Collegehoops.net - Fifty Impact Freshman

Collegehoops.net - Fifty Impact Freshman

Ever since Carmelo Anthony led Syracuse to a National Championship in 2003, every freshman has looked to "Carmelo-ize" a team or program. This season's crop of newcomers is loaded with players that are going to have step in immediately and have an impact. It is likely, however, that someone not on this list is going to have a huge effect on his new team. That's just how it is; you can't predict what freshmen are going to do. (Note: Players aren’t in a ranking format—it’s just a listing.)

Point Guard

Derrick Rose, Memphis: Immediately one of the best point guards in the nation, Rose has a chance to Mike Bibby the Tigers to the title.

O.J. Mayo, USC: Extremely talented player has been talked about for years—it’s now time for him to show the country why.

Jonny Flynn, Syracuse: Might be the player on this list most tied to his team’s success; he will step in and start right away.

Jerryd Bayless, Arizona: More of a natural wing than a true point, he has great athleticism and will be a big-time scorer.

Corey Fisher, Villanova: Terrific ball-handler will push All-America candidate Scottie Reynolds to the wing.

Chris Wright, Georgetown: Despite a broken right foot, Wright is the point guard of the future for the Hoyas.

Jai Lucas, Florida: Might start on the bench, but will see plenty of playing time due to his quickness.

Corey Chandler, Rutgers: Big-time scorer will become the go-to-guy immediately for the Scarlet Knights.

Malcolm Delaney, Virginia Tech: Natural combo guard has to replace Zabian Dowdell and Jamon Gordon for Hokies.

Maurice Miller, Georgia Tech: Javaris Crittenton’s replacement will fight with Matt Causey for starting spot.

Shooting Guard

Eric Gordon, Indiana: One of the nation’s top recruits, Gordon has a chance to be one of Big Ten’s top scorers.

Nick Calathes, Florida: Combo guard can also play the point; is a good shooter and can penetrate for points.

Austin Freeman, Georgetown: Very good offensive player will get ample playing time, giving Hoyas legit wing scorer.

Corey Stokes, Villanova: Terrific shooter, and will combine with Fisher and Reynolds in an outstanding backcourt.

Corperryale Harris, Michigan: Someone has to score the points for the Wolverines, and Harris is your best bet.

E’Twaun Moore, Purdue: Can play either guard spot, and likely will start right away; has Purdue faithful very excited.

Nolan Smith, Duke: Won’t start, but Smith provides the athleticism in the backcourt that Duke lacked a year ago.

Darquavis Tucker, DePaul: Scorer replaces Sammy Mejia in the starting lineup, and will be a fixture for the future.

Chris Allen, Michigan State: Very good scorer is arguably the top recruit from a loaded Spartans’ freshman class.

R.L. Horton, Southern Mississippi: Mississippi’s Mr. Basketball could become a legit sleeper for the Golden Eagles.

Small Forward

Kyle Singler, Duke: Terrific shooter has a chance to be the best freshman in the ACC; tough match-up for opponents.

Donte Greene, Syracuse: Versatile forward can score in a variety of ways, and will be a star for the Orange.

James Harden, Arizona State: One of ASU’s best recruits in years, Harden will start immediately on the wing.

Chandler Parsons, Florida: Active forward can play both inside and outside, and has a chance to start right away.

James Anderson, Oklahoma State: One of OSU’s best recruits in history, he will make an immediate impact.

Jamelle Horne, Arizona: Not as decorated as classmate Bayless, but will push for a starting job at both forward spots.

Austin Daye, Gonzaga: 6-10 wing was a shooting guard in high school, and is a match-up nightmare for opponents.

Durrell Summers, Michigan State: Likely won’t start due to five returning starters, but he’s a terrific dunker.

Chris Wright, Dayton: Isn't getting much national pub, but he is a terrific athlete and will make an immediate impact.

Scott Martin, Purdue: Versatile forward has a good chance of starting up front due to his scoring ability.

Power Forward

Michael Beasley, Kansas State: Freshman of the Year candidate can do everything and will carry the Wildcats.

Patrick Patterson, Kentucky: Best inside player for the Wildcats will start immediately down low for Billy G.

Anthony Randolph, LSU: More of a wing than a big man, Randolph will step into the starting lineup for depleted Tigers.

Blake Griffin, Oklahoma: Very athletic forward will team with Longar Longar to form a very good frontcourt duo.

Herb Pope, New Mexico State: One of the best recruits in NMSU’s history, Pope will make an immediate impact.

Gani Lawal, Georgia Tech: Very active player who is tough around the basket; will push for a starting spot.

Craig Brackins, Iowa State: He can score both inside and on the perimeter, and is likely to start right away.

Matthew Bryan-Amaning, Washington: Might be Spencer Hawes’ replacement for the Huskies; big shoes to fill.

Justin Burrell, St. John’s: With the losses of key players, Burrell will lead a youth movement for the Red Storm.

DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh: Pitt needs a replacement for Aaron Gray, and he, although undersized, could be the answer.

Center

Kevin Love, UCLA: Immediately becomes one of the best centers in the country; could push Bruins over the top.

DeAndre Jordan, Texas A&M: He can run the floor well and is a terrific finisher around the basket; immediate starter.

Kosta Koufos, Ohio State: Greg Oden’s replacement down low, Koufos is a match-up nightmare due to his skills.

Cole Aldrich, Kansas: The Jayhawks’ only missing piece might be a dominant center; Aldrich could provide that.

Nayal Koshwal, DePaul: He can do a variety of things, and is very difficult to stop once he gets the ball down low.

J.J. Hickson, North Carolina State: Is stuck behind a deep frontline, but he will start if Sidney Lowe goes big.

Solomon Alabi/Julian Vaughn, Florida State: One of these two needs to make an immediate impact for ‘Noles.

Anthony McClain, Cincinnati: Terrific shot-blocker is part of an underrated and young Bearcats’ frontline.

A.J. Ogilvy, Vanderbilt: Overlooked on most recruiting lists, but he could be a future lottery pick for Commodores.

Eli Holman, Indiana: Has the size and skills to move D.J. White to power forward, helping Hoosiers down low.