This article is part of our Freshman Haze series.
The college basketball season is just a few weeks away. Here at Freshman Haze central, I have been getting ready. I have uploaded the Blue Ribbon College Basketball directly into my brain and now have access to it whenever I need it. Processing… processing… If you are reading this, then you probably know the names of the most of the incoming class. Players like Marvin Bagley Jr., Michael Porter Jr., and DeAndre Ayton have already been discussed on the RotoWire college basketball pages. How about if we go over some freshmen who may be steals at their relative draft position (i.e. not at the top of the draft where Bagley and Porter will be drafted)? These players find themselves in the right place at the right time and could help many fantasy teams win their leagues.
Lindell Wigginton (G)
I profiled Donovan Jackson in the Big 12 preview, and the 6-2 Wigginton should start next to Jackson in the Cyclone backcourt. No single player is going to entirely replace Monte Morris, but Wiggington comes to Ames with the reputation as a scoring point guard. The native of Canada played for Oak Hill Academy where he averaged 16.4 points and hit 41.9 percent of his 3-pointers. Coach Steve Prohm likes to push the pace (third in the Big 12 in scoring last season at 80.9 points), and he should have an excellent lead guard in Wigginton.
P.J. Washington (F)
The focus in the preseason hype with the Wildcats has centered on
The college basketball season is just a few weeks away. Here at Freshman Haze central, I have been getting ready. I have uploaded the Blue Ribbon College Basketball directly into my brain and now have access to it whenever I need it. Processing… processing… If you are reading this, then you probably know the names of the most of the incoming class. Players like Marvin Bagley Jr., Michael Porter Jr., and DeAndre Ayton have already been discussed on the RotoWire college basketball pages. How about if we go over some freshmen who may be steals at their relative draft position (i.e. not at the top of the draft where Bagley and Porter will be drafted)? These players find themselves in the right place at the right time and could help many fantasy teams win their leagues.
Lindell Wigginton (G)
I profiled Donovan Jackson in the Big 12 preview, and the 6-2 Wigginton should start next to Jackson in the Cyclone backcourt. No single player is going to entirely replace Monte Morris, but Wiggington comes to Ames with the reputation as a scoring point guard. The native of Canada played for Oak Hill Academy where he averaged 16.4 points and hit 41.9 percent of his 3-pointers. Coach Steve Prohm likes to push the pace (third in the Big 12 in scoring last season at 80.9 points), and he should have an excellent lead guard in Wigginton.
P.J. Washington (F)
The focus in the preseason hype with the Wildcats has centered on wing Kevin Knox and redshirt freshman Hamidou Diallo, who should lead Kentucky in scoring. Meanwhile, Washington is just another impressive recruit who seems to have been swallowed up. He could well be a monster, particularly with Jarred Vanderbilt out for roughly the season's first two months with a foot injury. The 6-foot-7 Washington is unstoppable on the break and can score in the paint. He should lead the Wildcats in rebounding despite the presence of bigger players. One critique is that Washington is not a good free throw shooter, which may limit his playing time. Nonetheless, he should be a quality freshman to pick up.
M.J. Walker (G)
Most dual-sport stars play some combination of power forward/tight end. Walker, a 6-5 shooting guard, could have chosen to be a wide receiver or defensive back had he stuck with football. The hardwood called and Walker headed to Florida State, where the team is looking to replace a lot of scoring after Dwayne Bacon and Jonathan Isaac left. Walker uses his strength to power to the basket and should get plenty of offensive opportunities under coach Leonard Hamilton.
Thomas Allen (G)
Since moving to the Big 10, the Cornhuskers have only reached the NCAA tournament once (2014). The team has never won a March Madness game and it may be too much to ask of the 6-1 Allen to help the Huskers accomplish much more. Allen may help Nebraska be competitive in the Big 10 because he should be one of the best perimeter shooters in his class. The guard will provide the Huskers' spacing by pulling opponents away from the goal. He hit 48 percent of his 3-pointers as a high school senior while leading Brewster Academy to an undefeated record.
Romello White (F)
Coach Bobby Hurley had a dependable frontcourt player in Obinna Oleka, but he has moved on. This leaves a big opening for the 6-8 White, who redshirted last season while he got his academic house in order. The forward is known for his relentless hustle, which might mean that he gets in early foul trouble. If he can stay on the court, White should be able to lead the Sun Devils in rebounding and get enough shots around the tin to help fantasy team in the scoring column.
Jaylon Nowell (G)
Recruiting was never a problem for Lorenzo Romar. He consistently brought top tier talent to Washington, but he had not been able to put enough hash marks in the win column which led to his ouster. Syracuse heir apparent Mike Hopkins takes over and he gets one of Romar's recruits in Nowell. The 6-4 guard may start the season behind David Crisp and Matisse Thybulle in the backcourt, but he will earn significant minutes from the get go. Nowell can score in a variety of ways and will help Hopkins win more games than his predecessor.
Tremont Waters (G)
LSU is undergoing transition similar to Washington. Johnny Jones brought plenty of talented players to the bayou, but only had one NCAA tournament appearance to show for his recruiting prowess. Coach Will Wade came from VCU and quickly signed up the 5-11 Waters to lead his Tiger attack. Waters will vie with Skyler Mayes for playing time at point guard, but the freshman should get the majority of the playing time to let Mayes play on the wing with Brandon Sampson. If everything falls into place, Waters could flood the SEC with assists.
