The NBA is filled out with an impressive group of talented sophomores who already that passed a full season in the pros, are ready to fit even better in the teams and to develop into potential superstars.
This picture features Greg Monroe and DeMarcus Cousins, two of the most impressive second year stand outs right now. Who has been playing up to his hype, and who hasn't? Who's the most impressive second year star currently playing in the league?
Without further ado, let's find out.
8.Ekpe Udoh
Height: 6'10
Weight: 240 lbs
Type Of A Player: Defensive Minded
Ekpe Udohdidn't really start the season in a way that most of the players listed on this list did. He was actually quite a disappointment at the start. However, that all changed.
He's one of the better sophomores in the NBA right now. Ekpe has shown an improvement in his rebounding, is even better shot blocker, interrupts passes pretty well. His problems on offense remain though.
Udoh's defense is what stands out. Unfortunately, he doesn't have get enough playing time to show his real progression and impact on defense. He also brings a lot of energy on the court, too.
Nonetheless, in the first game with more serious minutes, he recorded 10 points, six boards, four blocks and three steals. Hopefully, he gets the minutes he deserves to show case his abilities. His last game shows that he can improve as the season goes by.
Stats (so far): 4.2 points, 3.8 boards, 1.1 blocks, 38.8% field goal percentage, 63.2% free throw percentage
PER 36 minute stats: 9.1 points, 8.2 boards, 2.4 blocks, 38.8% field goal percentage, 63.2% free throw percentage
Ranks among sophomores: 16th in boards, sixth in blocks
Grade: C+
7.Derrick Favors
Height: 6'10
Weight: 246 lbs
Type Of A Player: All-Around
Few guys on the list came out as good as the 6'10 Derrick Favors came out early in the season. He's been one of the most impressive sophomores in the NBA right now. He's worked quite a bit on the game.
Derrick has shown nice post up game, quick first step, excellent ability to finish in the paint on the offensive end. On the other hand, he's been aggressive on the boards and much better defensively.
Favors has already recorded two double-doubles so far, with a great 20 point and 11 rebound performance against Philadelphia. Even though he played really low minutes, his production has increased.
His improvement is obvious and he'll continue to play better as the season goes by.
Stats (so far): 8.1 points, 6.3 boards, 1.2 blocks, 51.9% field goal percentage
PER 36 minutes stats: 14.0 points, 10.8 boards, 2.3 blocks, 51.9% field goal percentage
Ranks among sophomores: 11th in points, fourth in boards, third in blocks, seventh in field goal percentage
Grade: C+
6.Paul George
Height: 6'8
Weight: 218 lbs
Type Of A Player: All-Around
The tall, lanky and athletic Indiana swingman Paul George who's not getting the needed credit for his outstanding play is one of the best second year players in the NBA.
He's a well rounded forward that produces nicely, but his strength is his offense. In particular, he's been one of the finest scorers and shooters among all sophomores.
Paul's jumper looks really sweet too, as he can find the bottom of the net from anywhere and has been really efficient. George has been a reliable scorer because of that. He averages 14.7 points in all of his games with above 10 points.
It's a nice stat that tells a lot about George. The future is looking bright for this stud.
Stats: 11.3 points, 4.9 boards, 2.6 assists, 44.9% field goal percentage, 55.0% three point percentage, 83.9% free throw percentage
PER 36 minutes stats: 13.0 points, 5.6 boards, 3.6 assists, 44.9% field goal percentage, 55.0% three point percentage, 83.9% freethrow percentage
Ranks among sophomores: 5th in points, 10th in boards, 1st in three point percentage
Grade: B-
5.Evan Turner
Height: 6'7
Weight: 205 lbs
Type Of A Player: All-Around
Evan Turner had a disappointing rookie season. However, with ton of hard work and will, he improved himself into one of the best and most impressive sophomores in the NBA now.
He's a skilled, athletic, versatile and smart swingman who can do it all and produce efficiently like few can of this class. Evan can score well due to his ability to get to the rim and has a solid shot.
Turner is one of the best rebounders for all guards, is also great defender, a solid ball handler and nice passer. His all-around game is among the most elite as of now.
Unfortunately for him, in Philadelphia he doesn't get enough touches to show that he's truly emerged into a potentially looking All-Star player.
Stats (so far): 10.0 points, 6.0 boards, 3.2 assists, 47.1% field goal percent, 71.0% free throw percentage
PER 36 minutes stats: 13.8 points, 8.3 boards, 4.1 assists, 47.1% field goal percent, 71.0% free throw percentage
Ranks among sophomores: sixth in points, fifth in boards (second among all guards), fifth in assists
Grade: B-
4.John Wall
Height: 6'4
Weight: 195 lbs
Type Of A Player: All-Around
If anyone had a drop off when his second year is compared to his first, it's John Wall. It's a huge surprise considering how truly good he was last year.
He was off to a bad start at the season. John has been terribly inconsistent, his care with the basket has been awful too, isn't capable to make his shots beyond mid range and has trouble finishing in the paint.
