College Basketball: 5 Freshman Sure to Shape The Landscape Of 2010-11

Dickie V calls them the diaper dandies, some people may go as far to call some of them one-and-doners, but no matter what you call them one thing is for sure..... these five freshman will certainly have a major influence on the college basketball scene in 2010. 

While most of these young men will most likely make their mark on the college game with their serious skill set—some of them may have an effect on their squads in a far less desirable way.

No. 5: Josh Selby (Kansas)

Under normal circumstances, the nation's No. 1 player would usually be in the top slot on a list like this, but unfortunately Josh's amateur status has come into question.

As is the way of the world in the NCAA, this could be one of those problems with no definite resolution in sight. The fans that frequent Phog Allen Fieldhouse will certainly have a vested interest on what the NCAA's verdict will be on the accusation that Selby had inappropriate contact with his "adviser" Robert Frazier... who also happens to double as Carmelo Anthony's business adviser.

If the NCAA does rule in Kansas and Selby's favor, Selby's impact on the court would certainly be enough to crack this list on it's own merit.

Selby is a dynamic play-maker at the point guard position and the Jayhawks could definitely use a player of his caliber in a back court that looks a little depleted in the absence of Selby and soph Elijah Thompson. If and when Selby does finally break into Bill Self's lineup you can expect to see one of the best players in the country—let alone this class. 

No. 4: Tobias Harris

After the midseason dismissal of Tennessee F Tyler Smith and the graduation of F/C Wayne Chism one major area of concern for Bruce Pearl and his Volunteers was the need for a big time play-maker in the front court. 

Pearl and Tennessee have had their fair share of mishaps this offseason, but one thing they definitely got right was the addition of Harris, a silky smooth combo forward who can play or defend nearly every position on the floor. 

If Tennessee is going to have any shot at improving on their deepest postseason run in school history then they are going to need MAJOR contributions from Harris.

This consensus top 10 prospect may be a little under the radar on a national level, but is sure to turn heads now that the games are counting, and the Brooklyn native may have an early national scene if Tennessee can get Harris back to his home town, by making a trip to Madison Square Garden in the upcoming preseason NIT.

No. 3: Enes Kanter

Sorry Kentucky fans, unfortunately, Kanter didn't make this list because he is the next big star for the Wildcats. Although, the plan was for him to man the center spot previously held down by current Sacramento Kings star DeMarcus Cousins. 

This may not exactly ruin the season for Coach Cal's crew, because if there is one thing John Calipari can do, it's restock his roster with loads of talent. However, this is a loss that will sting in the short term. 

Kanter was ruled ineligible because of his professional status overseas, and while Kentucky does intend to file an appeal with the powers that be, chances are that the Wildcats will be without this Turkish phenom.

Will the Wildcats have enough to soldier through the 2010-11 campaign without their prized big man? I guess we will just have to take a wait and see approach with this one, but my money says that Coach Cal has enough in the tank to make another serious run at an SEC title.

No. 2: Brandon Knight

The loss of Kanter is a major blow to a Kentucky squad that will once again have high expectations, but the addition of Brandon Knight might be an even bigger gain than Kanter is a loss. 

It is never going to be easy to come in and fill the shoes of a guy like John Wall, who was more than likely the best player in the country last season. But, if anyone is equipped to do it this season, it's Brandon Knight.

He will play the point for Kentucky, but he is considered a combo guard, and even that may be generous for a guy whose finest attribute on the basketball court, is that he can absolutely fill it up. Knight's ability as a game-changer is likely to dictate the course of this season for the Wildcats. As Knight goes in 2010-11, the Wildcats will be sure to follow. 

No. 1: Harrison Barnes

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

NEW YORK - APRIL 17: Harrison Barnes #40 of West Team slams a dunk against East Team during the National Game at the 2010 Jordan Brand classic at Madison Square Garden on April 17, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for Jordan

When it comes to dynamic abilities, Harrison Barnes might be outclassed by Selby and Knight in this class, but this kid is in a league all of it's own when it comes to smooth.

His all around game is unmatched in the Class of 2010 and Barnes possesses a basketball IQ that has sets him apart from most freshman. He sports a great pull-up mid-range game, the jab step, a solid head fake, and just about any other tool you could imagine.

Barnes is considered to be one of the top two prospects in the country in just about every single recruiting publication out there and for good reason. His ability to do so many things well, make him extremely unique. I have heard analysts compare his mid-range to Paul Pierce, his passing ability to LeBron James, and his basketball intelligence has been compared with that of Shane Battier. 

Those comparisons may be a little bit lofty for anyone to live up to, but if Barnes plays the way he is capable, he may not have to worry about dealing with comparisons because he will be making a name all for himself.