With March Madness looming in only a few short weeks, it’s time to start to take a look at this season’s best players by position. What better place to begin than with the Freshmen. After all, seemingly a vast majority of today’s best players play only one season before leaving the college ranks for the NBA(remember Kevin Durant, Greg Oden, and Carmelo Anthony). A number of today’s freshmen have made significant contributions to their respective schools this season.
1) John Wall, Kentucky
As a no brainer, Wall has been every bit as advertised coming out of HS. While the rest of the field has arguably starting catching up, Wall still has been phenomenal averaging 17 ppg, 4 rebs, 7 ast, 2 stls, while shooting 48% from the field, 39% on 3PT, 80 % on FT, and leads the league in behind the back lay-ups.
2) DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky
“Boogie” has arguably been the best big man in the country, regardless of class, over the past month. He has tallied 13 double-doubles in teaming with Wall to lead Big Blue’s resurgence this season. Cousins numbers(16.3 ppg, 10 rebs, 2 blks, 54 % FG%) have been steadily increasing as the season goes on. He will be a beast in the NCAA Tourney.
3) Elias Harris, Gonzaga
Harris has been a big part of the Zags success this season by leading the club in rebounding(8.3), while being their 2nd option offensively(15.6 ppg). The 6’7 forward from Germany has scored in double figures in 18 of 23 games, even notching a career high of 31 points vs St Mary’s.
4) Alec Burks, Colorado
Burks is part of the ever improving Colorado Buffaloes and has provided an excellent 2nd option to leading scorer Corey Higgins. His 16.8 ppg, 5 rebs, 2 ast has helped the Buffs hover around the .500 mark by scoring in double figures in every game this season.
5) Xavier Henry, Kansas
Henry impressed early by tallying 27 points in his first collegiate game and by averaging more than 16 points through January, but has slipped a bit in Big 12 Conference play by scoring in single digits in 6 of his last 8 games. One thing that is a constant is his defense.
6) Avery Bradley, Texas
It has been an up and down season for the #1 rated player coming out of HS last season. Although the good(scoring in double figures in 15 games) outweighs the bad(3 or more turnovers in 4 games), Bradley appears to be struggling to find his niche on the Longhorns. His 47% FT% is a concern late in games. He along with Balbay are Texas’ best man defenders.
7) Lance Stephenson, Cinncinnati
The man-child known as “Born Ready” has been arguably the Big East’s best rookie player. Although he has been inconsistent at times, Lance leads the Bearcats in scoring(12 ppg) and has them in contention for an at-large NCAA Tourney berth.
8 ) Derrick Favors, GT
Favors has provided a low post threat to the surprising Yellow Jackets(17-6). As the team’s 2nd leading scorer(11.5 ppg), rebounder(8.5 rebs), and best shot blocker(2.0), he has come close to the hype of being a Top 5 recruit. His 60% from the field and team leading 8 double-doubles may have him leaving for the NBA after one season.
9) Derrick Williams, Arizona
While probably not as well known as the other frosh on the list, Williams has been a godsend for the Cats who lost a ton of talent to the NBA in recent seasons. He has been the down-trodden Pac-10’s best freshman by putting up 15.3 ppg, a team leading 7.1 rebounds, while shooting 57% from the field. He had a streak of 4 straight games with 20+ pts and has notched 2 double-doubles.
10) Hassan Whiteside, Marshall
At 6’11, Hassan has an intriguing upside. He leads the nation in blocks(5.3) while leading his squad in rebounds(8.8), and ranks 2nd in scoring 11.3 ppg. More amazingly he has 2 triple-doubles, is among the nation’s leaders in double-doubles with 11, and has the Herd surging in Conference USA and pushing for a tourney berth.
Honorable Mention:
Kenny Boynton, Florida – 14.1 ppg, 3 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl
Tiny Gallon, Oklahoma – 10.3 ppg, 8.1 rebs, 1 blk, 54 FG%
Tommy Mason-Griffin, Oklahoma – 13.2 ppg, 4.6 ast, 1 stl, 46% 3PT( 31.5 ppg, 5 ast in last 6)
Marshawn Powell, Arkansas – 15.3 ppg, 7 rebs, 1.3 blk
Reggie Moore, Wash St – 14.1 ppg, 4.3 ast, 1.3 stl, 36% 3PT
Allen Moll is an avid NBA and College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen is a regular columnist for thehoopdoctors.com, Bleacherreport.com, UpperDeckblog.com, and his own site, Hoops Haven.
