College Basketball: Austin Rivers and the Top 25 Incoming Freshman of 2011-12

The 2010-11 college basketball season gave us a lot of talented freshmen, and the 2011-12 season will too. Austin Rivers is the prized recruit for the Duke Blue Devils, but is he the top recruit? These 25 recruits are the best of the best, and they will dazzle us in the upcoming college basketball season.

Freshmen used to be players who did not play a big role for teams, but they can now lead teams to the Final Four, as the Kentucky Wildcats proved last season.

These freshmen are going to play big roles for their respective teams, and some of them could be some of the best players in college.

There are more freshmen going to the NBA now than ever before, and these 25 recruits all have the potential to be one-and-done players.

While only the season will tell how good these players are in college, these are the top 25 incoming freshmen of the 2011-12 season.

25. Michael Gbinije

Michael Gbinije is a 6'6" small forward from Benedictine High School in Chester, VA. Gbinije will be playing for Duke this season.

Gbinije is not the flashy player whose skills are based solely on his dunks or threes. He is a fundamentally-sound player, and he always makes the right play. Gbinije is not selfish, and he rarely makes mistakes.

Gbinije is a good athlete considering that he plays "old-school" basketball. Coach K is going to love Gbinije because he isn't flashy, and he will be a good college player.

24. Jabari Brown

Jabari Brown is a 6'3" shooting guard from Oakland High School in Oakland California. Brown will be playing ball for the Oregon Ducks this season.

Brown is 200 pounds, and he can play physical basketball. Brown can drive through the lane and score, and he is great in transition.

With that being said, Brown is one of the best shooters in the class. Brown can square up and knock down jump shots all night, and he can score whenever necessary...or at least he could in high school.

Brown is going to be a good college player, and he is No. 24 on this list.

23. Dom Pointer

Dom Pointer is a 6'6" small forward headed to St. John's.

Pointer is a true athlete. He can drive through the lane and dunk over defenders or put on a show in transition. Pointer is one of the best athletes in the class, and he could light up Madison Square Garden.

Pointer's best talents come when he's driving, but he can also hit jumpers and threes when he is left open. Pointer is one of the hardest playing players on either end of the floor.

Pointer is going to be a great player for Steve Lavin and the Red Storm.

22. Branden Dawson

Branden Dawson is a 6'6", 220-pound small forward who committed to the Michigan State Spartans.

Dawson is essentially in the same mold as Dom Pointer. Dawson is a big-time athlete. Dawson can slash through defenders in a half-court set, and he can dazzle in transition.

Dawson can make open shots better than Pointer can, but that is not what truly sets him apart. Dawson plays excellent defense, both on perimeter players and inside.

Dawson is slightly better than Pointer, and he is one spot higher on this list.

21. Michael Carter-Williams

Michael Carter-Williams is a 6'5" shooting guard who will be playing for the Syracuse Orange.

MCW is a true scoring threat. He can score in multiple ways, now finding his ability to run. MCW has a great stroke from three, reminding some of Ray Allen (I'm not saying that he will ever be that good though).

MCW also has the ability to get to the rim now, finding ways to shed defenders and score easy points. Now that he has learned to carry a lot of the scoring load for his team, MCW will be a great player for the Orange.

20. Nick Johnson

Nick Johnson is a 6'3" combo-guard who will be playing for the Arizona Wildcats.

Johnson is athletic, and he can get up. Johnson has good decision-making, and he can lead a team in transition. Johnson has a knack for grabbing a rebound/stealing the ball and bringing the ball up the court.

For his shooting guard skills, Johnson has a great stroke, and he can drive even in a half-court set.  Johnson knows what to do and how to do it.

Johnson is going to help the Wildcats get over Derrick Williams.

19. Rakeem Christmas

Rakeem Christmas is a 6'9" center committed to Syracuse.

Christmas is one of the best post players in the class. He has the ability to block shots despite being only 6'9" and he can alter his shot in the air and still be effective. Christmas is a defensive monster, and he can rule the paint with an iron fist.

Christmas has a decent offensive game. He can score in half-court and transition, but he needs to work on his game with his back to the basket. Christmas is also a great rebounder, and he can get up to the glass easily.

Christmas is an excellent big man, and he could bully other centers in college, but not in the NBA.

