2013 College Basketball Picks: Top 5 Impact Freshmen – Andrew Wiggins Top Frosh

2013 College Basketball Picks: Top 5 Impact Freshmen – Andrew Wiggins Top Frosh: The 2013-14 college basketball season is set to begin, and while every season has its share of highly-touted freshmen, this year’s class is one of the most anticipated in recent memory. Heck, NBA franchises are already planning for the future stocking up on draft picks just to try to get in on the action. There is no such thing as easing freshmen into action in college basketball anymore, and the top recruits in the country are handed big roles from the time they step on the court. This year is definitely no exception, and with that in mind, here is a closer look at five freshmen that will play major roles in the success of their team in the upcoming college basketball season.

1.      Andrew Wiggins, Forward, Kansas Jayhawks

While there is no such thing as a can’t-miss prospect, several NBA teams are confident enough in the abilities of Wiggins to throw away the upcoming season to boost their chances of landing him in next year’s draft. He has the special combination of size, speed and athleticism that a llows him to create his own shot and get to the rim with regularity. With the Jayhawks losing a bulk of their scoring from last season, Wiggins should put up big numbers as the team’s go-to scorer and most versatile offensive player.

2.      Andrew Harrison, Point Guard, Kentucky Wildcats

There are other freshmen that will be valued more by NBA scouts, but Harrison is an elite talent that fills a massive hole at the point guard spot for the Wildcats. After all, poor point guard play caused an otherwise-loaded Kentucky team to underperform throughout last season. Enter Harrison, who can get into the lane on a consistent basis and score and distribute at a high level. With his 6-5 frame, Harrison is a tough matchup for opposing defenses, and he will immediately be given the reins of the Wildcats’ offense.

3.      Jabari Parker, Small Forward, Duke Blue Devils

Parker has been touted for his polished offensive game and his reliable jumpshot, and after leading his high school team to four straight state titles, his ability to carry the scoring load is undeniable. Granted, he will have plenty of talent around him at Duke, but Parker’s ability to play off the ball will allow him to thrive in Duke’s motion offense. Meanwhile, his ability to create his own shot will come in handy when the Blue Devils need a bucket in big spots in big games.

4.      Noah Vonleh, Power Forward, Indiana Hoosiers

His offensive game has some room to grow, but with the Hoosiers losing four starters, including their entire frontcourt, Vonleh will have a big role this season. He will likely be Indiana’s best rebounder and post defender this season, and while he will do a lot of damage in the paint, he actually has the quickness and athleticism to defend forwards away from the basket. Overall, Vonleh figures to be Indiana’s most productive post player this year.

5.      Tyler Ennis, Point Guard, Syracuse Orange

Not only did the Orange lose their starting backcourt from last year, but all three returning big man are better on the defensive end than on the offensive end. As a result, Ennis will be called one early often to create easy scoring chances for the frontcourt and to carry the perimeter scoring load. Fortunately for Syracuse, Ennis has a reliable jumper, and he has been praised by scouts for his court vision. Given the lack of backcourt experience, it isn’t a stretch to say that the play of Ennis will ultimately determine whether the Orange are a legit contender this season.

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