This article is part of our Freshman Haze series.
At this point in the season, it would be easy to consider the top, undefeated teams as0 unbeatable. If you, like me, consider the non-conference slate as slightly glorified preseason, then you won't be shocked when the Kentuckys and Dukes of the world get beaten. It will happen (or might, in terms of coach John Calipari's squad).
We won't hit the Wildcats this week, but our seven will take us coast to coast. There are some surprises in the list and some other hyped prospects who are not doing anything special. In other words, if you read on you will get a bit of everything. Isn't that how you would like it?
Kevon Looney, forward, UCLA Bruins
Looney has more the held up to the preseason hype by providing double-double numbers of 13.9 points and 10.9 rebounds. He isn't doing much damage from the outside (just three three-pointers in 15 attempts). The 6-foot-9 Milwaukee native has scored in double digits in every game, but has not topped his 20 points scored in the opener against Montana State. He has seven double-doubles and adds 2.0 assists and 1.6 blocks for more fantasy goodness.
James Blackmon, guard, Indiana Hoosiers
Fantasy experts (such as myself, I suppose) expected Yogi Ferrell to lead the Hoosier offense, but it usually good for a point guard to have some other options. Blackmon has given Indiana another option. In fact, he leads the team with 19.2 points, including 45.9 percent from the three-point line (despite going 2-of-13 from long range in the last two games). Like Looney, Blackmon has scored at least 10 points in each game. He topped out at 26 points in the the Nov. 20 win over SMU.
Duane Wilson, guard, Marquette Golden Eagles
The start of coach Steve Wojciechowski's career at Marquette has not gone quite as expected. The Golden Eagles have already lost four games. He may have found a keeper in redshirt freshman guard Duane Wilson. He opened many eyes by knocking down 30 points in the Nov. 30 win over Tennessee and is averaging 12.5 points and 2.4 assists. With the team's short bench, Wilson should continue to get big minutes and plenty of opportunities.
Myles Turner, forward, Texas Longhorns
Turner is one of those highly touted prospects who has not yet realized his potential. He has had some big games with 25 points and 10 rebounds against St. Francis (PA) as well as a 18-point, 10-rebound performance against Texas-Arlington. Please note the names of those teams. He was swallowed up by Kentucky and fouled out after just 18 minutes. Turner has been held to single digits five times in nine games. The Longhorns have other bigs that start, so Turner may be limited this year.
Justin Jackson, guard/forward, North Carolina Tar Heels
Jackson was supposed to help the Tar Heels from the perimeter. It hasn't happened. The 6-8 swingman has only hit 20 percent of his three-pointers and missed all of his long-range shots (seven attempts) in his last three games (in which he has been held to single digits in scoring). Jackson did scored 18 points in the Nov. 22 win against Davidson and he may just be in a little slump (Kentucky's defense will do that). Look for Jackson to have some big games in conference play, but he won't do so consistently.
B.J. Tyson, guard, East Carolina Pirates
Unlike Turner and Jackson, not much was expected from Tyson. The 6-3 guard has taken over the lead scoring role for the Pirates and is averaging with 15.5 points. Tyson has scored in the 20s three times, including 26 points in the Nov. 26 loss to Hawaii. He has been great at getting to the line and has taken at least 10 free throws thrice. Tyson is making 79.7 percent from the line, which somewhat makes up for his 18.2 percent on three-pointers.
David Collette, forward, Utah State Aggies
Collette is a little different from the other freshmen on the list because he is coming back from a church mission. He is 21. The Aggies lost all of their starters from last year, so it was pretty easy for Collette to slide into the starting lineup. The 6-8 forward had 32 points and 14 rebounds in the loss to USC on Dec. 7. He is averaging 13.9 points and 5.0 rebounds, and those averages should increase as the season continues.