18. Tony Wroten Jr.

Tony Wroten Jr. is a 6'4" point guard who committed to Washington.

Wroten Jr. uses his strength and overall size for a point guard to get past perimeter defenders and then finish in the lane. He can also drive and dish with the best point guards in the league.

TWJ also has a nice shot, and he can hit threes well. He is ready to step in and lead the Washington team even as a freshman.

17. Dorian Finney-Smith

Dorian Finney-Smith is a 6'7" small forward committed to Virginia Tech.

DFS can play inside or out, and this makes him a valuable player. He has good ball-handling skills, allowing him to penetrate the lead. He can play like a point guard, being a good passer and a good decision-maker.

DFS can drive well, but he can knock down the three even with a hand in his face. He is a very tough player to defend, and he could be a leader for the Hokies.

16. Kyle Wiltjer

Kyle Wiltjer is a 6'9" power forward who committed to Kentucky.

Wiltjer has size, a high basketball IQ, and a boatload of skills. He can score inside with his back to the basket, but he can also hit the outside shot.

Wiltjer knows how to screen well, and to roll or post up after he sets one. He is an excellent rebounder, and he is also athletic.

Wiltjer will be a good player, and he could be another one-and-done for John Calipari.

15. Josiah Turner

Josiah Turner is a 6'3" point guard committed to the Arizona Wildcats.

Turner has both speed and quickness, allowing him to break away and to cut through defenders. He can create his own shot with his quickness by driving, or he can pull up for three.

Turner is a great passer too, threading the needle like a quarterback. Turner makes smart decisions, and he is the type of point guard that you want leading your team.

Turner will definitely be a big recruit for the Wildcats.

14. P.J. Hairston

P.J. Hairston is a 6'5" 220-pound shooting guard committed to North Carolina.

Hairston is one of the best shooters in the class, and he can square up and knock down the three with ease. Hairston has one of the sweetest shots I have seen in a while from a high school player. Hairston can shoot over smaller defenders, and he has some serious range.

Hairston is not a one-trick pony, however. He can also drive to the basket and finish with contact.

Hairston was a coveted recruit for good reason.

13. Cody Zeller

Cody Zeller is a 6'11" power forward committed to Indiana.

Zeller can use his size on both ends of the floor, scoring over smaller defenders and making opponents alter their shot in the air.

Zeller is pretty athletic, and he can run the floor well for someone of his size. Zeller also is a great rebounder, cleaning up on the glass.

Zeller is a highly regarded recruit, and he should be very good at Indiana.

12. B.J. Young

B.J. Young is a 6'3" combo-guard heading to Arkansas.

Young can play shooting guard, scoring from either the wing or clashing through the lane. He can also play point guard, being a great ball-handler and an excellent decision-maker.

Young can knock down jumpers or beat defenders off the dribble. He also works very hard on the defensive end of the floor, never taking a play off.

11. Khem Birch

Khem Birch is a 6'9" center heading to Pittsburgh.

Birch is an excellent shot-blocker because of his athletic ability. He can cover ground quickly, and that allows him time to block the shot. His athleticism also gives him the ability to jump up and grab rebounds.

Birch can score off of missed shots, on quick passes inside, or in transition. Birch can make a crowd come to life with his monstrous dunks.

Birch is going to fit in well at Pittsburgh.

10. Myck Kabongo

Myck Kabongo is a 6'2" point guard heading to Texas.

Kabongo is a great point guard because of his amazing decision-making skills. He knows how to run a team, and when he learns what the coach wants to do, it's like there are two coaches. Kabongo has a lot of quickness and athleticism, which helps him lead the team.

Kabongo also has a nice shot when he decides to shoot. He has nice arc on his three-ball, and he can penetrate well. Kabongo is also a great defensive player, with his quickness allowing him to stay with his man.

Kabongo is one of the best point guards in the class, and he will be great in Texas.

9. LeBryan Nash

LeBryan Nash is a 6'7" small forward committed to Oklahoma State.

Nash is a great physical specimen. He has both power and athleticism, the two driving factors that made Derrick Williams great.

Nash also has an offensive game that includes playing with his back to the basket, or hitting threes. He can score in transition with highlight dunks too. Nash reminds me personally of a smaller, less-skilled Derrick Williams, but he has time to develop into that caliber of player.

