The Rebirth: Five Freshman Who Can Counter Disappointing Start

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

College Basketball recruiting is as misleading as the hype that surrounds it. Many players are highly-touted coming out of high school, and are proclaimed as super freshman, but not many have stepped up to the plate.

There are many freshman that have already made their mark on the College Basketball world.

Take Duke's Kyrie Irving for example. Irving currently is tied for first in scoring for the No. 1 team in the nation at 16.8 points, as well as 5.5 assist per game.

Kentucky freshman Brandon Knight, and Terrence Jones have also made major noise as the top players in the game.

However, some players aren't as fortunate, and isn't currently in the right situation coming in.

Here is a look at some of the freshman that hasn't lived up to their high expectations.

C.J. Leslie (NCSU) - 8.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks per game
C.J. Leslie was looked on to be the superstar of this young Wolfpack team that has just three seniors. Despite starting the season off with a 21 point, six rebound, six block campaign, Leslie has looked like a non-factor from there on. Leslie has scored in double-figures twice this whole season. Leslie has struggled from the field in his last three games nailing 6-of-21(28%) shots and NC State is (1-2) over that stretch. His jumpshot, and ability to work for his shot has to improve if he wants to live up to his lofty expectations.

Patric Young (FLA) - 4.2 points, 3.0 rebounds per game
When Patric Young committed to Florida nobody expected him to start, but most expected him to be a fearsome competitor off the bench. However, coach Billy Donavan hasn't seen much aggressiveness out of his 6-foot-9 freshman and it shows both on the court and on the stats sheet. Young, converts on a lot of his attempts but doesn't seem to take many shots. The Gators need Young to be aggressive off the bench, and ignite the second unit with great post play.

Fab Melo (SYR) - 2.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.0 blocks per game
Fab Melo was considered the No. 1 center in the 2010 recruiting class. However, he has yet to live up to the expectations of being a go to post threat down low. Melo has started all seven games for Syracuse, but only logging an average of 13.4 minutes per game. Melo has struggled getting into a groove, which really hurts his playing time. Syracuse needs Melo to attack the boards, and become what everyone pegged him as, which was the best low post scorer in the 2010 class.

Terrence Ross (WASH) - 5.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.0 assist per game
Ross was brought to Washington with the belief that he could ignite the wing. However, early he has done everything but that. Ross comes off the bench for the Huskies and rarely produces in his 13.7 minutes of play. Ross is on a cold streak hitting on 20 percent of his shots during this stretch. For Ross to bounce back, he needs to continue to work on his jumper, and build confidence in his jump shot.

Harrison Barnes (UNC) - 11.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assist per game
Barnes had so much unbearable pressure placed on him before he touched a basketball. He was pegged as AP Preseason All American, and is the main reason the 'Heels were a top-10 team when the season started. Barnes hasn't necessarily played bad, more so, hasn't played good. Barnes has been off from the field, but that is definitely commendable and could be curbed in no time. I expect Barnes to shake his cold shooting and become the leader the 'Heels need.

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Kyrie Irving One of the Top Fresh Faces in the ACC

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last season, the ACC Conference was not the toughest but was one of the more interesting conferences in all of College Basketball.

The National Champion, and the most disappointing team from last season played in the ACC conference.

Not to mention, there was a two-way tie for the regular season title and the conference was the only one to have two team just under five-hundred overall.

With that said, the ACC attracted a lot of highly-touted recruits.

The No. 1 overall player in the 2010 class will play in the ACC next season, along with many McDonald's All-Americans.

Kyrie Irving is also among the talented newcomers. Irving will be joined by newcomer Seth Curry as well.

North Carolina State has a trio of freshman that should dominate, but which one are amongst the top newcomers in the ACC?

Here is a look at some of the top newcomers in the ACC:

Kyrie Irving (DUKE) - Kyrie Irving was regarded as the best point guard in the 2010 recruiting class by many. With his scoring ability, the Blue Devils will not miss Jon Scheyer too much on offense. Not to mention, he can lead a team with his high basketball I.Q. and true point guard feel. With Irving, the Blue Devils have one of the best backcourts in the nation. If there is one thing Irving has, it's the chance to lead a team back to the National Championship as a true freshman.

