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NCAA Basketball

5 Seniors Who Will Break Out in 2014-15 College Basketball Season

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Seniors Who Will Break Out in 2014-15 College Basketball Season

NCAA Men's Basketball
Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports

With the tip-off for the 2014-15 college basketball season upon us, and with all due respect to Wisconsin center Frank Kaminsky, who has clearly already “broken out,” following are five seniors poised to step into the spotlight with breakout performances for their respective teams this year.

5. Jonathan Holmes - Texas

Jonathan Holmes, Texas
Jeff Hanisch - USA TODAY Sports

5. Jonathan Holmes - Texas

Jonathan Holmes -Texas
Jeff Hanisch - USA TODAY Sports

With a roster that remains almost fully intact from a year ago, big things are expected from Rick Barnes’ Longhorns this season. Jonathan Holmes, a versatile 6-foot-8 wing from San Antonio, is a primary reason for those expectations. Holmes, a future pro, averaged 13 points and seven boards per game a year ago and will show even more ability to stretch defenses and hit open 3-pointers this season.

4. Chris Jones - Louisville

Chris Jones - Louisville
Kim Klement - USA TODAY Sports

4. Chris Jones - Louisville

Chris Jones - Louisville
Kim Klement - USA TODAY Sports

Chris Jones, who came to Louisville after consecutive national JUCO player of the year seasons, will be asked by Rick Pitino to fill the sizable shoes left behind by former Cardinal point guards Peyton Siva and Russ Smith. Jones has the necessary quickness, passing ability and overall athleticism to do just that -- and maybe more.

3. JayVaughn Pinkston - Villanova

JayVaughn Pinkston - Villanova
Kevin Hoffman - USA TODAY Sports

3. JayVaughn Pinkston - Villanova

JayVaughn Pinkston - Villanova
Kevin Hoffman - USA TODAY Sports

JayVaughn Pinkston, a 6-foot-7 power forward from Brooklyn, opened some eyes by averaging 14 points and six rebounds per game a year ago for Jay Wright’s Wildcats. Even more production and leadership is expected from Pinkston this season, who will be a key component of a comparatively small but extremely quick Villanova lineup.

2. T. J. McConnell - Arizona

T. J. McConnell - Arizona
Michael Mackson - USA TODAY Sports

2. T. J. McConnell - Arizona

T. J. McConnell - Arizona
Michael Mackson - USA TODAY Sports

T. J. McConnell, who transferred to Arizona from Duquesne two years ago, was a big reason why the Wildcats advanced to the Elite Eight last year and fell only a possession short of a Final Four berth. McConnell will quarterback Sean Miller’s talented and highly ranked Arizona squad all season, and will likely be asked to look for his own shot more this year as well as keep the rest of the ‘Cats involved offensively.

1. Kevin Pangos - Gonzaga

Kevin Pangos - Gonzaga
Robert Hanashiro - USA TODAY Sports

1. Kevin Pangos - Gonzaga

Kevin Pangos - Gonzaga
Robert Hanashiro - USA TODAY Sports

Some say the 2014-15 Gonzaga squad could be the best in Mark Few’s impressive run in Spokane. If so, a big reason will be point guard Kevin Pangos. Pangos, a four-year starter from Ontario, had an excellent season a year ago despite a nagging turf toe injury. Now fully healthy, Pangos will lead the Zags with his playmaking, court sense and elite shooting ability to yet another WCC title and possibly a very deep NCAA tournament run.





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