Ranking the Top Freshmen in the 2017 NCAA Tournament
The 2016-17 college basketball season has seen a loaded freshman class, with the 2017 NCAA Tournament set to witness a lot of newcomers who could make a huge impact.
With star freshmen playing vital roles on many of the top seeds in the field, it's going to be interesting to see which of these talented players will rise to the occasion during the biggest stretch of the season.
A national championship is on the line, and these freshmen are also competing for future draft positions as many of these players could face each other in spotlight games.
Here's a look at 10 freshmen to follow over the next three weeks. Some of these players could help decide a national championship while also being in the discussion for the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft in June.
*Mock Draft from Draft Express updated as of March 13.
10. Justin Patton, Creighton
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2016-17 stats
After taking a season to redshirt, Justin Patton exploded on to the national scene this season. The 7'0" Patton moves incredibly well and has good touch in the post as he averaged 13.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game while shooting 69 percent from the field—good for fourth in the country.
NCAA Tournament outlook
With Creighton losing senior point guard Maurice Watson Jr. for the season with a torn ACL, the Bluejays have had to turn more to Patton in some games, and he's delivered some great games.
Patton will need to have a good outing in No. 6 seed Creighton's tournament opener in the Midwest Region as the Bluejays get a tough matchup with No. 11 seed Rhode Island. The Atlantic 10 Tournament champions have some veteran big men like Hassan Martin and Kuran Iverson who Patton will have to go against if the Bluejays hope to advance.
What's next
Catching a lot of people by surprise with his talent and production, Patton has vaulted into the 2017 NBA Draft discussion as he sits at No. 16 in the latest Draft Express mock draft. Teams looking for size can upside in Patton as a post scorer and defender, and he could be an intriguing first-round talent.
9. T.J. Leaf, UCLA
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2016-17 stats
Although T.J. Leaf was a consensus five-star prospect out of high school, he was a little lost in the shuffle compared to some of his classmates. That changed quickly as Leaf was the leading scorer at UCLA this season by putting up 16.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. A rare rim protector (1.2 blocks per game) who also shoots 45 percent from three-point range, Leaf has been a huge part of UCLA's resurgence this season.
NCAA Tournament outlook
Recently recovering from a sprained ankle that cost him some time at the end of the season, Leaf finished in double-figures for the final two games of the Pac-12 Tournament as he looks ready to go for the tournament. While the Bruins are loaded with perimeter scorers and wings, Leaf needs to log valuable minutes on the interior and help with UCLA's interior defense and rebounding.
The key to UCLA's tournament outlook could be how the No. 3 seed Bruins fare against No. 2 seed Kentucky in the South Region's Sweet 16. Leaf soundly outplayed Kentucky freshman Bam Adebayo in that game and will be counted on for major production.
What's next
Leaf is a potentially intriguing one-and-done prospect because he does so many things well for a 6'10" player. Since he can knock down perimeter shots, play above the rim and rebound, Leaf should be able to compete for a rotation spot in the league in the future.
Currently slotted as a late first-rounder at No. 26 in the latest Draft Express mock draft, Leaf could play himself even higher if he shows his solid athleticism to teams in workouts.
8. Miles Bridges, Michigan State
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2016-17 stats
The country quickly found out about Miles Bridges during Michigan State's opening game when he had some highlight-reel dunks in a 21-point performance against Arizona. Since then, Bridges has made plenty of more ridiculous plays as he put up 16.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game while also shooting a respectable 38 percent from three-point range.
NCAA Tournament outlook
Bridges has upped his averages to 18.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in March, as he seems prepared for the stretch run for No. 9 seed Michigan State. The Spartans have been crushed by injuries this season, but they've still been able to make the NCAA Tournament to face No. 8 seed Miami.
If Bridges can put up a big game against the Hurricanes, then he is the type of player that No. 1 seed Kansas does not want to see in the second round in the Midwest Regional.
What's next
The powerful lefty is a projected No. 12 pick in the updated 2017 NBA Mock Draft from Draft Express as Bridges has the size, skill and and explosiveness to be a matchup problem at the next level.