Harrison Barnes (UNC) - Harrison Barnes, is, no doubt, the best player in the 2010 class. Possibly the best player in all of College Basketball after it's all said and done. Barnes has a lot of upside, and the ability to make a huge impact at North Carolina. His ability to score at will, play tough defense, and make plays has the Tar Heels inside the top-10 of both polls after being runner-ups in the NIT tournament last season.

C.J. Leslie (NCSU) - C.J. Leslie is a freak of nature. With the ball in his hands you can always expect consistent contributions. His ability to handle the ball at 6-foot-9 allows him to be a favorable forward in one-on-one situations. Not to mention, he can score on the low block with his back towards the basket. He is also very good with blocking and altering shots. Leslie can hit jumpers, penetrate, play defense and should be the leader of a young NC State team.

Mychal Parker (MD) - Mychal Parker reminds me of a younger Grevis Vasquez. Parker is a solid two guard, but could pick up a few point guard skills under Gary Williams. Parker is a very explosive guard that has the ability to step right in and become the leader for the 'Terps. He is at his best when driving to the lane, where he finishes strong around the rim. But he does have a decent jump shot that should improve over the course of the season. 

Seth Curry (DUKE) - Seth Curry scored 20 points per game his freshman season at Liberty. He transferred to Duke, and will have to earn every minute on the court with such a loaded backcourt. But that is not going to stop Curry as he was looking for a starting spot. Curry doesn't do a lot of damage off-the-dribble, rather, behind the arc. Curry is a pure shooter, and should play the off-guard position where he can utilize his strengths.

Kendall Marshall (UNC) - Kendall Marshall, the lefty guard, was regarded as the best playmaking/passing guard in the 2010 recruiting class. He does damage on the inside, and out. He has great handle, and the feel for the guard position. He does all the right things to impact his team without scoring. Marshall is stepping into a backcourt in need of a leader, and he could crack the starting lineup.

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Harrison Barnes Leads ACC's Top Players

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The ACC Conference is home to the defending champion Duke Blue Devils. They are conceived to take the conference by storm next season with the freshman acquired and firepower contained.

However, the Duke Blue Devils will not embrace one of the best playmakers in the conference.


Harrison Barnes is considered one of the best players in all of College Basketball as a true freshman by many media outlets.

That is why he edges out everyone else as the top playmaker in the ACC Conference. Here are the top-10 athletes in the ACC Conference.

1. Harrison Barnes (Freshman) - North Carolina Tarheels


Harrison Barnes, a very skilled freshman from Ames, Iowa landed in the arms of Roy Williams and the North Carolina Tarheels. Words can't explain how easily Barnes puts the ball in the basket.

Barnes is equipped with an great jump shot that he let's off with confidence. With that comes ball-handling skills that allows him to get anywhere he wants on the court. Not to mention, he has the ability to play on the low block and dominate in the paint.

With Barnes, despite the lack of frontier force, the Tarheels will be one of the best teams in the ACC.

2. Nolan Smith (Senior) - Duke Blue Devils


This summer Duke's senior guard Nolan Smith put up 50-plus in a NC Pro Am game. He expands the defense, takes you inside, and utilizes his versatility.

Smith is one of those players that are tough to guard. If you want to take away his shot, he drives and finishes around the lane with floaters, and lay-ups. Same with if you want to take away his driving lane, you have to account for his shot.

Last year, Smith accounted for 17.4 points per game on a Blue Devils team that won the National Championship.

3. Durand Scott (Sophomore) - Miami (FL) Hurricanes

Durand Scott, along with Dwayne Collins had the 'Canes flying last season. He didn't exactly "wow" people with his scoring ability, but he did pose a threat every time he stepped foot on the court.

Scott is at his best when he is the main facilitator. He averaged just under four assist per outing. However, he was able to pull down four rebounds per game, acquire 1.2 steals and score 10.3 points per game.

His all around effort was a plus for the 'Canes and he is considered an NBA-prospect because of it.

4. Kyrie Irving (Freshman) - Duke Blue Devils

Kyrie Irving, a freshman guard for Duke is one of the better playmaking guards in the ACC. His ability to get anywhere on the court with his elite ball-handling skills is a plus for the Blue Devils.

Not to mention, he has great leaping ability, a jump shot, and his finishing ability is above-average.

Irving is a walking highlight reel. Every time Irving steps foot on the floor expect the crowd on their feet all 40-minutes of the contest. Yes, Irving is that good.

