Top College Freshman
The NBA Draft isn’t until June, but there are several prospects in this year’s crop that already have my undivided attention. Here are six freshmen that are worth keeping an eye on as the college basketball season progresses.
Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett, Cam Reddish, Duke. There is a non-zero chance that Coach K has the 1-2-3 picks in the upcoming NBA Draft on his roster this season in Durham. Williamson is the best athlete I have ever seen; that is not hyperbole. At 6’7” and 285 pounds, Zion can absolutely fly and he also possesses a jump shot that must be respected. It is tough to come up with a facsimile for Williamson, but a taller, svelte, more athletic Charles Barkley might be it. Next up: R.J. Barrett. The Canadian may very well be the top prospect in this class. He is super crafty and can shoot the rock and facilitate as a primary ball-handler at 6’7”. Give Barrett the rock on the wing and he will kill you with jab steps and crafty maneuvers to get to the basket. I liken his game a lot to a left-handed Jayson Tatum. Then there is Cam Reddish. The Philly native is not as well-known as his fellow freshman, but he is just as potent. Standing 6’8”, with a jump shot that is silky smooth and a stout frame, I am reminded of a young Paul George.
Nassir Little, North Carolina. Little is an interesting fit with the Tar Heels and may be the best pro prospect that Roy Williams has had in his program since Vince Carter back in ’98, although Danny Green and Harrison Barnes might beg to differ. Little is still tinkering with his jump shot, but once he can rely on that, it will only be a matter of time before his game rounds out and he will be so difficult to guard. I see a mix of Aaron Gordon and Evan Turner when I watch Nassir Little play.
Naz Reid, LSU. Zion is the top athlete in this class, but the Reid is number two. He is physically imposing at 6’10” 250 pounds, yet can still play on the perimeter, although don’t expect him to showcase those skills at the collegiate level. If Reid can stay on the straight and narrow, not only will LSU compete for the SEC crown, but he will have his name called very early on draft night. I could see Reid in the mold of a John Collins or a Montrezl Harrell if his skills do not progress, but if it all clicks in Baton Rouge he could be mentioned in the same breath as a Deandre Ayton.
Bol Bol, Oregon. Son of Manute, Bol is, like his father, a freak of nature. At 7’3” with a 7’8” wingspan, Bol is able to do things on the court that should not be physically possible. The key for the Oregon freshman will be his ability to defend. If he is able to stay in front of smaller, quicker ball-handlers he could be a total matchup nightmare at the next level. I don’t want to compare him to Anthony Davis, but if Bol can stay healthy it’s not impossible for him to reach such heights.
