As we are currently in the middle of the college basketball grind, the crucial month of February is among us. This month is possibly the most important month of the season as teams are beginning to peak talent wise by finding their “identity” in the heart of their respective conference schedule. The month of February gives teams the chance to showcase their abilities in the continual attempt to impress the NCAA selection committee who will announce the field of 68 teams on March 13th 2011. February wins NOW equal favorable seeding LATER.
Up to this point in the season, many of the teams across the country have had significant success largely due to the fact of the outstanding freshman talent on hand this year. As the talent continues to get better at such a young level, freshman (whether “one and done” or not) are counted on more to produce for major collegiate programs. The following freshman have not only been the focal point of these college programs but plain and simply the reason why their program is relevant with a chance to make a trip to Houston for the 2011 Final Four.
Here is a list of my Fab Frosh who have made tremendous impact for their program to date before this brutal February stretch comes to an end and the Madness we call March begins:
Aaron Craft- G, Ohio State- This 6’2’’, 195 lb. Guard was among the most highly sought after recruits in the nation coming out of high school. His ability to see the floor and get his teammates involved offensively has labeled him as the “glue” to Thad Matta’s program. Although not the most athletically gifted kid on the team, he has the capability of creating his own shot as for banging down the contested three point shot. If THE Ohio State wants to continue to be the favorite to cut down the nets in Houston, this kid can not afford to have a bad game down the stretch of this brutal BigTen schedule.
Jared Sullinger- F, Ohio State- Possibly the best big man in the country regardless of his age. His athleticism and size allow him to take total control of the low block. Because of this, Sullinger is able to dominate on the offensive and defensive glass which is largely a reason why Ohio State had been undefeated until yesterday’s upset. Alongside fellow frosh Aaron Craft and other veterans, Ohio State only has a few speed bumps along the way before the BigTen conference tournament begins. This formula will allow OSU to cruise comfortable to a #1 seed, where they belong.
Harrison Barnes- F, North Carolina- Although Barnes was selected as the first ever AP 2011 Pre-season All-American team, he certainly has not lived up to those expectations. But lets be honest, no freshman in America should ever have to live up to those kinds of expectations mere months after attending their high school prom. After months of criticism and scrutiny, Barnes has flourished into a dependable ‘4’ man with inside and outside capabilities. His ability to bang inside (which could still use some work) and his outside range have single handedly made UNC relevant again. Watch out for Barnes to be a huge factor down this ACC stretch. This team is gelling at the right time and could be the only true test Duke will face on March 5th.
Josh Selby- G, Kansas - Perhaps the #1 recruit coming out of the class of 2010 is a straight up raw talent. Despite serving a multi game suspension in the beginning of the season, his come back has KU looking like the best team in the country. His ability to beat anyone off the dribble and hit a contested mid range jumper (a lost art among the new generation) has been giving opposing teams headaches. Unlike Craft, Selby can afford an off night due to the tremendous depth/experience KU has this year.
Terrence Jones- F, Kentucky- Jones is a typical John Calapari recruit, meaning he is among the ‘one and done’ players that walk through the hallowed grounds of Kentucky since Coach Cal took over. His physicality and ability to beat opposing big men on the boards has Kentucky in the midst of SEC championship contenders. The only knocks on Jones would be his basketball I.Q. and basketball skills. And by skills I mean athleticism. Some players in college are not necessarily “ball players” per-se, rather athletes who play basketball. Jones is one of them, yet will find is way onto an NBA roster in 2012 at the latest.
It should be a VERY entertaining February!!!!