Malcolm Delaney/V-Tech Hokies

5. Malcolm Delaney (Senior) - Virginia Tech Hokies

Malcolm Delaney is one of the better athletes in the ACC. Delaney's is an complete lead guard that will excel with four starters healthy with the season right around the corner.

Delaney's ability to manage the game and get his team in prime position to win the game is a plus for the Hokies. Not to mention, his scoring ability is off the charts. He scored an outstanding 20.3 points per game last season.

With better scheduling of tougher opponents for the Hokies, I expect to see them dancing. Especially with Delaney at the helm.

6. Kyle Singler (Senior) - Duke Blue Devils


Singler was one of the main reasons the Blue Devils won the National Title. His leadership ability lifted the Blue Devils over both Duke and Butler.

He came through big time in both of those games, and with him returning the Blue Devils can compete for the National title once again.

7. C.J. Leslie (Freshman) - NC State Wolfpack

C.J. Leslie was considered one of the best forwards, better yet players, in the 2010 recruiting class. He is a 6-foot-9 forward with no designated position.

You can place Leslie on the wing, or in the post and expect the same intensity. Leslie has a high motor, and is determined to put his team in prime position to win it all.

8. John Henson (Sophomore) - North Carolina Tarheels

Last season, John Henson faced the learning curve until former-Tarheel Ed Davis was injured. Thereafter, Henson filled in for the injury star. He didn't do so well, but this season Henson is a completely different player.

Henson added bulk, enhanced his game, and is ready to show his doubter his progression.

9. Tracy Smith (Senior) - NC State Wolfpack 

Tracy Smith last season during an upset against the defending champion Duke Blue Devils, Smith scored 23 points. He had the Wolfpack fired up about the ACC conference race.

Smith headed into his senior year will start for a team surrounded by talented freshman. Smith will continue his scoring and rebounding dominance, in hopes to get the Wolfpack into the NCAA Tournament.

10. Jordan Williams (Sophomore) - Maryland Terrapins

Jordan Williams almost averaged a double-double during his first season with the 'Terps. Now without Grevis Vasquez, Williams will have the chance to impress more with his ability.

Last season, the sophomore averaged 9.8 points, and 8.6 rebounds. His scoring ability will be embraced by many Terp' fans this year. Williams is a sensational athlete and with his contributions Maryland could surprise in the ACC.

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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.

NC State Has The Best Freshmen Trio In College Basketball

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Before the 2009-10' season, if you said NC State could beat Duke I would have told you how crazy that sounded.

However, the Wolfpack were able to defeat Duke with just a solid roster last season. 

Not just Duke but they also defeated a very defensive-minded Florida State team and Wake Forest. Not to mention, all three of those teams were ranked inside the top 25 at the time of the defeat.

So with that in mind, don't you think with the recruiting class the Wolfpack acquired this year, added on to the success last year; do you think they'll have a chance to be one of the better teams in the NCAA?

Well let's dig deep. In the 2010 recruiting class, the Wolfpack brought in Ryan Harrow, C.J Leslie, and Lorenzo Brown. They required other recruits, but these three collectively turned heads once they committed.

Harrow is the lead guard. He has the ability to get anywhere on the court with his ball-handling skills. On top of that, he is equipped with great vision and passing skills. For some reason, I think scouts overlooked Harrow because of his height. 

But even at 6-foot even, I believe Harrow will be the best freshmen guard in the country. He has a great head on his shoulder, very dedicated and a skilled player on the court.

Harrow has all the intangibles you need to succeed at the college level. Once he adds more bulk to his frame, I don't think any guard in the country will be able to hold him one-on-one.

As for C.J. Leslie, he is what will make the big-three successful. He has length, toughness, attitude--not the bad one--and the ability to take over games.

He is listed as a power forward, but watching him you can tell he'd be more comfortable at the three.

He has had success catching the ball outside the arc and working his way inside. Not to mention, he will be a great addition to the pick-and-roll offense. With his length and leaping ability, you can throw him a lot of passes and expect a finish.

On defense, Leslie is an improving shot blocker. His length forces a lot of players to try to shoot over him. Regardless if he records a block or not, his length and commitment on defense will allow him to be successful.

It won't matter if he is on the low-block or the wing, Leslie will be create match-up problems at any position.

Now lastly, Lorenzo Brown and Harrow will complement each other well in the backcourt. They're particularly the same but Brown has more height.

If Brown wanted to, I think he could be a great lead guard. He has great ball-handling skills, vision and the ability to score a lot on offense.

