2013's final update of College Basketball's "fab freshmen"

by:Cody Daniel•12/31/13•

@CodyDanielKSR

As 2013 draws to a close and conference play inches closer with 2014 only a few short hours away, let’s take a look at how each of college basketball’s superstar freshmen have played throughout their nonconference schedule.

Jabari Parker

PARKER

Minutes per game: 30.2
Points per game: 21.3 (Leads NCAA Freshmen)
Rebounds per game: 8.0
FG%: .548 (.377 from three)
Double-doubles: 4

Up to this point, Jabari Parker has solidified himself and the top freshmen in college basketball, and maybe even the top player overall. Parker’s NBA ready scoring ability has lifted him to double digit scoring numbers in every game thus far including eleven 20+ point showings. Offensively, Parker can and has done it all this season from low post moves to creating his own mid-range shot to hitting clutch three pointers. Not only is he an offensive juggernaut but he is also a rebounding machine with eight a game. Jabari Parker has drawn comparisons to Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James for good reason, he is a star. His athleticism is very underrated but a little bit more polished defensive game wouldn’t hurt either.

Overall Grade: A+

Julius Randle

Minutes per game: 29.6
Points per game: 18.1
Rebounds per game: 10.6
FG%: .564
Double-doubles: 9
Scored in double figures every game this season
Scored 20+ points in five games
Latest NBA Mock Draft position: 6^th

Julius Randle exploded onto the college basketball scene after finishing each of his first seven games with a double-double. Randle has proved night after night why he is a very special player with his ability to completely dominate teams with his physicality in the post. To take his game to the next level during conference play, being able to hit some jump shots and reduce his 3.2 turnovers per game would leave a smile on the faces of Kentucky fans. Not to mention, drastically improve the Cats chances for a 9^th National Championship

Overall Grade: B+

Andrew Wiggins

Minutes per game: 31.0 (Leads team)
Points per game: 15.9
Rebounds per game: 5.4
FG%: .470 (.341 from three)
Double-doubles: 1
Scored in double figures 11 of 12 games
Scored 20+ points in four games
Latest NBA Mock Draft position: 2^nd

Let’s try to be realistic when it comes to Andrew Wiggins. The expectations placed on his shoulders might have been a little too high with the LeBron James comparisons although there is no denying this kid is something very special. The biggest cause for concern with Wiggins is his passive nature, which is scary for a guy who has scored in double figures in all but one game and scored 20+ points in four games. If Wiggin’s late game heroics in the near comeback on the road against Florida where he single handedly carried Kansas is any sign of Wiggins taking the next step, Kansas will be a team nobody wants to play come March.

Overall Grade: A

Aaron Gordon

Minutes per game: 30.2
Points per game: 12.5
Rebounds per game: 7.6
FG%: .500 (.389 from three)
Double-doubles: 4
Scored in double figures 11 times
Latest NBA Mock Draft position: 7^th

This highlight reel of a human being has played very well and consistently through the first 13 games of his college career. Gordon has found himself to be nearly un-guardable around the rim with ferocious dunks and crafty layups rarely seen by someone of his size. His tremendous athleticism has allowed him to be a constant force on the boards as well. Aaron Gordon is likely a 1-and-done player, but during conference play he must show an improvement in his jump shooting and free throw shooting (.452%) if the Wildcats’ dreams of a deep tourney run will come true.

Overall Grade: B-

Joel Embiid

Minutes per game: 21.6
Points per game: 10.8
Rebounds per game: 6.9
Blocks per game: 2.3
FG%: .667
Double-doubles: 2
Scored in double figures 7 times
Latest NBA Mock Draft position: 3^rd

At 7’0 with a 7’5 wingspan, Joel Embiid is an absolute load in the post. Embiid has utilized each game this season to show us exactly how good this kid could end up being. Joel runs the floor exceptionally well and finishes powerfully in transition, which could be credited to his soccer and volleyball background. Still a very raw product, but Embiid has begun to dominate offensively, defensively, and on the boards on a nightly basis and his draft stock has risen because of it. Kansas is known for their big men and Embiid could very well be the next big thing to come out of Kansas.

Overall Grade: B+

*All mock draft positions are taken from Bleacher Report. To see the full first round projections, check out http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1893515-2014-nba-mock-draft-jabari-parker-overtakes-andrew-wiggins

@CodyDanielKSR