NFL Picks
TOP SHELF PLUS
TOP SHELF PLUS
TOP SHELF PLUS
TOP SHELF PLUS
NCAAB Futures: College BaSKETBALL Top Freshman Players So Far this season
by: Travis Gillmore
January 7th, 2022
There are some new faces around the country that are making an instant impact for their teams. As the calendar begins to turn from football to hoops we take a look at some of the best freshman college basketball has to offer so far this year.
NCAAB TOP FRESHMan
Brandon Miller (F) ALABAMA
Brandon Miller has been better than expected, the 6' 8" swingman is leading all freshmen in scoring so far this season. Miller has been even better than averaging 18.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 43.7% 3PT. Miller has great length with a smooth shooting stroke and doesn't hesitate at all to put up shots in volume and knock them down. Along with his scoring, Miller is among the top three freshman rebounders in the country. The Crimson Tide are looking like a legitimate Final Four contender at this point and Miller is huge reason why.
Kyle Filipowski (C) Duke
Along with his passion and scoring ability Kyle Filipowski is also making a significant impact both on the glass and on defense for the Blue Devils. He's really emerged as the star that Duke needed, scoring at least 10 points in every game so far this year. He has six double doubles in his first three months including 17 points and 14 boards against Kansas in the Champions Classic. The 7'0" freshman can also pop out and hit a three if needed as he is shooting 33.3% on the season. With his ability to face the rim and run the floor he creates mismatches and has gives Duke the ability to play a variety of lineups.
KEYONTE GEORGE (G) BAYLOR
George hasn't been the most efficient scorer shooting around 40% from the floor but he's proven that he can get to his spots whenever he wants. He can score in bunches is going to end up trying to the hero in multiple games down the stretch this season. George has bought into what Scott Drew has asked of him on the defensive end and has also been able to creating for others. George has recorded multiple steals in five games, at least five assists in five games and at least five rebounds in six games. He will be a huge part of whatever Baylor accomplishes this year and they will need him to be great for them to make a run.
ANTHONY BLACK (G) ARKANSAS
Black is a long and rangy guard with a versatile game, his three game stretch at the Maui Invitational (67 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists) was maybe the most impressive stretch of basketball that any freshman has played this season. Black is shooting 53% from the field and his 40.7% from three has been a positive surprise. Black has settled into more of a distribution role since Nick Smith Jr has come back which has cut into his production a bit. It'd be nice to see him get back into that more aggressive role like he showed at the beginning of the year but either way he's a stud and this Arkansas team is a real contender.
GRADEY DICK (F) KANSAS
The Jayhawks are rolling and up to number three in the polls as they look to defend their National Championship. Dick's ability to step right in and put up big numbers (15.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 46.6% 3PT) has played a critical role in their early success. Dick has been one of the most lethal three-point shooters in all of America shooting close to 47% from deep. Dick has also impressed with his ability to finish around the rim and get out in transition. He's also showed up in the clutch for this team on multiple occasions and really seems to embrace the moment when it matters most.
Honorable Mention
Donovan Clingan (C) Connecticut
Cason Wallace (G) Kentucky
Nick Smith Jr. (G) Arkansas
GG Jackson II (F) South Carolina
Taylor Hendricks (F) UCF
Jett Howard (G) Michigan
Brice Sensabaugh (F) Ohio State
Cam Whitmore (F) Villanova