2011-12 College Basketball: Top 10 High-Impact Freshmen Big Men

Every college basketball coach is looking for the next Tyler Hansbrough, Blake Griffin or Jared Sullinger.

If they can reel in a dominant Big Man, life can be good...life can be VERY GOOD!

Here are the 10 best Freshmen Bigs (6'9" or taller) that we will see posting up low and patrolling the paint in the upcoming college basketball season:

10. Marshall Plumlee: Duke

What would it be like to have the opportunity to play with your two older brothers at an elite-level D1 school?

Marshall Plumlee is about to find out as he goes to play for Duke this fall.

Like his brothers, he runs the floor well and plays with great intensity on both ends of the court.

Plumlee will need to add some bulk to be able to bang with the Bigs.

Plumlee showed his hops and his agility at the McDonalds' All-American Slam Dunk Competition...Check it out!

9. Amir Williams: Ohio State

Thad Matta has to be licking his chops just thinking about the possibilities of adding Amir Williams alongside of Jared Sullinger.

If the two can play side-by-side, Ohio State could have the makings of the best frontcourt in college basketball for the upcoming season.

Williams' long frame, athleticism and face-up game may be the perfect compliment to Sullinger's back-to-the-basket brute force.

8. Zach Price: Louisville

Zach Price is a raw, big-bodied (6'10" 230) true center who possesses a full arsenal of post moves.

As he continues to develop, Price could become a dominant force for Rick Pitino.

His length and mobility help him to blocks a lot of shots. Rather than just swatting shots out of bounds, he works hard to keep them in play. 

Pitino hit the jackpot in this year's recruiting class, landing two McDonald's All-Americans in Wayne Blackshear and Chane Behanan.

Four-Star SG Kevin Ware on top of Price. Wow!

7. Tyler Adams: Georgetown

Tyler Adams is a classic space eater.

At 6'9" and 260 pounds, Adams is a load on the block and uses his body well to keep his opponents from scoring or getting to the glass.

While he may not ever be a high-scoring Big, Adams is the kind of player who can impact the game more through defense, rebounding and blocking shots.

6. Kyle Wiltjer: Kentucky

Kyle Wiltjer is a coach's dream.

He is long and athletic. He may be one of the most skilled PFs in the 2011 class.

Wiltjer is a match-up nightmare because he can work down low or step outside.

He has a high basketball IQ and is a first-rate passer.

John Calipari will have lots of pieces to play with as Wiltjer and the rest of the country's No.1 recruiting class joins the remarkable returning players in Lexington.

5. Cody Zeller: Indiana

Could Cody Zeller be the player that elevates Indiana back into the conversation in the Big Ten?

He, like Marshall Plumlee, is another player who has older brothers (Luke-Notre Dame and Tyler-UNC) who have gone before him into big-time college hoops.

Zeller has great size and mobility, which helps him clean the glass on both ends.

He receives the ball well in the post, effectively turning passes into baskets.

Like many young Bigs, Zeller will need to add bulk and strength.

As he does, look out Big Ten! 

4. Khem Birch: Pittsburgh

Khem Birch has all the tools to be the next great player at Pitt.

His athletic build and skills make him dangerous on either end of the court.

Offensively, he can hurt you in so many ways.

Defensively, you always have to be keeping track of him because he is an excellent on or off-the-ball shot blocker.

Adding bulk and strength will only help Birch take his game to the next level.

3. James McAdoo: North Carolina

With a name like McAdoo, you know he comes from good stock...He is the nephew of UNC and NBA great Bob McAdoo.

James McAdoo has both the physical skills and the fundamentals to be great.

While he may begin his years in Chapel Hill as a PF, some believe that he might be able to transition to the wing.

Even with UNC's talent and depth, McAdoo will have the chance to contribute immediately. 

2. Quincy Miller: Baylor

The first word that comes to mind when thinking about Quincy Miller is "Upside."

If the NBA could have drafted him this summer, they would have been calling his name in NYC in June.

Great size (6'9" 210), great skills and an incredible hoops IQ give Miller the whole package.

Scott Drew hasn't stopped salivating since he signed Miller and Perry Jones III decided to return.

If Baylor can find someone to run the point, don't be surprised to see the Bears make a deep run in this year's tourney.

1. Anthony Davis: Kentucky

Anthony Davis is the top Big in this year's class.

Depending on who you listen to, he's the best player in the Class of 2011.

In Davis, John Calipari has another player who can beat you in every way possible.

He is long (6'10" 210) and can take you down low or shoot over you outside.

Davis can defend multiple positions and has no trouble banging inside.

When you put Davis and Wiltjer together you have an awesome combination. But you put them alongside UK's Terrence Jones...OMG!

Here is Davis rejecting a three-pointer on one end and then dunking on a Big at the other end.