As a reminder to those who are inevitable going to spam my twitter account with outrage that your guy isn't on this list – this has nothing to do with who I think are the top freshmen in the nation. It's all based on what they've done on the court, to date. And no, one great game on national tv does not qualify your guy.
1. Anthony Bennett, UNLV (last week: not enough games to qualify)
Talk about consistency – Anthony Bennett's career is now four games old, and he's scored 22, 12, 22 and 22 points. The only real knock so far is his 3-10 from beyond the arc, which isn't terrible, but considering he's making 63% of his 2s – get inside young man. He's averaging 8.2 boards a game, and gets to the line eight times a game, knocking down 78% of his freebies.
2. Alex Poythress, Kentucky (lw: 2)
Poythress has now made at least 75% of his attempts from the floor in three of five games. This week he had 20 and 8 against Morehead State (including 8-8 from the line), and 22 and 9 against Long Island. For the year he's averaging 18.4 points and 7.4 boards, and has made 70% of his 2s.
3. Jahii Carson, Arizona State (lw: not enough games to qualify)
If not for turnover issues, this kid could easily be sitting atop this list. He's made 46% of his 3s, he gets to the line 9.8 times a game (!), and he leads his team in scoring (21 ppg) and assists (5 apg). In their loss to Creighton he had 30 points (on just 17 shots), 7 assists and 4 steals.
4. Archie Goodwin, Kentucky (lw: 9)
The Kentucky freshmen seem to be taking turns putting together wow moments. This week it was Goodwin's turn. He went to the line 17 times vs Morehead State, and two days later put together a 22 point, 9 assist, 9 rebound game. For the season he's averaging 19 points, 5.2 boards and 4.4 assists. And he's made 5-7 threes.
5. Nerlens Noel, Kentuck (lw: 7)
Noel continues to be the stat stuffer. Against Morehead State: 9 points, 11 rebounds, 6 blocks, 4 assists and 3 steals. Against Long Island 18 points (on 9-11 shooting), 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks. He leads Kentucky in rebounds, blocks and steals.
6. Brandon Ashley, Arizona (lw: 4)
Ashley has wasted no time establishing himself as a powerful presence in the Pac 12. He's averaging 13.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, but most impressive is that 46% of his points have come from the free throw line because he's drawing a ridiculous 9.4 fouls per 40. Arizona has not played since November 19.
7. James Woodard, Tulsa (lw: unranked)
Woodard kicked off his career with a 28 point, 5 rebound, 4 assist game. He had 27 points and 11 rebounds last Wednesday, and for the season is averaging 17.2 points and 5.8 rebounds. He's made 63% of his 2s, 42% of his 3s and has an eye popping 143.7 offensive rating.
8. Jordan Adams, UCLA (lw: 1)
Adams had some lackluster games this week, beginning with just 4 points against Georgia, missing all four of his 3s. Against Cal Poly he scored 13 points, making 3-5 2s and 2-5 3s. He also only got to the line three times combined, though he's still only missed one free throw this year (in 36 attempts).
9. Michael Kessens, Longwood (lw: 5)
Kessens continues to be the only freshman in the nation averaging a double-double. After a struggle last Tuesday, he got it back in gear with 14 points and 16 boards against FAMU, and 20 points and 14 boards against Cornell. Unfortunately, turnover issues are hindering his play.
10. Sam Dekker, Wisconsin (lw: unranked)
Of the high volume players nationally (24% possessions used or greater), Dekker has the highest offensive rating in the nation. There won't be eye catching stats in a system like Wisconsin's, but he's made half his 3s, 56% of his 2s, doesn't turn the ball over and has twice as many offensive rebounds as defensive. Offensively, he's a weapon.