Nash could be one of the best players in the class.

8. Marquis Teague

Marquis Teague is a 6'2" point guard committed to the Kentucky.

Teague has great ball-handling, and he cannot be stopped when he goes left. He has good quickness and athleticism.

Teague gets to the line a lot, so his free throw percentage is very high. He is also good at shutting down other guards.

7. Adonis Thomas

Adonis Thomas is a 6'6" combo-forward heading to Memphis.

Thomas is extremely difficult to match up with. He is too strong and athletic for small forwards, and too quick for power forwards. Thomas causes problems on the court, and he makes it difficult for coaches to prepare for games against him.

Thomas has great athleticism, which allows him to tear across the court in a matter of just a few seconds and finish with a big dunk. He is one of the players who never gives up, and he has a ton of stamina.

Thomas will hopefully bring back some success to Memphis.

6. James McAdoo

James McAdoo is a 6'8" power forward who will be playing with the stacked North Carolina Tar Heels.

McAdoo is one of the old-school type of players that have lost their prowess in the game today. He knows just about everything about the game of basketball, and he utilizes his knowledge well.

McAdoo can finish when he gets close to the rim, and he is a great defender. McAdoo can block shots well, and that makes perimeter players pass the ball when they beat teammates.

5. Quincy Miller

Quincy Miller is a 6'9" power forward heading to Baylor.

Miller has good size and a very high basketball IQ. He knows the ins and outs of the game, and he can take advantage of them well.

Miller actually has pretty good ball-handling skills, and he can create for others off the dribble. He can knock down jumpers surprisingly well for a big man, and he is very versatile.

Miller is going to be a great player, and he could lead the Bears this season.

4. Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal is a 6'4" shooting guard who will be playing for Florida this season.

Beal is essentially a Ray Allen-type player. He has a beautiful shot, and he knows how to move without the ball. Beal is also pretty athletic, and he can drive if his shot isn't there. He is at his best when he pump-fakes and then drives.

Unlike most other players on this list so far, Beal does not have any glaring weaknesses. He is a very solid player, and he can do whatever is asked of him.

3. Michael Gilchrist

Michael Gilchrist is a small forward heading to Kentucky.

Gilchrist is very athletic, and he is hard to stop. He has the athleticism to make plays, and the determination to consistently do so. He can lead a team in points, rebounds, assists, and just about every other category.

Gilchrist is a great scorer, but he is even better when he is on defense or rebounding. Gilchrist can shut down any opponent that he is put on, whether it be a perimeter player or a big man. He also uses his athleticism to jump up and crash the boards.

Gilchrist is a great player, and he is going to be a big factor for the young Kentucky team that John Calipari will be coaching.

2. Austin Rivers

Austin Rivers is a 6'4" shooting guard who will be playing for Duke next season.

Austin is the son of NBA coach Doc Rivers, so he has grown up with a strong feel for the game of basketball. Rivers has great range, and he can knock down his shots. He is the go-to-guy for his team, and he will be able to step into that role with Duke even as a freshman.

Rivers knows that he is going to be double-teamed at times, and he is doing a good job of working around that. He is learning how to move without the ball better, and that will complete his NBA-level game.

Rivers has it all, and he will probably be a one-and-done player.

1. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis is a 6'10" power forward who will be playing for Kentucky.

Davis' skills are best put by ESPN:

""Davis is one of the most versatile players in the 2011 class and has huge upside. He is a highly productive and coachable kid that fills up a box score while impacting the game in so many areas. Defensively he is a game changer as an elite shot blocker with an unreal wingspan and terrific timing, he rebounds balls in and out of his area and is always a threat to go highlight real on an offensive put back. He can defend multiple positions; as a former guard he understands how to guard the perimeter against quicker smaller opponents. He is highly ball handler and is an unselfish player that looks to create for teammates. Davis has improved his scoring moves off the dribble. He can beat defenders attacking right or left. He plays with great toughness and can be impossible to match up with on the high school level.""

"ESPN"

Davis can do it all, and he is well-deserving of the number one spot on this list.

Also, be sure to check out how these guys help their team's recruiting this season by checking out: The Top 25 Recruiting Classes for 2011-12.