College Basketball: 5 Under-the-Radar Freshmen

There are basketball players every year like Shabazz Muhammad and Nerlens Noel, who will certainly be donning their college jerseys for one year and then heading straight to the NBA.  

But, some players feel they can use their time in college to develop their game for the next level. 

Those players obviously aren't looking for stardom just yet, and it could take them some time to get there. 

Certain freshmen are under-the-radar because they get overshadowed by these NBA-talent level/one-and-done recruits. 

There are five freshmen that I see having a major impact on their team this year and will receive immediate playing time because of their talent.

Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell, Indiana

Coming out of high school, Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell was ranked No. 19 according to Rivals.com, and he was the No. 2 point guard of the class.

The main reason why he wasn't one of the top 10 recruits of the class is because he is 5'11". 

Ferrell was ranked high because of his fast speed, very good shooting range and his ability to run a team like a true point guard.

Even with all of the offers, I believe Ferrell chose the perfect school because he will receive immediate playing time and most likely will be the starting PG for the No. 1 Hoosiers.

Lastly, the other starting guard for Indiana, Jordan Hulls, will help Ferrell grow and make him one of the best point guards in the Big Ten by the end of the year. 

T.J. Warren, NC State

TJ Warren was one of the top small forwards because of his ability to use his size and quickness to get easy buckets.

Warren is a versatile athlete that can play the 3 or 4 for the Wolfpack.

Also, he attended one of the country's top basketball preparatory academies in the Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH. Other class of 2012 players include PG Semaj Christon (Xavier), Jakarr Sampson (St. John's) and Mitch McGary (Michigan).  

NC State will be one of the top teams not only because of their returning players, but also because they are adding Warren and top guard Rodney Purvis. 

DaJuan Coleman, Syracuse

Syracuse earned a major talent with the commitment of forward/center DaJuan Coleman. 

He is a big body banger who scores most of his points inside the paint and can help the Orangemen's ability to rebound both offensively and defensively this year. 

SU needed Coleman since they lost center Fab Melo to the draft. 

If Coleman can adapt and learn Coach Jim Boeheim's zone defense, then he can be a crucial member to stopping teams from being able to score in the paint.

Sam Dekker, Wisconsin

The video shows that 6'7" Sam Dekker can clearly shoot the ball well from outside, especially in clutch situations.

Dekker scored 40 points, including 18 in the final quarter and 12 in the final 48 seconds of the Wisconsin Division 5 State Championship Game. 

Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan is not known for landing the top recruits, but for making 3-star talents into well-respected Big Ten basketball players.

The addition of Dekker turns UW from a mid-level Big Ten conference team to a top-25 team that is a force to be reckoned with.

Dekker is a very skilled shooter who can create mismatches for teams because of his size. 

Don't be surprised if Dekker and the Badgers pull off some Big Ten upsets this year. 

Perry Ellis, Kansas

Kansas lost PF Thomas Robinson to the NBA draft, but it has added a very good forward in Perry Ellis to replace him.

He might become more popular than his clothing name counterpart because of the talent he brings to the court.   

He was one of 24 players selected to play in the 2012 McDonald's All-American game because he has the ability to take over a game with his low-post skills, and he is a proven winner on the high school level. 

While at Wichita Heights High School, Ellis won the Kansas 6A Basketball Championship all four years.  

Don't be surprised to see Ellis starting for the Jayhawks this November.