10 College Freshmen Who Have NBA Potential
Mike Stobe Getty ImagesThe era of the "one and done" has hurt college basketball, since fans can't identify with players before they're off to the NBA. But it's not going away, with the draw of being a high draft pick, the money that comes with it and the ability to leave college after just one season. Here are 10 college basketball freshmen who are already showing NBA potential.
10. Stephen Zimmerman, C, UNLV
Ethan Miller Getty Images
Zimmerman's playing time has been inconsistent, due in part to foul trouble. But he has four double-doubles in nine games played so far this season, and a least three blocked shots in a game four times. Size still matters in the NBA, so Zimmerman could become a lottery pick.
9. Thomas Bryant. F/C, Indiana
Andy Lyons Getty ImagesBryant has been a bit up and down to this point in the season, but he is fourth in the country in field goal percentage entering Wednesday's action (72.3 percent). Being on what should be a very good Indiana team stands to raise Bryant's national profile quickly.
8. Skal Labissiere, F/C, Kentucky
Andy Lyons Getty ImagesLabissiere is averaging less than 22 minutes per game to this point, which can be expected at Kentucky, but his production (10.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game) has been notable. Assuming he is a "one and done", Labissiere should have the attention of NBA scouts as a high draft pick.
7. Ivan Rabb, F/C, California
Kelley L. Cox USA TODAY SportsRabb has posted back-to-back double-doubles, with at least 12 points in four of the last five games. Rabb is also in the top-20 nationally in field goal percentage (65.8 percent, 18th) right now, while averaging two blocked shots per game.
6. Malik Beasley, G, Florida State
Brett Davis USA TODAY SportsBeasley is the Seminoles' leading scorer right now, averaging 18.3 points per game, while making close to 46 percent of his three-pointers, along with averaging 4.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Fellow freshman Dwayne Bacon is also on the NBA draft radar, but Beasley looks like the prospect with more upside right now.
5. Jamal Murray, G, Kentucky
Richard Mackson USA TODAY SportsMurray is Kentucky's leading scorer right now (15.5 points per game), along with solid across the board production (4.5 rebounds. 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game). John Calipari, and pro scouts, would surely like to see him take care of the ball better (3.1 turnovers per game), but in the overall picture of Murray's NBA potential that's fairly nit-picky.
4. Henry Ellenson, F, Marquette
Mary Langenfeld USA TODAY SportsEllenson had a double-double (15 points and 11 rebounds) in last weekend's win over Wisconsin, and he's averaging 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game so far this season. Being tested against Big East competition should only help Ellenson's profile, if he chooses to declare for the draft after one season.
3. Jaylen Brown, G/F, California
John Hefti USA TODAY SportsBrown is an athletic wing player with the look of a top-10 overall pick right now. He does have some areas to improve though, as he's averaging 2.5 turnovers per game with a bad free throw percentage (62.1), but those possible weaknesses won't cause Brown's draft stock to fall too much.
2. Brandon Ingram, F, Duke
Streeter Lecka Getty ImagesIngram had his first career double-double Tuesday night (26 points and 14 rebounds against Georgia Southern), and he has more than 20 points in three straight games. A lack of bulk (190 lbs.) is a concern, but Ingram is on track to be one of the first picks in the 2016 NBA Draft.
1. Ben Simmons, F, LSU
Stacy Revere Getty ImagesSimmons is the no-brainer to top this list, with immediate, elite level, all-around production (19.0 points, 14.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.6 blocks per game). Barring injury, and under the assumption he leaves LSU early, Simmons will be the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