He has great size at 6-foot-4 and his ability to attack the rim cannot be taught.

I often witness him doing a nifty crossover move that freezes the defender. Once that happens, either he is still attacking or hitting the jump-shot.

Overall these three players will have a big year together. At the NC Pro Am, I witnessed great team chemistry and the winning mentality at all cost. There were no issues on who would be the most dominant in the offense.

No player tried to steal the spotlight or anything. It was all great teamwork displayed by the three and they'll be a great trio to watch once the season comes around.

Each of these players will have the chance to leave the program after one year. However, I don’t think that will happen. Each of these players will give the Wolfpack at least two years of college ball before thinking about a pro-career.

Sidney Lowe It's Time To Put Up, Or Shut Up

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The NC State Wolfpack signed Sidney Lowe to be their Head Coach in 2006. In his first season, he led the Wolfpack to a (20-16) record, the ACC Championship title game, and a NIT Berth.

It was all a step-down from what NC State achieved the season before. 

The following year, the Wolfpack didn’t achieve a winning record and ended the season on a nine-game losing streak. It wasn't like they had scrubs on their team either. NC State was equipped with J.J. Hickson and Gavin Grant.

In the 2008-09 season, the Wolfpack did end the season above .500, defeated a ranked opponent, but besides that, the season did amount to anything.

Now let's talk about last season. The Wolfpack improved their record and was granted a NIT berth, defeated the eventual National Champions, but other than that, nothing significant happen to praise Sidney Lowe as a great coach.

But this year, the chances of the Wolfpack finally making Sidney Lowe look like a good coach is very likely. 

First off C.J Leslie, the Word of God standout will be suiting up for the Wolfpack next season. He is considered to be a 6-foot-9 power forward, but in my mind, I believe he is more of a wing threat. 

He has ball-handling skills, a jump-shot and the ability to score at will in the post. 

Leslie is the most versatile player that Sidney Lowe acquired this off-season.

I expect to see him playing inside-out depending on how Lowe adjusts to his game.

Next, we have Ryan Harrow. Harrow is a 6-foot guard that has handles for days. He has the ability to get anywhere on the court. With that, follows elite passing and vision.

At 6-foot even, Harrow is very long guard. He displays good leaping skills and explosiveness.

Harrow is the most underrated player in the recruiting class. He was tabbed inside ESPN, Rivals and Scouts top 100 prospects but people still question his ability to play at the collegiate level.

He is smaller than most guards but like he said when he was a child, "size doesn't matter; it’s how big your heart is."

Lastly, Lorenzo Brown will be joining the two at NC State. Last year in the 2009 recruiting class, Brown was considered one of the best in the class. However, he took another route before enrolling at NC State.

Brown is a 6-foot-4 guard that can do whatever he wants on the court. He kind of reminds me of Evan Turner. He has great ball-handling ability, not really flashy, but does get the job done.

Brown scores in many ways. His destine position should be at the two but with his vision and passing skills I could see him playing the one.

Brown will be the x-factor on this team. They will have Harrow running the show, Leslie in the post and Brown on the wing.

I expect to see Brown come in and help the Wolfpack contend in the ACC.

Now as for Sidney Lowe, this is your chance to prove that you can coach. You have now surrounded yourself with Elite talent, and now it's time to execute.

The Wolfpack fans are anxious to see what is next for the program. They are going to expect more than NIT Berths, wins over ranked opponents, and stuff that only matters in the regular season. 

They want to see NC State in the NCAA Tournament. Not just getting there, they want to see wins in the tournament.

It is now time for Sidney Lowe to put up or shut up. Can you handle the pressure? I sure hope he can. NC State is jam-packed with too much talent.

It's NC State's time to shine in College Basketball. One way or the other, Head Coach Sidney Lowe will prove if he is either a great coach or a potent recruiter.

The Short Stint: Reviewing The Possible One-and-Done Players

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Believe it or not, the one-and-done rule has gotten under a lot of people's skin.

The one-and-done players are usually the players that do not belong in the college game at all. These are the players that could have gone straight from high school to the NBA.

However, since the rule has incorporated, we have bad student-athletes, speculations, recruiting violations and more.

If you ask me, I think the one-and-done rule should be dead-and-gone. Forcing players to the college game is doing more bad than good. You have players that only pass their first semester classes then throw away the second semester.

That takes a toll on academics as well as the school’s reputation.