Year in review: The breakout athletes of 2021

Bell was already known in basketball circles because of his family, including NBA guard Lonzo Ball, and rambunctious father, LaVar. However, LaMelo was able to make a name for himself all his own in his rookie season with the Hornets, winning 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 15.7 points and 6.1 assists per game.

Booker was already a prominent NBA player before this year but became a household name after leading the Suns to the NBA Finals. He averaged 25.6 points in his memorable season.

The much-hyped Bueckers backed the hype with an incredible freshman season at UConn. She won the Naismith and Wooden Awards, averaging 20.0 points and shooting 46% from three.

Burnes was a very good pitcher in the abbreviated 2020 season, and he proved to be elite last year. He won the NL Cy Young Award, posting a league-best 2.43 ERA over 28 starts for the Brewers.

Cunningham was the top recruit in college basketball last year and showed why averaging 20.1 points and 6.2 rebounds for Oklahoma State last season. He left college after his freshman season, going first overall to the Pistons in the NBA Draft and continuing to produce early in his rookie season.

Diggs is one of the favorites for NFL Defensive Player of the Year with his incredible breakout season. Through Week 13, he leads the league with nine interceptions, including two pick-sixes.

Copper was a breakout performer for the Sky in 2021, averaging 14.4 points during the regular season. She lead the Sky to a WNBA Championship with her heroics.

Dressel won two golds as a relay participant in the 2016 Olympic Games, but he earned solo earners in Tokyo. In addition to two more relay golds, he won gold in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, and 100-meter butterfly.

Franco was considered the top prospect in baseball before Tampa Bay promoted him last season, and was able to back up the hype in his debut. He finished his rookie season hitting .288 with an .810 OPS over 70 regular-season games, and signed an 11-year, $182 million contract after the season concluded.

Guerrero was a top prospect before Toronto promoted him in 2019, but he didn't really find his footing in the bigs until last season. He finished second in the AL MVP voting after leading the league in home runs (48), on-base percentage (.401), and slugging percentage (.601).

Jokic went from a very good player to truly elite, winning NBA MVP last season. The center averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists for the Nuggets.

Jones won WNBA MVP after a phenomenal season, leading the league in rebounds per game (11.2) while also averaging a career-high 19.4 points per game. She's become one of the faces of the league with three All-Star appearances.

Jones was an excellent performer and Heisman Trophy candidate while in college at Alabama, and he's seen immediate success with the Patriots. He's putting together what's likely a Rookie of the Year season, leading the Pats to a 9-4 start to the season.

Kaprizov was the 2021 Calder Trophy winner after a terrific rookie campaign. He tallied 51 points in 55 games as an offensive force for the wild.

Ohtani showed flashes of a good two-way player before last season but was finally able to put it all together last season. He produced one of the greatest seasons in MLB history, hitting .257-46-100 with 26 steals and a .965 OPS as the Angels designated hitter, while also going 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA in 23 starts on the mound.

Matsuyama was already one of the top golfers in the world but became truly elite after winning the 2021 Masters Tournament. He's currently 18th in the World Golf Ranking.

McKeon won four medals, including one gold in the 2016 Olympic games. The Australian swimmer took over in Tokyo with an incredible seven medals, including four golds. She was the most decorated athlete at the 2020 Summer Games.

Pickett had an incredible senior season at Pitt that has led to Heisman Trophy consideration, and could also make him a top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He threw for over 4,300 yards and 42 touchdowns before Pitt's bowl game.

Randle was named the NBA's Most Improved Player in 2020-21, averaging 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists for the Knicks. He also made his first All-Star Game in his seventh season.

Ray had to settle for a one-year deal last offseason after posting an ERA above 6.00 but made the Blue Jays look like geniuses for keeping him around. The lefty won the AL Cy Young after going 13-7 with a 2.84 ERA and 248 strikeouts in 193.1 innings. He signed a $115 million contract with Seattle following the season.

Buckeyes fans have a lot to look forward to in 2022 with Stroud under center. He had a breakout year as Ohio State's starting quarterback, completing nearly 71% of his passes for 3,862 yards and 38 touchdowns prior to the team's bowl.

Suggs had a terrific season at Gonzaga, averaging 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. His season will be remembered best for his incredible game-winning three-point shot against UCLA in the Final Four semifinal.

Taylor is well on his way to leading the NFL in rushing this season, leading the league in carries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns through 13 games. He's making Colts fans and fantasy football managers happy in the process.

Timme had a breakout season for the Zags in 2020-21, capped with an incredible tournament run. He averaged 19.0 points and 7.0 rebounds for the season but returned to school this season.

The likely 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, Young had an incredible first year as Alabama's starting quarterback. He threw for 4,322 yards and 43 touchdowns prior to the College Football Playoff.