| 23 October 2011
Forget about those millionaire players and billionaire owners fighting over how to split up the billions of dollars we've paid to them - real basketball is soon to begin once again in North America. The college basketball season is just days away, and with no NBA games on the horizon there are sure to be more eyes than ever watching the college kids ball. With tip-off just around the corner, The Hoops Manifesto presents its guide to the NCAA season, our "2011/12 NCAA Cheat Sheet", where we'll highlight what to look out for this upcoming year. Next up: Fab Five Freshman
While the big story in college basketball this upcoming season is the unexpected return of many of last season's freshman stars, this year's incoming class of freshman can not be ignored. In fact, the class of 2011 is widely considered stronger than last year's crop of 18-year-olds, and not surprisingly Kentucky has the bulk of the future pros. Heading into the season, here are the five top freshman to keep an eye (or, preferably, two eyes) on:
Anthony Davis - Kentucky - Forward
It was just two short years ago that Chicago's Anthony Davis was just another 6'3" guard toiling in obscurity. A year, and seven inches, later, Davis became aruably the top recruit in the country (yes, he grew seven inches in a year). While he is now 6'10" with an incredible 7'4" wingspan, he was able to keep many of his guard skills in his new body. While his post game is still raw, his motor, quickness, athleticism, hustle and awe-inspiring length make him the projected first pick in next June's NBA draft.
Andre Drummond - Connecticut - Center
Andre Drummond was projected to be one of the top recruits in the class of 2012, when abruptly this summer he reclassified and joined UConn in time for this upcoming season. His signing is a coup for Jim Calhoun, as the 6'11" 250-pound man-child gives the Huskies a much-needed inside presence to team up with sophomore star Jeremy Lamb. Comparisons to Shawn Kemp, Amar'e Stoudemire and Dwight Howard seem to ensure Drummond's stay in Storrs will be short.
Quincy Miller - Baylor - Forward
SLAM magazine's high school diary keeper last season, Quincy Miller tore up his ACL last December and missed the majority of his senior year of high school in High Point, North Carolina (he's originally from Chicago). However, the injury was a blessing in disguise for the 6'9", 210-pound small forward, as his commitment to the game, maturity and basketball IQ all benefited from his time on the sideline. Combine that with his size and skillset that have some observers whispering Kevin Durant comparisons, and you have yourself a dangerous college hoops freshman.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - Kentucky - Forward
The player formerly known as just plain 'Michael Gilchrist' (he added the 'Kidd' part as a tribute to his late uncle, Darrin Kidd, who Kidd-Gilchrist tried to save by performing CPR on him) is yet another of the jewels in yet another one of Coach Calipari's powerhouse recruiting classes. Kidd-Gilchrist has a strong, long frame (6'7" 232 pounds, 6'11" wingspan) and is a demon on defense, using his length, strength and aggressive style to lock down opponents.
Austin Rivers - Duke - Guard
The most gifted offensive player in his class, Duke's Austin Rivers might be the same size as his dad, Doc, but he's 10 times the athlete his old man was. While he has a complete offensive game, and the confidence that goes along with it, he doesn't share his dad's playmaking ability, which might hinder him at the NBA level, as 6'4" isn't huge for a shooting guard in the pro game.
Previous NCAA Previews: Super Sophs
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