College Hoops High Stakes: What Players Face The Highest Expectations?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Teams that are going in the wrong direction always seem to find themselves a freshman that is looked to turnaround the program. Sometimes the freshman answers their prayers. However, there are times where the stakes are too high for the 18-year old.

But in some cases, a superstar leaves and a reserve has to fill the shoes.

To nobody's surprise, there will be a lot of players that will have high expectations. Whether or not if they reach expectations, is up to speculation.

Here are some players that has high expectations headed into the 2010-11' season. 

G William Buford, Ohio State

Last season, Ohio State was ruled by Evan Turner. He did just about everything to keep the Buckeyes' competitive. Now that he is gone, future Junior Buford has to step up big time. He is expected to lead this Buckeye' team to the winner's circle every night. Adding Jared Sullinger, help his cause, but a lot of people are going to be expecting big things from Buford.

G Jimmer Fredette, BYU

Fredette is returning for his senior season of college basketball. He is going into next year as one of the better players in college hoops. However, after a poor outing against Kansas State in the NCAA tournament, people are starting to expect more from Fredette. Yahoo Rivals is expecting an 'explosive' season, and Dick Vitale posted "Love Pullen but I feel Fredette will have a big year."

G Jacob Pullen, Kansas State

Pullen was a part of the Kansas State backcourt that led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight last season. However, his running-mate Denis Clemente has graduated. He doesn't stand alone in the backcourt, but a lot of hoop fans are expecting a lot from the bearded player in the little apple. 

G Kemba Walker, UConn

The Huskies' lost four major contributors last season to graduation. However, they reserved their great playmaking guard Walker. Not to mention, they brought in a great deal of young players that are going to need guidance. Walker will be looked to lead this group of young players while restoring the program to grace.

F Elias Harris, Gonzaga

Last season, Harris played beside Matt Bouldin at Gonzaga. Now that Bouldin is gone, Harris has to step up and be the leader for the 'Zags. He is a 6-foot-7 wing threat and showed flashes of being a leader last season with Bouldin. This upcoming season will be based on Harris. We are all expecting Harris to step up big time!

F C.J Leslie, North Carolina State

Leslie came into NC State as the most hyped recruit since Julius Hodge. We all know how much he was able to bring to the Wolfpack. Leslie is going to be looked on to do the same. He is coming into a team with talented players but he is going to be looked to step up and be the leader. With the case of Leslie, he is stuck with high expectations from Wolfpack fans.

F Markieff Morris, Kansas

His twin brother Marcus has proven he can bang in the post. However, Markieff hasn't gotten the chance Marcus has. Now with Cole Aldrich in the NBA, Jayhawk fans are looking for Markieff to step up big time. He hasn't played significant minutes in the past, just the role of reliever. This season, Markieff is going to have to help the frontcourt big time!

C Jon Kreft, Florida State

Kreft is a 7-foot monster. He is looking to fill the shoes of former-Seminole Soloman Alabi. Now with Alabi, he was the sure intimidator and rebounder. Kreft will have to live up to all his expectations and keep the defensive presence alive. Fans are going to see the tough defense they seen last year without Alabi, from Kreft.