Freshmen Finding Their Way

With the first few games of their college careers under their belts the Freshmen class has impressed.  Top prospect John Wall has shown the elite athleticism we expected and has already hit a game winning shot.  He remains a sure bet to go #1 in June.  Fellow Kentucky Wildcat DeMarcus Cousins has held his own.  He put up big numbers against lowly Sam Houston State, dominating with his size and strength but his attitude and mental make up remain a step behind his physical prowess.  He's still projected as a lottery pick on my board due to his vast potential but there are serious questions about him reaching that potential.

Shooting Guard Xavier Henry broke out for 27 points in his first game and despite coming back down to earth recently looks like a top ten pick in the making.  His deadeye shooting and superior strength make him a matchup nightmare and his understanding and feel for the game make up for his lack of elite speed.

Carolina youngster John Henson is having trouble getting off of the bench for the Tar Heels but still has all the potential in the world.  He may have to stay in school for two years to fully show off his skills but the NBA draft is all about upside and Henson's ceiling is very high.  In the few minutes he's gotten he has show nice fluid athletic ability, moving around the court effortlessly and he seems focused and determined to play the game the right way.  His strength is lacking and he has yet to discover his role but I remain high on him and would not be surprised if he's a one and done lottery pick come June.

I have yet to see Derrick Favors in action for Georgia Tech but his stat lines have been good and his athletic ability remains off the charts.  More on Favors once I have a chance to study his game further.

Texas combo guard Avery Bradley is off to a slow start but like the other top prospects on this list, it's all about upside.  If he can become a point guard he''ll be a lottery pick.  If he remains a tweener he's a later first round pick.  Despite the slow start I remain high on Bradley due to his elite athletic ability, tenacious defense and explosiveness to the rim.  Like Henson, two years of school would be good for him but he'll be a high pick whenever he decides to go pro.

Another freshman off to a slow start is Kansas State forward Wally Judge.  He is still finding his role on the team and should settle in and have the game slow down for him as the season progresses.  I have yet to see him in action this year so I'll withhold further judgement.

A freshman who is just starting to explode onto the national scene (thanks to the reporting of NBADraft.Net) is Minnesota SF Rodney Williams Jr.  He is a superior athlete and a  great dunker who loves to finish at the rim.  His athletic ability alone will make him a high draft pick but if he can round out his game, develop his outside shot, ball handling, passing and defense he would project as a lottery pick down the road.

With only a few games under their belts this freshmen class has displayed all the athletic ability we expected but for some it has been a rough transition to college ball.  It's a long season and I expect that the players who are off to a slow start will find their footing and step up their game as the season goes on.  And for some, like John Wall and Derrick Favors the NCAA will simply be their playground until they're eligible for the NBA.