Freshman Haze: Coach Missner Picks His Squad

When putting together the seven players for the week's Freshman Haze, I don't usually try to put together a team. I just go with the hottest players from the various segments of college basketball. This week, I think I could put a competitive squad on the court with the seven players. Marcus LoVett would be the point guard, so he'd have to sacrifice some of his offense to set up scorers like Jared Harper and Mike Lewis. Justin Patton would anchor the frontcourt with Grant Williams and Isiaha Mike next to him. It would definitely be a squad with potential. I, of course, would coach this team and we might make the second round of the NIT. Dare to dream!

Grant Williams, forward, Tennessee Volunteers

At the next level, 6-foot-5 forwards are few and far between. Maybe Charles Barkley was the last truly undersized forward who was effective. Williams is a throwback as a 6-5, 234, forward who has shown he can be effective in the paint. He had his best game on Dec. 15 in the win over Lipscomb with 30 points on 10-of-12 from the field. Fouls have been an issue for Williams and he has fouled out twice, most recently against Florida on Saturday in a game in which he finished with six points and one rebound. Williams is averaging 10.5 points on 55.8 percent from the field and 5.5 rebounds.

Marcus LoVett, guard, St. John's Red Storm

The 2015-16 Red Storm would have been more competitive (they won one conference game) if they had the LoVett's services. He had to sit out a season to get his academic house in order, but has shown the wait may have been worth it. St. John's has already won two conference games. The 6-0 guard missed three games in December with a sprained ankle and averaged 9.0 points over his first three games after returning. LoVett has 25.7 points over his last three contests and looks ready to fight the BEast. He has scored at least 20 points six times and is averaging 18.1 points.

Justin Patton, center, Creighton Bluejays

We stay in the Big East to profile another player who will vie with LoVett and his teammate Shamorie Ponds for conference Freshman of the Year. The Bluejay center has taken advantage of all of his opportunities. He was sharing time with Zach Hanson to open the season, but the senior was lost for the season with a foot injury. That opened up time for Patton, much like the offensive excellences of the Bluejay guards opens the paint. In his last five games, Patton has averaged 19.6 points on 69.4 percent from the field. He may be just scratching the surface of his potential.

Jared Harper, guard, Auburn Tigers

We finish our three-player tour of Tiger freshmen with the 5-10 Harper. He may be the smallest of the Auburn first-year players, but he is also the hottest. Harper has averaged 19.2 points over his last five games. Prior to this stint, he had only scored 20 points or more once, but has now hit that level three four times. Harper is hitting 36.3 percent of his 3-pointers and adds a bit of defense with a team-high 1.7 steals. Harper was expected to vie with Houston transfer Ronnie Johnson for minutes, but he is nearly doubling his older teammate in playing time.

Isiaha Mike, forward, Duquesne Dukes

As we move to the Atlantic 10, we'll take a double dip of Dukes. Mike is a 6-8 forward who started the season slowly, but has come on with double-digit scoring in five of his last six games. He has some room for improvement from the perimeter and is hitting just 29.4 percent of his 3-pointers. Mike scored a season-high 19 points on Dec. 22 in the win over Colgate. Mike was considered the third-best recruit out of Canada (behind Thon Maker) and it looks like he could be a four-year contributor to the Dukes.

Mike Lewis, guard, Duquesne Dukes

If Mike sticks around, he should learn how to play off of Lewis well. The 6-1 freshman is leading the Dukes with 12.7 points. He also started the season slowly, but has now scored in double digits in his last 10 games. He put 23 points up against VCU on Jan. 4 for his second 20-point game. Lewis has only provided more than two assists once (also against the Rams) and he is hitting just 35.5 percent of his 3-pointers. He has room to grow and it looks like he will get enough playing time along Mike to grow as a Duke.

Jalone Friday, center, Abilene Christian Wildcats

You won't see the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament because they are in their last year of transition from Division II. They are also not good enough to make the Big Dance. It looks as if they have a big piece to their future in the Southland in the 6-9 Friday. The ACU center has been productive when he has been able to shut out the whistles. He has fouled out of six games, but has managed to average 13.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 20.5 minutes. Friday has a pair of double-doubles, but his best efforts have not kept Abilene Christian from dropping five of its last six games. Friday provided nine points, three rebounds, and five blocks before fouling out on Saturday in the win over Stephen F. Austin.