Bridges is small enough and quick enough to defend some wings while being a good enough rebounder and floor spacer to potentially play a spot up or down. In a league that covets versatility, Bridges fits that mold well.
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7. Jonathan Isaac, Florida State
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2016-17 stats
One of the nation's most unique freshmen, the 6'10" freshman is long and athletic enough to be a rim protector and rebounder while being skilled enough to handle the ball and shoot from the perimeter. Jonathan Isaac averaged 11.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals per game for the Seminoles while also shooting 35 percent from three-point range to help to space the floor.
NCAA Tournament outlook
Watching how Isaac performs on offense is going to be one of the interesting things in the early part of the NCAA Tournament. Lately, Isaac has been deferring to other players in the Florida State offense as he's still been a big factor on the defensive end.
If Isaac is rolling on both ends of the floor, then it gives the Seminoles another talented weapon and allows for Dwayne Bacon to get room as a scorer. A No. 3 seed in the West Regional, Isaac could be an intriguing piece if the Seminoles take on No. 2 seed Arizona in the Sweet 16 because he's the type of defender who could stay on Wildcats star Lauri Markkanen.
What's next
Isaac's best basketball is ahead of him as he's one of the best prospects in a deep freshman class. Draft Express puts Isaac as the No. 9 pick in its latest mock draft and his ability to potentially be a jumbo wing is intriguing for NBA teams. If Isaac can play in multiple front court spots while providing floor spacing and rim protection, then he could be a unique player.
6. De'Aaron Fox, Kentucky
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2016-17 stats
Playing great down the stretch is this 6'3" point guard as De'Aaron Fox averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game for the Wildcats. One of the nation's fastest players from end-to-end, Fox has the kind of speed that is a major problem, as he can get in the paint at will. If Fox can improve his 24 percent three-point percentage, then he will become that much more of a problem.
NCAA Tournament outlook
Fox has been on a roll over the final four games before the NCAA Tournament, and he's scored at least 18 points in every game as the Wildcats won the SEC Tournament. If the 19-year-old continues to score at that level, it opens things up that much more for Malik Monk, who's even more of a lethal scorer than Fox.
An aggressive Fox has Kentucky looking like a dangerous No. 2 seed in the South Region as his play could be the key to a Final Four run.
What's next
With his blurring end-to-end speed and defensive potential, Fox is high on the radar of NBA teams as he's the No. 5 prospect in the latest Draft Express mock draft. The biggest question mark for Fox is his shaky perimeter jumper. Making a couple of three-pointers during the tournament could help him quite a bit heading into June.
5. Jayson Tatum, Duke
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2016-17 stats
After missing some early time recovering from injury, Tatum has played well the last stretch of the season, and he's scored at least 19 points in the last four Blue Devil games—all wins. Tatum put up 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game and has been an asset at the free-throw line, converting 86 percent.
NCAA Tournament outlook
With Tatum peaking at the right time, Duke has looked like a national title contender. The 19-year-old has grown more comfortable playing alongside other scorers like Grayson Allen and Luke Kennard. His versatility has also enabled the Blue Devils to go to some smaller lineups that have been more effective as he's also a tough cover in those lineups.
If Tatum is scoring 20 points and giving rebounds and assists, then Duke is in good position to make a strong run as a No. 2 seed in the East Region.
What's next
The late-season surge has given Tatum plenty of positive buzz for the next level as he sits at No. 4 in the updated Draft Express mock draft. Jonathan Givony even mentioned how Tatum was at one point the No. 1 prospect for Draft Express with the way that he played in the ACC Tournament.
4. Lauri Markkanen, Arizona
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2016-17 stats
The 5-star freshman from Finland outplayed most of the high expectations placed on him in the preseason by being one of the nation's best players this season. An elite three-point shooter at 43 percent, the 7-footer is a matchup nightmare; he averaged 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game on the season.
A first-team All-Pac-12 selection, Lauri Markkanen had multiple 30-point games and is one of the most lethal weapons in the NCAA Tournament.
