College Basketball 2010-11 Predictions: Meet the 25 Biggest Impact Freshmen

Unlike the pro game, there are no rebuilding projects in college basketball.  You either reload or you get blown off the face of the Earth—simple as that.  Just ask North Carolina. 

The good news, of course, is that it can be a two-way street. One key recruit can sometimes single-handedly lift the fortunes of a downtrodden program.  Just ask Marquette and Dwyane Wade.

This is why recruiting is so closely watched and hotly contested—a sport within a sport.  Landing that high-impact freshman can mean the difference between the dancers and the wallflowers come spring.

With that in mind, here are the top 25 freshmen poised to make an impact for their squads in 2010-2011. 

Remember that these are not the top 25 most talented freshmen—that being another, rather well-traveled list.  These are the players who, for various reasons, stand the best chance of making an impact on their teams this season.

25. Demarco Cox, Power Forward, Mississippi

6'9", 300 pounds

Ole Miss returns five experienced players, but the frontcourt is a little thin.  Enter Demarco Cox, a dump truck of a power forward who is apparently pretty nimble on that offensive tackle's frame. Mississippi head coach Andy Kennedy has compared him to Big Baby Davis.

The Rebs (or whatever they're called now) barely missed the dance last season, but with Cox joining the fold, next March could be a good month in Oxford.

24. Terrell Stoglin, Point Guard, Maryland

5'11", 180 pounds

After saying good-bye to Greivis Vasquez and Eric Hayes, the Terps find themselves without a proven distributor or deep threat.  Terrell Stoglin has the tools to fill both of those holes.

Stoglin is behind seniors Adrian Bowie and Cliff Tucker on the depth chart, and is currently battling fellow freshman Pe'Shon Howard for whatever playing time is left over at the one. Nevertheless, Stoglin is a confident, heady player whose complement of skills would seem to lock pretty nicely into Maryland's empty spaces.  

23. Nate Lubick, Power Forward, Georgetown

6'9", 222 pounds

The newest product to roll out on the Georgetown big man assembly line may not fit the classic Hoyas mold, but he is a good player who will be in a position to contribute this season. 

Lubick is probably more hard-nosed and less polished than his immediate predecessor, Greg Monroe.  (Monroe was a center and Lubick will at least initially slot in at the four, but you see what I'm saying.)  He is a bruiser in the paint whose vision, passing and shooting range will be assets in the Hoyas' Princeton offense.  His defensive presence will solidify the lane and help free things up for Georgetown's dynamic backcourt.

22. Terrence Ross, Shooting Guard, Washington

6'6", 198 pounds

Washington has reached three consecutive Sweet 16s, and they're everyone's pick to win the Pac-10 this season.  So it's safe to say expectations are high. 

Although Ross is buried behind elite guard Isaiah Thomas and others, his lethal shooting stroke could provide the Huskies with another weapon off the bench.  An extra 20 or so pounds of muscle thanks to offseason weightlifting will help Ross handle the grind of a full college season.  His great length will help Yoo-Dub on defense, too.

21. Phil Pressey, Point Guard, Missouri

Photo credit: Oregon Live

5'10", 162 pounds

Don't let the fact that he looks like he's 12 years old fool you.  Pressey plays the full length of the court and can make plays at high speed—a perfect fit for the frenetic Tigers attack.

Don't let the height fool you, either...his dunks over much taller defenders have made Pressey a YouTube sensation in certain circles.

So far at Mizzou, he's picking up where he left off, tallying 16 points and nine dimes in a recent intrasquad scrimmage. 

20. Ian Miller, Point Guard, Florida State

Photo Credit: Charlotte Observer

6'3", 195 pounds

If this were a pro team, Miller would be the free agent signed to get them over the hump.

Picked to finish fifth in the always-difficult ACC, the 'Noles can go to war on day one with Miller, who should have a good time getting the ball inside to Chris Singleton and knocking down open jumpers. 

Miller's presence could also free up senior Derwin Kitchen to log more time at shooting guard, which could be good for everyone. Last season, Kitchen finished with a career-high eight points, but a career-low four assists per game.  

Miller is also a ferocious defender who will help perpetuate Florida State's strong tradition in that area.

19. Tyler Olander, Power Forward, Connecticut

6'9", 215 pounds

Yeah, he's not the sexiest recruit on here, but just a few days ago, Huskies coach Jim Calhoun said Olander was UConn's best post player at the moment.  That's good enough for me.  Bigs are always important, but particularly so in Storrs, where post play is a point of pride and this year's frontcourt is understocked.

A Storrs native, Olander is raw but reportedly improving by the day. He has some offensive moves, including a legit jumper, and is in line for serious PT this season.

18. Vander Blue, Shooting Guard, Marquette

Photo Credit: MU Scoop

6' 3", 195 pounds

Vander Blue will slash you up like Freddy Krueger—that's his bread and butter. 

But that's not to say he isn't well rounded. Blue can also hit open shots, including threes. He's fast enough to run the break but solid enough to mix it up in the lane. 

