2011-12 College Basketball Preview: Ranking the Top 10 Big 12 Freshmen

College Basketball 2011-12 begins in just a few days.

This could be the best season in years.

Along with tons of returning talent, we will see a fabulous freshmen class that will impact not only league play but also which teams make it to the Final Four in New Orleans this March.

Every day this week, we will preview the top 10 freshmen in a different power conference.

Yesterday, we began with the ACC

Today, we are power ranking the Big 12 freshmen.

The rest of the week looks like this:

• Wednesday: Big East
• Thursday: Big Ten/Pac-12
• Friday: SEC

10. Jordan Green: Texas A&M

Green is a long, shooting guard (6'4" 180 lbs) with hops. He can fill it up from well beyond the arc.

With the departure of B.J. Holmes, one of the backcourt positions is wide open. 

Watch this video of JG clearing a defender on a dunk! Wow!

9. Naadir Tharpe: Kansas

Naadir Tharpe is a true, pass-first PG. He sees the court as well as anyone, has an excellent handle, and is a precision passer.

In looking ahead to his college career, Tharpe said, “I just know I’ll do whatever it takes for my team to be happy."

If his game matches up with his words, he will be a huge help to Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks as they reload in 2011-12. 

8. Cezar Guerrero: Oklahoma State

Cezar Guerrero knows no fear.

Many players his size (5'11" 165 lbs) would be cautious going into the paint.

Not Guerrero. He is a lightning-fast PG who is equally skilled at scoring or distributing.

7. Jonathan Holmes: Texas

Rick Barnes has a lot of holes to fill.

With Gary Johnson graduating and both Tristan Thompson and Jordan Hamilton departing early for the NBA Draft, the Longhorns need to rebuild their entire frontcourt.

Johathan Holmes is a player who can help immediately.

Though he has a PFs body (6'8" 232 lbs), Holmes has shooting forward skills. He can shoot it from distance or put it on the floor and get to the basket.

6. Julien Lewis: Texas

Julien Lewis is a throw-back player.

Lewis (6'3" 190 lbs) has an elite-level hoops IQ, he can take the ball in either direction equally well, and he makes great decisions.

On top of that, he is a shut-down defender.

Barnes will be able to plug Lewis in right away.

5. Deuce Bello: Baylor

With a colorful name like Deuce Bello, you have to be good...and Bello is.

The 6'4" electrifying wing player with great hops will have Baylor fans on their feet.

Bello is super in the open court and transition. He will help the Bears create another scoring option other than Perry Jones or Quincy Miller.

4. Ben McLemore: Kansas

Ben McLemore is showing up in Lawrence at the right time.

The Jayhawks need an immediate infusion of talent and McLemore fills that bill.

He is a big (6'5" 185 lbs) SG that can do anything Bill Self wants him to do.

May be even better than his recruiting ranking (No. 34 nationally).

3. Myck Kabongo: Texas

Myck Kabongo is an elite-level PG who will immediately change the game for the Longhorns as they reload.

Kabongo (6'2" 180 lbs) is extremely quick and could immediately be the best PG in the conference.

He is an excellent floor general, with a great feel for running the team on the floor.

His game reminds many of the Boston Celtics Rajon Rondo.

2. Quincy Miller: Baylor

Quincy Miller is an amazingly talented PF and will help Baylor have one of the best frontcourts in the nation.

Miller (6'9" 210 lbs) is one of the most versatile players in the Class of 2011.

He combines length, agility and a sharp sense of the game.

If Bears head coach Scott Drew figures out how to fully utilize Miller alongside of super soph Perry Jones, Baylor will challenge for the Big 12 title and be ready to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.  

1. LeBryan Nash: Oklahoma State

LeBryan Nash is a big (6'7" 235 lbs), SF who punishes opponents with his physicality.

Nash works hard not just when the spotlights are bright. He is a tireless worker and fierce competitor.

Obviously others recognize Nash's talent and skill. Last week, he was named the Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year.