College Basketball Preseason Awards: Freshmen "Most Likely To..."

As we close in on the start of another college basketball season, it is time to hand out some preseason awards. Today and tomorrow, I will be focusing on college basketball's freshman class. One of the most exciting aspects of the beginning of each collegiate season is seeing what role each of the top freshmen in the nation will have for their respective programs.

Some will be the focal point of an offense, others will be solid starters and contributors, and some will play a key role coming off the bench for their team. I now present to you the unveiling of the 2011-12 freshman class "Most likely to..." award list.

Part 2 of the awards will be released on Wednesday.

Most Likely to Lead His Team to a National Title as a Freshman: Andre Drummond

Easily the most athletically gifted big man to enter the college ranks in quite some time, Andre Drummond is going to make a dramatic impact at UCONN this season.

Already returning Jeremy Lamb, Shabazz Napier, Alex Oriakhi, and Roscoe Smith from their national championship team, the addition of the behemoth center Drummond put the Huskies back in contention for a title repeat.

He has the athleticism and strength of high school versions of Amare Stoudemire and Dwight Howard. He will immediately be the Huskies prime low post option on offense, while altering opposing teams decisions in the paint, for fear of him swatting shots each and every possession. 

Since arriving in Storrs, Connecticut, he has already received rave reviews from his teammates, as well as Connecticut legend Kemba Walker, who said "He's a monster. He doesn't even know what he has yet". Scary thought for Big East opponents this year.

Most Likely to Lead His Team in Scoring: Jabari Brown, Oregon

The 6'5" shooting guard from Oakland has all the tools to put the rebuilding Ducks on his back this season. He can score from anywhere on the court, and exudes the confidence you only find in a Bay Area kid. 

The five-star recruit shocked people from coast to coast by picking Oregon over Connecticut, Washington, Arizona State, and Georgia Tech. He is a natural born scorer, and expect him to showcase his skills for all Pac-12 fans to see this season.

During a five game stretch on a trip to Italy this summer, he was the only Duck to average double-digits in scoring at 15.4 points per contest, while also contributing 5 rebounds per game. 

Most Likely Expected to Lead His Team from Day 1: Josiah Turner, Arizona

In today's world, it is not uncommon for a freshman to enter into a high-level program and be the starting point guard. What makes the 6'3" 185 pound point guard's situation different is how it happened. Seasoned veteran Lamont "MoMo" Jones shockingly up-and-left Tuscon this summer to play closer to his New York City home, leaving the Sacramento native as the starting point guard.

On a roster filled with veterans returning from a surprise Elite Eight team, Josiah Turner will be the untested catalyst expected to lead "Point Guard U" to even greater heights this season. The kid is talented enough to do it, and do not be surprised if he is an All Pac-12 honoree in the process.

Most Likely to Make Headlines Because of His Personality: Tony Wroten Jr.

The born and bred Seattle star plays with a passion few others on the high school scene could match. He is fiercely loyal to his roots, and he is ready to take the Washington Huskies on a deep run into the NCAA Tournament. 

He has never minced words, calling out John Calipari for not recruiting him hard enough, and even had to get rid of his Twitter account because his tweets got his high school in trouble academically. However, much like Chad Ochocinco, he is a fun-loving athlete who talks for fun.

Expect him to light up all interview rooms this season, and watch him further his reputation as a Seattle legend on the court, using his 6'5" frame to his benefit as a jet-quick point guard.

Most Likely to Feel the Pressure of an Entire State: Cody Zeller, Indiana

The savior of Indiana basketball is ready for the challenge. Cody Zeller, a 6'11 power forward from the Hoosier State enters the program as the most important IU recruit in ages. As if growing up as the youngest brother in a household of basketball stars was not enough, now he is being looked upon to save the Indiana program.

Do not think that the athletic yet rail-thin Zeller cant handle the pressure. He knew that once he committed to the fiercely proud local school, he would be the torch bearer for head coach Tom Crean's quest back to the top. Expect a standout freshman season for the youngest Zeller, and perhaps even a Big 10 Freshman of the Year Award

Freshman Most Likely to Block the Most Shots: Rakeem Christmas, Syracuse

Arguably the top center prospect in the 2011 class, Philadelphia's Rakeem Christmas has a natural gift for blocking shots. Expect the Syracuse commit to become a stalemate in the Orange rotation because of his defensive prowess, teaming with Fab Melo to form a potent inside punch.

The pressure to perform will be felt more by talented big man teammate Fab Melo, so he should be able to come in and do what he does best, rebound and swat shots all over the court.

Most Likely to Wonder Why He Picked a Mid Major School: Adjehi Baru CofC

The College of Charleston scored on their biggest recruit of all-time when 6'9" 225 pound center Adjehi Baru signed on to play with the Cougars. The top 50 recruit picked the South Carolina school over national powers North Carolina, Maryland, and Virginia Tech.

Do not be surprised if the raw prospect is not an immediate force in the Southern Conference, and it is very possible that he could be a winner of multiple SoCon Player of the Year awards. Bobby Cremins will without a doubt use the ultra-talented center as his centerpiece for as long as he can keep the talent on campus.

Most Likely to Make the Most SportsCenter Top 10's: Deuce Bello, Baylor

The Baylor swingman can absolutely fly! He quite possibly was the best dunker to hit the prep hoops scene since Bill Walker was destroying rims with O.J. Mayo at Ohio's North College Hill High School years ago.

Expect more of the same out of Deuce Bello this season, as he takes his aerial assaults on a tour of Big 12 arena's, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Oh, and do not be surprised to see teammates Perry Jones III and Quincy Miller make cameo appearances on ESPN as well. Enjoy the Baylor Bear show this season.