Wall's issues don't stop only there. His team mates haven't been really helpful, as they can't score on his passes. His defense, on his man still remains questionable. Even bigger problem is his attitude.
However, he's gradually bounced back from his bad start since the Celtics. It has been an up and down season for John, but he seems to be getting back to his old self.
Wall had a near triple double vs the Sixers (in fact, near quadruple double with TO's) and 38 point, 8 assist, 6 board performance versus the Rockets. He seems to finally be playing up to his hype.
The young and promising point guard with the way he's been playing, he doesn't deserve to be ranked higher than this.
Stats (so far): 15.2 points, 7.2 assists, 4.7 boards, 1.8 steals, 40.9% field goal percent, 76.6% free throw percent
PER 36 minutes stats: 14.7 points, 6.9 assists, 4.9 boards, 1.5 steals, 37.8% field goal percent, 73.8% free throw percent
Ranks among sophomores: first in assists, third in points, 13th in boards, first in steals, first in turnovers
Grade: B
3.DeMarcus Cousins
Height: 6'11
Weight: 270 lbs
Type Of A Player: All-Around
The talented and skilled big man who's known as a hot head around the league yet excellent force in the paint, DeMarcus Cousins is one of the best second year players in the NBA now.
In fact, Demarcus is one of the brightest young stars at the center position currently. He's established himself as a physical presence in the paint, is a terrific rebounder and a solid defender as well.
His biggest advantage is his offense. Cousins can score well and in bunches. He's got a decent shot to go with his great post up game and is capable to take over offensively too.
He's struggled quite a bit with his fouls and could work on his efficiency too. Additionally, he needs to mature too. Overall, there has been a big improvement in his game.
DeMarcus has been playing like a future All-Star. There's a huge possibility to become one next season.
Stats (so far): 13.9 points, 9.8 boards, 1.7 blocks, 43.0% field goal percent, 77.9% free throw percent
PER 36 minutes stats: 18.7 points, 13.1 boards, 2.3 blocks, 43.0% field goal percent, 77.9% free throw percent
Ranks among sophomores: fourth in points, second in boards (ninth overall), first in blocks
Grade: A-
2.Greg Monroe
Height: 6'11
Weight: 260 lbs
Type Of A Player: All-Around
Greg Monroe is a skilled, talented and fundamentally sound big man whose consistency is on pair with anyone else's. He's been one of the best second year players in the NBA now.
He's also one of the brightest stars at the center position (although he's more of a power forward playing at center) too. Greg has shown excellent offensive abilities, is remarkable presence on the glass and decent defender.
Monroe's the guy through who the Pistons' offense goes and he's been proving why. He's got a nice post up game, soft touch, is terrific finisher inside and has a sweet jumper. Additionally, his passing is impressive as well.
His rebounding is excellent too. However, he needs work on the defensive end. Greg's not still a great presence in the paint, not even a great shot blocker nor or an outstanding man to man defender.
When all things are considered, no sophomore has been more impressive in the league than him. His improvement is obvious and he's getting the touches he deserves. Look for this young star to become an All-Star soon.
Stats (so far): 16.3 points, 9.2 boards, 3.1 assists, 55.2% field goal percent, 83.6% free throw percent
PER 36 minutes stats: 17.9 points, 10.1 boards, 3.4 assists, 55.2% field goal percent, 83.6% free throw percent
Ranks among sophomore: second in efficiency, second in points, fourth in assists, ninth in steals, ninth in free throw percent (first for sophomore big men), first in per minute efficiency, first in field goal percentage
Grade: A+
1.Blake Griffin
Height: 6'10
Weight: 251 lbs
Type Of A Player: Athletic
The 6'9 physically gifted power forward who's earned huge hype because of his excellent play, Blake Griffin isn't just the top sophomore but also one of the best players in the NBA now.
Blake's a dominant presence because of his physical gifts like athleticism, leaping ability, strength etc. He's smart enough to use these advantages and dominate because of that.
Griffin's ability to finish in the paint is arguably second to none. He's also a terrific rebounder, among the league's elite. Also, his ability to pass for a big man is among the finest for his position.
There's been a slight drop in his game, based on looking at his stats only. Despite this, he's still a superstar and one of the finest players at his position and overall as well when all things are taken in consideration.
Stats (so far): 21.9 points, 11.4 boards, 2.6 assists, 52.7% field goal percent, 53.8% free throw percent
PER 36 minutes stats: 21.2 points, 11.0 boards, 2.5 assists, 52.7% field goal percent, 53.8% free throw percent
Ranks among sophomores: first in points, first in boards, first in efficiency, second in field goal percentage,
Grade: A+
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Written by Darko Mihajlovksi, Columnist (Archive/Feed)Hi,everyone My name is Darko and i have been a sports fan ever since i watched the first soccer game for me between AC Milan and Inter.I'm a major sports fan overall,who's interested in NBA basketball,soccer,winter sports such as ski jumping,skiing,athletics,F1 and so on.
