Big East Preview: The League's Top Ten Freshmen
The college basketball season is less than five weeks away, which means that it is time for us to dive deep into a season preview. We will be kicking things off with a Big East Preview, a conference that features two of the most famous people in the entire sport, a pair of national title threats and at least six teams that will be projected anywhere from the back end of the top 25 to a spot in the mix for a bubble bid.
MORE Big East Preview: Big East Power Rankings | Top Storylines
Let’s dive into The Field of 68’s and On3’s Big East basketball preview:
1. BRAYLON MULLINS, UConn
On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 15
In an era where it is increasingly more difficult to impact at the Division I level as a freshman, Mullins is the one guy in the conference that can step in and be a game-changer from Day 1. An elite shooter, Mullins has more to his game that just being a catch and shoot guy. He can dunk on you, he competes defensively and he’s shown the ability to play off the bounce. He’s the one potential one-and-done player in the conference.
2. ACADEN LEWIS, Villanova
On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 35
A crafty left-handed point guard, Lewis is a bit more of a scorer than a pure point guard at this point, but it does appear as if he’s going to be tasked with a major role in Kevin Willard’s offense early on in his Villanova career.
3. ERIC REIBE, UConn
On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 29
Reibe is going to be asked to play a big role for UConn as a back-up five. He’s skilled and can be an initiator on the perimeter when UConn runs five-out sets. He was one of the better college-bound players in the U19 World Cup this summer.
4. EFEOSA OLIOGU, Butler
On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 99
The most exciting athlete in the Big East’s freshmen class, Oliogu shined for Canada during the U19 World Cup. He’s a poster waiting to happen that is electric in transition and will operate as one of the better passers on Thad Matta’s roster.
5. JAMIER JONES, Providence
On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 39
Jones is the freshman most likely to play his way into Kim English’s rotation early on this season. He’s an excellent athlete whose defense is a bit ahead of his offense at this point, but that is what will get him on the court.
6. NA’JAI HINES, Seton Hall
On3/Rivals Rankings: 3⭐, No. 134
The Pirates needed help on the interior this summer and they got it in the form of Hines, a 6-foot-11 behemoth that committed and reclassified after Peach Jam.
7. NIGEL JAMES, Marquette
On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 88
A scrappy, under-sized guard that will fit perfectly into Shaka Smart’s style of play and the culture that has been created at Marquette.
8. ADRIEN STEVENS, Marquette
On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 92
Stevens is a big-bodied guard that can play both ends of the floor and is at his best when attacking the rim off the bounce. He’ll see minutes for the Golden Eagles this season.
9. CHRIS JEFFREY, Villanova
On3/Rivals Rankings: 3⭐, No. 150
At 6-foot-3, Jeffrey is a stat-sheet stuffer and a competitive bulldog that can score, initiate offense, create off the bounce and defend. He’s a floor-raiser and a connector that helps winning.
10. STINK ROBINSON, Butler
On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 95
Stink is a tough, physical combo guard that can both score and create off the bounce.
Subscribe to The Field of 68 on YouTube
Subscribe to The Field of 68’s Daily Newsletter
