Posted by CoHoops
DeAnte Mitchell
The Big 12 conference is consistently one of the best conferences in College Basketball. You can credit the coaches, and players for playing hard year-in and out.
You can also credit some of the efforts to recruiting. The Big 12 is notorious for bringing in elite talent. The Kansas Jayhawks are usually the program to bring in the most talented recruiting class.
However, this year that goes to the Baylor Bears. Freshman Perry Jones is ready to show people in Waco that he is the real deal.
But, Jones isn't the only talented newcomer. Josh Selby from Kansas is also among the talented newcomers.
Cameron Clark will have a big year as a Sooner. Not to mention, Missouri's Ricardo Ratliffe was selected by Big 12 coaches as the top newcomer this season.
Here is an complete list of the top newcomers in the Big 12 this season.
Corey Joseph (UT) - Corey Joseph reminds me a lot of former Longhorn Avery Bradley. Joseph isn't a true point guard but can lead the Longhorn attack. Not to mention, his scoring ability brings another dimension to the backcourt. Joseph's weak point is defense, but I see that improving with more minutes on the court. With the ball, Joseph is one of the most entertaining guards.
Perry Jones (BU) - Perry Jones, was the highest rated recruit to sign with the Baylor Bears. He has a 6-foot-10 frame, with the ability to play on the wing. He has the ability to handle the ball at 6-foot-10, which allows him to create mix-matches outside the paint. Every time the ball is in Jones hands Coach Scott Drew can expect production. With Jones at Baylor, the Bears are among the favorable teams with a chance to win the Big 12.
Josh Selby (KU) - Selby's scoring ability is favorable and creates problems for any opposition. His passing is improving, and playing with an experienced frontcourt will take pressure off the freshman. Selby is battling for eligibility but he is still one of the top newcomers. If eligible, Selby will have the chance to navigate a No. 7 ranked team in the nation. That would be too much pressure for most freshman, but not Selby.
Ricardo Ratliffe (MU) - Ricardo Ratliffe made Mizzou's recruiting class significant. With Ratliffe, and Tony Mitchell, the Tigers would have had one of the best frontcourts in the Big 12. With Mitchell not eligible expect even more contributions from Ratliffe. His ability to score the ball puts pressure on the opposition. Not to mention, his versatility always present problems. Ratliffe was selected by the coaches as the top newcomer, and could overtake Jones if Mizzou can get him a lot of touches.
Tristian Thompson (UT) - Thompson is one of the best frontier freshmen this season. Thompson can face up, or score with his back to the basket. Thompson attacks the rim, and finishes strong. He is a big-time threat down low. The lefty is a mix-match waiting to happen. With the ball in his hands, Coach Barnes can expect Thompson to make the right play.
Cameron Clark (OU) - Cameron Clark is one of those freshman that has the ability to take over the game with a blink of an eye. With Clark the sky is the limit. He is one of the most talented players the Sooner will embrace since Blake Griffin. His athletic ability is off the charts, and will benefit Jeff Cappel when the season starts. He is listed as a forward, but I could see him play the two-guard as well for Coach Capel.
Freddy Asprilla (KSU) - Freddy Asprilla, the transfer from Florida International, made his way to Kansas State with Frank Martin. Asprilla has made key strides to get in tip-top shape. K-State Head Coach Frank Martin loves his scoring ability on offense. But, his biggest improvement needs to come from the defensive end. The 6-foot-10 center has lost up to 60-pounds and is mobile as ever. With Asprilla, K-State's frontcourt is arguably the best in the Big 12.
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