College Basketball: 12 Underrated Incoming Freshmen Who Could End Up Stars

College basketball fans know the names of the top rising freshmen in college basketball, but what about the other players?

The real deal is figuring out who will be the next Stephen Curry or Jimmer Fredette.

There are some recruits who currently do not stand out from the pack, but if they land in the right situation, they will become stars.

Drew Neitzel was seen as shooter and solid point guard, but going to a talented Michigan State team that was badly in need of a point guard helped propelled the six-foot guard to stardom.

I had a look at the recruits coming into college this year and examined their teams and these are the guys who I think will land in some great situations. 

Antwan Space Florida State Seminoles

Antwan Space, a 6'7" 4-star rated small forward, has an oportunity to shine in the Seminoles' system. This is the scoutig report on him according to ESPN.

"

Space is one of those prototypical wing-types that can do just about anything on the court. He has a long, lean frame that oozes potential and a feathery touch out to 22 feet. His stroke is smooth and effortless and he doesn't need a lot of space to get it.

"

Space has a very good chance of replicating Washington Wizard's rookie Chris Singleton's contribution last season if he lives up to expectation.

Alex Murphy Duke Blue Devils

Attending a college like Duke is laden with high expectations. Sometimes players even get lifted to lofty rankings because of it.

This year Quinn, a point guard rated 4-stars by most respectable recruiting analysts, was chosen as a McDonald's All-Americanm yet Josiah Turner, a 5-star rated, Arizona-bound point guard was snubbed. 

That selection is a respect to Duke's success.

Alex Murphy came to Duke a year earlier than expected, and his length and athleticism will give him a great advantage to make him a name for himself one day.

With the graduation of Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler, Duke needs offense. Murphy can help in this regard.

Trey Burk, Michigan Wolverines

Michigan needs a point guard with the early departure of Darius Morris.

Freshman Trey Burke says he "wants to start and make an impact," according to a surprisingly revealing documentary on Youtube that his opponents can use to scout his game fully.

The 6'1" Burke is a hard worker and steady point guard with range.

Michigan was very young last season, but they return most of their tournament-tested players.

The Wolverines are currently one of the best Big Ten teams, and by next March, Burke should be a known commodity.

Sim Bhullar New Mexico State

Not many slow-footed 7'4" players become stars in the fast-paced college game, but Sim Bhullar might be the expectation.

He will protect the rim for New Mexico State and should be good for easy points around the basket.

SportingNews reported that the big man has "stamina issues," so that's something he will have to work on.

Originally Xavier bound in 2012, he instead opted to forego prep school and attend New Mexico State, this fall, instead.

Rob Brown, Virginia Tech

The reason I like Rob Brown is because he is a creative scorer. But with his 6'3" height, we will have to wait and see if his game translates to the college basketball level.

He is quick and will provide solid defense on the perimeter.

Jonathan Holmes, Texas Longhorns.

Texas lost a core of players that elevated them to the third round of the NCAA tournament last season. 

Jordan Hamilton, Tristian Thompson and Cory Joseph left early for the NBA.

Douglas Balbay, Garry Johnson and Jai Lucas all graduated.

The Longhorns will be real greenhorns come fall. But they have a dynamic freshman guard, Myck Kabongo, who will bring to mind the days of T J Ford.

Kabongo will make everyone around him better, and 6'8" versatile forward Jonathan Holmes will benefit greatly.

Holmes should get some major minutes as Texas is short on height.

Alex Len, Maryland Terrapins

Alex Len may not be the quickest center but at 7'1", new Maryland coach Mark Turgeon will find this Ukrainian very useful.

Especially since New Jersey Nets second-round pick Jordan Williams will not be back for his junior season..

Turtle Sport Report had this to say about Len:

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Len was a standout player for the Ukraine national team at the U-18 European Championships in 2010. He averaged 16.0 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in nine games in the tournament. He nearly posted a triple-double in a game against Germany with 20 points, 17 rebounds and nine blocks.

"

That to me sounds very promising.

Michael Gbinije, Duke Blue Devils

Duke has five recruits coming in this for the coming season, but probably only North Carolina and Blue Devil fans have taken notice of this 6'6" wing.

Michael Gbinije won't be a starter immediately, but with his mid-range game and defensive prowess, he will get major minutes eventually.

Ben McElmore, Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas is widely viewed to be in a rebuilding year, but that only means they are not projected to be in a Final Four.

They have experience and talent in the form of Tyshaun Taylor and Thomas Robinson and will at least contend for the Big 12 title.

The 6'5" wing Ben McElmore should provide a boost to the Jayhawk's offense, if he can get through the NCAA clearinghouse due to academic issues.

Currently there are questions regarding his high school grades, but if he is ever cleared to play, Kansas may yet surprise us all.

Amir Williams, Ohio State Buckeyes

When we think of Ohio State, one name comes to mind: Jared Sullinger.

But one man does not make a team. Sullinger will probably look to play more of his natural position, power forward, and someone will need to fill in at center.

At 6'10" Amir Williams more than fits the bill. While defenses will be worrying about Sullinger, players like Williams will get ample time to shine.

Dorian Finney-Smith, Virginia Tech Hokies

With several coaching changes and an impending expansion, the ACC is about to become the best conference in college basketball.

Players like Dorian Finney-Smith will take it to that level.

Scout.Com ranks him as the sixth best small forward in his class, so he does have some prestige.

However, no one speaks about him in the same manner as Duke's Austin Rivers or Florida's Bradley Beal.

At 6'7" Finney-Smith is very athletic and should be very effective for Seth Greenberg.

Nick Johnson, Arizona Wildcats

He is a 5-star rated recruit but only mentioned as a collective with Josiah Turner another hightly rated recruit heading to Arizona.

The thing about this 6'3" combo guard is that he has SportsCenter written all over him.

With his mid-range game and outstanding leaping ability, this guy will tear up the Pac-12.