This article is part of our Freshman Haze series.
This is my third year of writing the Freshman Haze for RotoWire. Each year ends with a list of the top-21 freshman of the season based on an alchemy of stats. There are always some surprises in the rankings. Last year, the list was topped by Jabari Parker, who went on to be the second pick of the 2014 NBA draft. Two years ago, the best player by my rankings was Georgia State swingman R.J. Hunter, who has played one fewer NCAA tournament game than Parker (in other words, none). Maybe this will be the brilliant Hunter will make the Big Dance.
This year's list has its share of small-school players. There may be a name or two you don't know, but history has shown us these small-school players are the guys who make fantasy teams roll through the years. Maybe there will be even be a surprise at the top.
7. Tyus Jones, guard, Duke Blue Devils
Jones won't be drafted higher than his Blue Devils teammates Jahlil Okafor and Justise Winslow, but there is at least one list that has the 6-foot-1 guard as better than his teammates. He rated highly in all of the categories except blocks, which allows him to be part of the top septet. Jones averages 11.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists. He has nailed 38.3 percent of his three-pointers. The Apple Valley, Min., native has scored at least 20 points five times and has saved his biggest games for the Blue Devils'
This is my third year of writing the Freshman Haze for RotoWire. Each year ends with a list of the top-21 freshman of the season based on an alchemy of stats. There are always some surprises in the rankings. Last year, the list was topped by Jabari Parker, who went on to be the second pick of the 2014 NBA draft. Two years ago, the best player by my rankings was Georgia State swingman R.J. Hunter, who has played one fewer NCAA tournament game than Parker (in other words, none). Maybe this will be the brilliant Hunter will make the Big Dance.
This year's list has its share of small-school players. There may be a name or two you don't know, but history has shown us these small-school players are the guys who make fantasy teams roll through the years. Maybe there will be even be a surprise at the top.
7. Tyus Jones, guard, Duke Blue Devils
Jones won't be drafted higher than his Blue Devils teammates Jahlil Okafor and Justise Winslow, but there is at least one list that has the 6-foot-1 guard as better than his teammates. He rated highly in all of the categories except blocks, which allows him to be part of the top septet. Jones averages 11.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists. He has nailed 38.3 percent of his three-pointers. The Apple Valley, Min., native has scored at least 20 points five times and has saved his biggest games for the Blue Devils' biggest opponents. He had 22 points in the win at Wisconsin and another 22 in the thrilling overtime win against North Carolina. Jones should have his moments in the Big Dance.
6. Schadrac Casimir, guard, Iona Gaels
It wouldn't be impossible for Jones to meet Casimir in the Round of 64 in a couple weeks. The Gaels once again rule the MAAC. They are led by the formidable combination of David Laury (20.1 points, 9.7 rebounds) and A.J. English (19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists). The 5-10 Casimir provide perimeter support by knocking down 43.8 percent of his three-pointers on his way to 15.2 points. He opened eyes on Nov. 26 with a 40-point game in a blowout win over Delaware State. Casimir pumped in 33 points, including nine three-pointers, in a Feb. 8 win over Marist. On Sunday, he was held to six points against St. Peter's as the Gaels had their 11-game winning streak snapped.
5. Melo Trimble, guard, Maryland Terrapins
In its first year in the Big Ten, Maryland has been a very nice surprise. Dez Wells was a known scorer, but we did not know what to expect from Trimble. He has bettered just about every expectation laid upon him by leading the team with 16.2 points and 3.1 assists. The Maryland native has hit at least his scoring average in his last six games. He excels at getting to the line and has attempted double-digit free throws eight times. Points are easier than free throws and Trimble has converted 87.2 percent from the charity stripe. The 6-2 guard might be too small to be on the NBA radar yet, so Terrapin fans could get a second helping of Trimble next year.
4. Kevon Looney, forward, UCLA Bruins
According to those who study bracketology, the Bruins are somewhere near the bubble. One can only wonder where they would be without the rebounding and passion from Looney. The 6-9 forward is second in the conference in boardwork (behind Washington State's surprise Josh Hawkinson) at 9.2 rebounds. Looney has 11 double-doubles this season, including 27 points and 19 rebounds in a double-overtime win against Stanford on Jan. 8. Fouls were a problem in the Bruins' trip to Arizona as Looney fouled out against both the Sun Devils and Wildcats in mid-February. If UCLA sneaks into the tournament, Looney could do some damage.
3. Desean Murray, forward, Presbyterian Blue Hose
And here is the surprise on the list. The Blue Hose will need a near miraculous run through the Big South tournament to play in the NCAA Tournament, but Murray has made an impression on the Haze. The 6-5 high flyer has offered up 15.5 points and 7.9 rebounds. He missed the majority of November and December (12 games) with an injury. Upon returning in January, he put double-doubles on Liberty and Winthrop in his first two games. Murray has scored in double digits in all but three games and could lead the Blue Hose to better things in the future.
2. Stanley Johnson, guard/forward, Arizona Wildcats
I thought Arizona was the best team in the country last year. They somehow had to replace Nick Johnson and Aaron Gordon. While Johnson may not be a direct replacement for both players, the Wildcats have not missed a beat with the 6-7 swingman doing a little bit of everything. The broad-shouldered Johnson is averaging 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals for a team that has only lost three times. Against Utah on Saturday, Johnson was able to overcome a horrible shooting performance (3-of-19) to contribute 11 boards and two steals. This could be the year Sean Miller makes the Final Four behind Johnson.
1. D'Angelo Russell, guard, Ohio State Buckeyes
OK, this is not surprising. Russell established himself as the most productive freshman in the early going, then took off in January. He had three double-doubles in a four-game span (two with rebounds, one with assists). The Louisville native then put it all together for a triple-double (23 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists) in a Feb. 8 win over Rutgers. The smooth guard averages 19.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists, hitting 42.4 percent of his three-pointers. Russell could be the wild card that leads the Buckeyes deep into the bracket later this month.