NCAA Tournament outlook
It's bad news for opposing teams that Markkanen is playing some of his best basketball of the year down the stretch. The Finn was really good in the Pac-12 Tournament, and he had 29 points in the win over UCLA in the semifinals.
A matchup nightmare in the West Region, not many teams in that section of the bracket can defend Markkanen out to the three-point line as he could have a big tournament until a possible matchup with No. 3 seed Florida State. The Seminoles have enough length and athleticism to make things interesting in that one.
What's next
Markkanen's sweet jumper and great size have helped to propel him into the top-10 in the latest Draft Express mock draft for the 2017 NBA Draft. Because he's played well against some top teams this season, the 19-year-old is getting high marks for remaining productive while also having translatable skills like his jumper and rebounding for the next level.
3. Josh Jackson, Kansas
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2016-17 stats
Living up to the hype this season was the 6'8" Josh Jackson, who was one of the top all-around wings in the nation. Putting up 16.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, he changed the game in so many ways for Kansas this season as he impacted on both ends. Also averaging 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, Jackson can make plays on the defensive end that can change a game.
NCAA Tournament outlook
Part of the reason Kansas lost in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals to TCU was because Jackson missed out due to a one-game suspension. Now that he's back for the NCAA Tournament, he becomes a key piece for the Jayhawks.
If Kansas finds themselves playing a team like Iowa State in the Sweet 16, Jackson will need to come through to help the Jayhawks advance since the teams split in the regular season.
What's next
A good tournament run is also beneficial to Jackson because he's in contention for a top-five pick in the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft. Sitting at No. 3 in the latest Draft Express update, the 20-year-old is the type of two-way wing who can make an instant impact on a team while possibly growing into an all-star.
If Jackson shoots consistent three-pointers during the NCAA Tournament, it could help him even more as he still has room to grow above his 37 percent.
2. Malik Monk, Kentucky
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2016-17 stats
Scoring points in bunches, Malik Monk proved to be one of the most explosive players in the country this season as he had some remarkable scoring runs. The 6'3" freshman had 47 points in a win over North Carolina and 31 points after halftime in an overtime win over Georgia. Monk put up 20.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 40 percent from three-point range.
NCAA Tournament outlook
Because Monk can go on these ridiculous runs where he looks completely unstoppable, he is perhaps the single-biggest individual game-changer in the 2017 NCAA Tournament. If the three-pointer is dialed in, then he has the chance to put up a special performance, and the Wildcats could get another crack at the Tar Heels in the South Regional's Elite Eight.
Another possible matchup pits the No. 2 seed Wildcats against No. 3 UCLA which would match Monk up against some of the nation's best guards in another fun rematch.
What's next
One of the 2017 NBA Draft's biggest wild cards, Draft Express has Monk as the No. 8 player in their mock draft. With his ability to score in bunches, the 19-year-old could be an intriguing option to a team that needs someone to come in and immediately get points.
Monk not putting up a lot of other stats might hurt his perception with some teams, but his ability to score could also be an incredibly valuable asset at the next level.
1. Lonzo Ball, UCLA
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2016-17 stats
Lonzo Ball became a national story this season by leading the country in assists per game (7.7) while also helping UCLA back into national prominence. The 6'6" player makes difficult passes look easy while throwing in deep three-pointers and highlight-reel alley-oops. Ball averaged 14.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game to go along with his assist mark.
NCAA Tournament outlook
The Bruins have high expectations as the No. 3 seed in the South Region, as they open with a winnable game against No. 14 seed Kent State. After that, UCLA should be a heavy favorite against either Cincinnati or Wake Forest/Kansas State before a possible rematch with No. 2 seed Kentucky.
UCLA already beat the Wildcats in Rupp Arena, so it's possible that they will make a deep tournament run behind one of the nation's best offenses.
What's next
Because of Ball's unique gifts and offensive abilities, he's projected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Some have questioned the unique hitch in Ball's jumper, in which he releases the ball really low and to the side, but he's knocked down 41 percent of his threes and had no issues so far.
If Ball gets in an uptempo offense, he could be a special player in the NBA, and it will be fascinating to see how his rare gifts translate.
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