The Eagles lost a whopping seven conference games last season by seven points or less.  A fierce competitor, Blue could help scrappy Marquette swing a few of those into the win column.

17. Tim Hardaway, Jr., Shooting Guard, Michigan

Photo credit: AnnArbor.com

6'5", 185 pounds

That's right—it's Spawn of Killer Crossover!

Here's a great example of a recruit who could single-handedly lift a program.  He's a smooth player with excellent size for a guard, and he seems to know what he's doing at all times.  Interestingly, his ball-handling has been the source of questions, but playing basketball is in his genes. The woebegone Wolverines are delighted to have him; he'll be one of their best players right away.

16. Reggie Bullock, Shooting Guard, North Carolina

6'6", 190 pounds

In 2009-2010, the ACC enjoyed an extended hunting season on the Tar Heels. 

Now, however, they might want to run for cover.  Especially if Reggie Bullock can help the Heels resurrect their moribund back court.

The relatively unheralded Bullock is a tall guard who can absolutely shoot the lights out.  The Heels may have been down last year and they may have lost Ed Davis, but this team is reloading in a big way.  Bullock and Harrison Barnes (more on him later) are going to be a fearsome inside-out tandem.

15. Keith Appling, Shooting Guard, Michigan State

Photo credit: Spartyon

6'1", 180 pounds

A supremely confident player, Appling doesn't shy away from contact or headlines. Looks like he'll get along just fine at Michigan State.

Though a competent defender and rebounder, Appling stands to help the Spartans most with his speed and scoring.  There is early speculation that Appling was one of the best shooters on the team the day he walked into East Lansing.  Judging by Tom Izzo's verbal bouquets of late, Appling hasn't done anything so far to dispel their sky-high opinion of him.

14. Jereme Richmond, Small Forward, Illinois

6'7", 195 pounds

The first small forward on this list can play up to three positions on the floor.  He's apparently a little on the petulant side, however, and will need to keep his turnovers down. 

Still, last year's Mr. Basketball for the state of Illinois leads a highly praised recruiting class (also including Meyers Leonard and Crandall Head) that fans hope will mesh with the team's five returning contributors.  If Richmond, Bruce Weber and company can put it all together, watch out.

13. Will Barton, Shooting Guard, Memphis

6'6", 170 pounds

The top-ranked shooting guard of the 2010 class spurned Kentucky and several other high majors to play for Memphis.  

Barton is, quite simply, a natural scorer. He's the kind of guy who could average 15 points a game without being allowed over the half-court line.  

Barton is the spark plug the Tigers needed after losing Eliot Williams to the NBA.  His signing was an absolute coup for the Tigers and coach Josh Pastner, and was the centerpiece of a strong entering class that has Memphis ranked No. 19 in the preseason.

12. Perry Jones, Power Forward, Baylor

6'11", 235 pounds

You can't help but think of one of the Kevins (Garnett or Durant, take your pick) when you look at him. Just a freaky-deeky basketball weapon. 

Tall at 6'11", but his long arms make him seem more like 7'2".  Add in a full complement of weapons including a terrific handle for a big man, and you've got a cornerstone piece for Baylor, who is expected to contend this year for the Big 12 title. 

The only question for Jones (who should play on the wing in the pros but will be a post player in college) is whether he has the personality to take over games at the high-major level.

11. Cory Joseph, Point Guard, Texas

Photo credit: NBA Draft.net

6'3", 180 pounds

Last season, the Longhorns' long fall from first to floundering showed just how fragile college basketball can be.

This year, Texas was left off the preseason top 25, a move they promptly parlayed into the old underdog motivational tool.  Inspirational applications aside, it could be an accurate characterization, given that Texas lost five players from last year's squad, including three (Avery Bradley, Damion James and Dexter Pittman) to the NBA. 

And though the team remains thin on the blocks (my guess is Joseph's friend and fellow 5-star recruit Tristan Thompson will need more time to find consistency and learn to rebound "above his height"), the buttery smooth, high-scoring Joseph fills a glaring need and gives Austinians a reason for hope right away.

10. C.J. Leslie, Power Forward, North Carolina State

Photo credit: HighSchoolHoop.com

6'8", 205 pounds

One of those guys who was born to play basketball:  long arms, huge hops, wiry strength.

His game doesn't have a lot of polish, but when you have tools the way Leslie has tools, being a little rough around the edges won't prevent an immediate contribution. 

Alongside Tracy Smith, Leslie gives the Wolfpack one of the ACC's best frontcourts heading into the season.

9. Ray McCallum, Point Guard, Detroit

Photo credit: Detroit News

6'1", 179 pounds

McCallum turned down Florida, Arizona and UCLA to stay home in Detroit.  

He's a better man than me.

McCallum is a steady all-around point guard who always makes the right play, and he'll step in and immediately become one of the best basketball players in Detroit.  Pistons, I'm including you in that assessment. 

8. Fabricio Melo, Center, Syracuse

7'0", 274 pounds

No, he's not Melo Anthony's sub-equatorial cousin, but this future lottery pick could lead a similar renaissance in Syracuse.

