big man who has caught the attention of NBA scouts, but will have to continue his strong play in the SEC to prove worthy of NBA Draft hype. 

Jeronne Maymon, Tennessee

The junior and Marquette transfer is an absolute bull in the paint for the Tennessee Volunteers. The 6'7" power forward has a knack for rebounding the ball. Need proof? At the Maui Invitational against rival Memphis he exploded for 32 points and 20 rebounds, setting a tournament record. New head coach Cuonzo Martin has a solid building block in his first season in Knoxville.

Tyreek Duren, LaSalle

The 6'0" sophomore epitomizes a point guard born and raised in the City of Brotherly Love. He plays with confidence and swagger, while displaying a toughness that Philly guards inherently possess. Early on this season, he is averaging 18.3 points, 4.8 assists, 4.3 assists and 2.0 steals a game.  

Mike Moser, UNLV

The 6'8" sophomore is the star of the frontcourt for the Runnin' Rebels. The former UCLA Bruin has blossomed since arriving in the desert. He is currently averaging 16.0 points, 13.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest, with his standout game being against Morgan State, where he filled the stat sheet with 23 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals.

Vander Blue, Marquette

The 6'3", 185 pound combo guard is poised for a breakout season. He is a professional level talent who has already exploded for 26 points in a dominating win over Winthrop. He is a stat-stuffer who will be vital to the Golden Eagle's chances of heading deep into the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

Scott Machado, Iona

The player who holds the keys to Iona's potentially special 2011-2012 season is senior Scott Machado. The 6'1" assist man is shredding records already this season. In three games at the 2011 Puerto Rico Tip-Off, he recorded 41 assists in three games, and is currently averaging an eye-popping 13.7 dimes per contest.

Casper Ware, Long Beach State

Don't know anything about the Long Beach State star? Ask the Pitt Panthers, who got torched by the jet-quick Southern California native already this season. He dropped 28 points, 6 assists and 2 rebounds, carrying the 49er's to a resounding victory. 

Dion Waiters, Syracuse

The 6'4" combo guard is the second Philadelphia native to make the list. The sophomore is getting more playing time this season, and is showing his worth. Through four games, he is averaging 13.8 points, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals for the Orange. He is an explosive player with a lethal jump shot.

Orlando Johnson, UC Santa Barbara

The mid-major star had All-American type statistics last season, but still remains an unknown on the national stage. That should change this season. The 6'5" senior guard has already started his quest toward nation wide notoriety this season, averaging 20.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists through four games.

Royce White, Iowa State

Iowa State head coach Fred Hoiberg reeled in a big one when former Minnesota power forward Royce White decided to come to Ames. The former high school All-American is already the leader of the Cyclones, as a sophomore. He is averaging 18.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists, and will be a tough match-up for Big 12 big men all season. 

Jamaal Franklin, San Diego State

With a depleted roster after San Diego State's magical run last season, the Aztecs were desperately in need of someone to step up. Enter Jamaal Franklin. The 6'5" sophomore shooting guard is the new leader for Steve Fisher's club. He has already dominated Long Beach State with 21 points and 9 rebounds in a big early season win.

Chris Braswell, Charlotte

The former national top 50 recruit has had a quiet college career so far, but that seems to be changing for the junior. The 6'9" power forward is averaging 17.0 points and 8.7 rebounds for the 49ers. Though the A-10 squad isn't very talented as a whole, there is no denying Braswell's talent.

Zeke Marshall, Akron

The highest rated recruit to ever sign with Akron, Zeke Marshall came into college with enormous expectations. As a junior, he is finally beginning to live up to them. The 7'0" center may only be averaging a modest 8.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest, but that's not why he is considered an NBA prospect. He is averaging 3.5 blocks a night, and his ability to block and alter shots is something very few basketball players are capable of doing.

T.J. McConnell, Duquesne

The nephew of women's basketball legend Suzie McConnell-Serio, T.J. is trying his best to follow in her very large footsteps. The leader of Duquesne's basketball team, the 6'1" sophomore point guard and Pittsburgh native is averaging 11.4 points, 6.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals a game for the Dukes. 

DeAndre Kane, Marshall

The former high school teammate of NBA power forward Dajuan Blair, DeAndre Kane is trying to make a name for himself in the basketball world. The Marshall sophomore star is a 6'4" scoring machine. He currently is averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest. Teaming with Damier Pitts, look for the Thundering Herd to make noise in Conference U.S.A. this season.