The 2014 NBA Draft will be stocked with great talent due to the amazing group of college players likely to declare for the draft. The main focus this year are the freshman across the country. Their high school class was named one of the best in ages. Many of these freshman are living up to the hype and are some of the star players in the nation already. Here are some profiles of a few of them.
Andrew Wiggins, Kansas:
Coming out of high school Wiggins was regarded as the closest thing to LeBron James. Obviously it is going to take a lot of work to live up to that standard, but that shows just how much potential Wiggins has. At Kansas this year he is playing solid basketball despite the teams disappointing season for the Jayhawks thus far. He is averaging 15 points a game as well as 5 rebounds. These are solid numbers in a tough Big 12 division, but people seem to be a bit let down by him possibly because of the amazing play by Jabari Parker from Duke. Wiggins has amazing NBA potential and is projected to go number 1 in the draft according to ESPN. He just has to tone out the critics and continue to play his game.
Jabari Parker, Duke:
In any other high school class Jabari Parker would have been the number one recruit in the country and he is proving that in college right now. Despite his struggles lately Parker is being known as one of the star players around the country pouring in 20 points a game as well as 8 rebounds in a solid Atlantic Coast Conference. With all the hype around Wiggins, Parker has been overlooked a little but he is definitely drawing some attention to himself as he is projected to go 2nd overall in this years NBA Draft. Parker is a problem to cover down low at 6'8" and 235, but he also has a very smooth outside jump shot which will definitely serve him well at the next level. Watching him play this year is going to be fun and he will most likely head to the NBA next year. At this point in the year I consider him the best freshman player in the country.
Julius Randle, Kentucky:
Julius Randle is one of the most exciting players to watch in the entire country. Coming out of high school he was the number 3 ranked player in the country behind Wiggins and Parker. Although Kentucky's record thus far has not lived up to their expectations, Randle has still had an exceptional season. He is averaging nearly 17 points and 11 rebounds and bringing an unmatched energy and physicality to the floor for the Wildcats. As a big man he does a tremendous job handling the basketball. Some people are doubting that he can play power forward in the NBA, but at 6'9" 250 he will do just fine. Randle is a sure fire top 5 draft pick this year. He will be a leader for this young Kentucky team and really only needs one year of college before he is ready for the NBA.
Aaron Gordon, Arizona:
Some refer to him as the younger more athletic version of Blake Griffin which is certainly a fitting title for Arizona forward Aaron Gordon. The freshman is a key component to the success of the number 1 ranked Wildcats. So far this season Gordon is averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds with some spectacular superstar highlights. His incredible leaping ability already standing at 6'9"gives him crazy potential to be a force down low even at the next level. He is projected #7 on ESPN's mock draft which is a fair spot for him. Look for Aaron Gordon to continue to have a great season and then make an impact in the NBA.
Tyler Ennis, Syracuse:
The biggest surprise freshman stud is none other than Syracuse University's, Tyler Ennis. Ennis has done an amazing job replacing Michael Carter-Williams and facilitating for the Orange. He is averaging 11 points along with 6 assists. Although Ennis has put up some impressive stats he has played a big role in some of the Orange's toughest games facing Villanova and Indiana. Despite his great season, people are still wondering if he will declare for this years draft. Since he is not a physical freak like the previous mentioned players, it might be a good idea for Ennis to stay another year at Cuse and develop his body and game. That is probably mainly because I am selfish and want him to stay, but he could really develop over the next few years.
Other Notable Freshman to Keep an Eye On
Joel Embiid, Kansas
Andrew Harrison, Kentucky
Jabari Bird, California
James Young, Kentucky
Wayne Selden, Kansas
Zach LaVine, UCLA
Noah Vonleh, Indiana
Nigel Williams-Goss, Washington
Jordan Mickey, LSU
Some of these guys will be better than others at the next level, but they all have limitless potential.
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