By far the highest-rated center in the 2010 class, this Brazilian product has a big body, big hands and a big-time jump hook.  He is an absolute freight train coming down the lane.  Also a solid defender, if not a natural shot blocker.

I'm hoping Fab catches on and follows in the footsteps of other famous Brazilian athletes who go by only one name.  I could see that being a hot-selling jersey in certain quarters.

7. Tobias Harris, Power Forward, Tennessee

6'8", 225 pounds

Harris has the smooth, solid game and steady demeanor to immediately be a leader for the Volunteers. Even though he is only a freshman, the Vols will take any dose of stability they can get, given the chaos surrounding their program off the court.

Harris can score from and defend multiple positions, making him an extremely difficult matchup.  He will start at point forward for Tennessee from day one. 

6. Brandon Knight, Point Guard, Kentucky

Photo Credit: Slam Online

6'3", 195 pounds

Knight is the latest in a line of great Calipari point guards, who learn the ins and outs of the game underneath Calipari lieutenant and longtime NBA stalwart Rod Strickland. 

Brandon Knight's game is all about motor—pushing it up and getting his shot off, which he can do against anyone.  Think a poor man's Allen Iverson with a tick or two more of the point guard's instinct (and I mean that as a compliment).   He's a wizard in transition and is a poised floor leader who will be a key cog for John Calipari right off the bat.

5. Josh Selby, Point Guard, Kansas

6'3", 183 pounds

If Josh Selby was a house, the realtor would describe him as "turnkey."  That is, Selby is already a fully formed high-major college point guard.  No repairs, maintenance or fixer-upping required. He can score from outside, he can score in the lane, he can drive, he can dish, he can defend, he can rebound and he is fearless. Set it and forget it.

Assuming his eligibility issues are a formality, Selby could be the guy, along with twin forwards Markief and Marcus Morris, to help the Jayhawks wash away last season's early tournament exit.

4. Jared Sullinger, Power Forward, Ohio State

Photo Credit: The Buckeye Battle Cry

6'8", 262 pounds

A power forward in a power forward's body.  Even though he's a freshman, the question isn't whether he can bang with the big boys.  It's whether they can bang with him.

But he's not just thick.  He has terrific hands and is a proven leader, having been the best player last year on the nation's best high school team.  His body will land him in the starting rotation on day one; his head will keep him there.  He'll be the linchpin of one of the youngest—and most intimidating—front courts in the Big Ten.

3. Kyrie Irving, Point Guard, Duke

6'2", 172 pounds

Irving will be able to step into Jon Scheyer's shoes and quite possibly make the defending champion Blue Devils an even better team.  Perhaps that's why they are the odds-on favorites to repeat.

He can control the ball like he has it on a string, and can hit shots from all over the floor.  His passes are on a laser beam.  He's not selfish with the rock, but he's not shy with it, either.  

Coach K has, perhaps a bit uncharacteristically, repeatedly and effusively praised the freshman.  When asked why, he responded with "it's just true." 

2. Harrison Barnes, Small Forward, North Carolina

Photo credit: ESPN

6'8", 209 pounds

Harrison is not only one of the most talented players, of any class, in the country, he's also poised to make one of the biggest impacts.

The long-winged Iowan will have every chance to be the man in Chapel Hill. North Carolina's offensive strategy this year is named something along the lines of Give The Ball To Harrison Barnes.  His arrival comes not a moment too soon, after the team fell way short of expectations in 2009-2010 (you don't see "North Carolina" and "NIT" in the same sentence too often).

Barring something unforeseen, he'll be at the top of every player-of-the-year list all season.  And he should help the Heels end their brief exile from college basketball's elite.

1. Enes Kanter, Center, Kentucky

Photo credit: AP via SI.com

6'11", 240 pounds

For a basketball machine as lubricated as the one found in Lexington, it's interesting to see one guy from Turkey gum up the works so thoroughly.

Wildcats and hardcore hoopheads are well versed on Kanter's story, but for those just turning their attention to college basketball, he will probably be relatively little-known.  Purportedly the best big man prospect to ever emerge from Europe, Kanter is a polished, smart, efficient, sound, unselfish, powerful basketball player.  He can hit a three-pointer, but not at the expense of rebounding.  Perhaps not as physically gifted as Melo, Kanter nevertheless is a top-flight prospect for college and beyond.

There's just one liiiiittle problem.  A Turkish pro team is claiming they paid him to play—a clear violation of eligibility rules.  In response, the NCAA -- held up the world over as a model of corporate efficiency -- has launched an investigation.  Well, not so much "launched," as "slowly squeezed out." 

The squeezing continues to this very day, with no announced timetable for a decision.  In the meantime, Kentucky has some great young talent in Knight, Terrence Jones and others, but with the departures of DeMarcus Cousins and Patrick Patterson, they find themselves dangerously thin on the blocks.  (Juco transfer Eloy Vargas and reserve Josh Harrellson are currently their only two players over 6'8".)

In summary, as Kanter's fate goes, so go the Wildcats.  His presence—or absence—this season will have an indelible impact on the fortunes of one of college basketball's signature programs.