Freshmen to Make an Impact in the 2012-2013 NCAA Basketball Season

Freshmen have played a big part on the last 2 National Championship teams.  The Kentucky Wildcats had 3 freshmen starting this past season, while Connecticut had 2 freshmen that were key the year before.  With players heading to the NBA earlier these days, this is probably a trend that will continue.  Therefore, we thought we would take a look at some freshmen that could play a key role next season.

Some of these players are not necessarily the top ranked freshmen, rather players that will fit in immediately with their teams.  Kentucky has another interesting freshman in center Nerlens Noel.  They will need to add a little meat to his bones as he is fairly thin.  He has great defensive skills, but will need a little more work on offense.  The Wildcats know how to recruit, so my money says this kid will be a player.

The Indian Hoosiers need a point guard badly, and they are hoping that Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell will be the guy.  He is an old fashioned player with great fundamentals.  Add him to the likes of center Cody Zeller and Indiana could go a long way next season.

UCLA got #1 recruit Shabazz Muhammad, which could bring them back to national prominence.  He is a very physical player and has great athletic ability.  He handles the ball well, can score in the paint and has a strong mid-range game.  He is so good that he is considered to be a one year player in the NCAA.

There is a long list of freshmen that are probable to make a big splash this season.  With the lure of the NBA and the riches it offers, we should get used to seeing freshman play a big part in college hoops.