Top Incoming Freshmen for 2011-12 College Basketball

By Dennis Berry

It happens every college basketball season. A new group of freshmen come to schools across the country looking to make an impact. With the NBA age limit rule, college fans get at least one year to watch the best basketball talent for one year in college.
 
Some live up to the hype, while others don't. Here is who we think will be the best freshmen in the 2011-12 season.

10. Adonis Thomas, Memphis

Adonis Thomas is a multi tool player that will be a great weapon for Coach Josh Pastner to use in Memphis. What Thomas lacks in shooting ability he makes up for with athleticism. He can attack the basket and should be one of the best finishers in this freshman class. He will also help Memphis with rebounding.

9. DeAndre Daniels, Connecticut

While it might have taken a while for Daniels to decide where he was going to play, it was worth the wait for Connecticut. The addition of Daniels will help offset the loss of Kemba Walker. Daniels should be able to come in and become an immediate scoring threat. Daniels, is just part of one of the best incoming classes in the nation.

8. Quincy Miller, Baylor

Miller should quickly become on of the most explosive power forwards early into the season. He has the athleticism to get to basket and once he is there he knows how to finish. He will be a great low post presence to pair with Perry Jones. Although Miller is a great finisher, he will need to jumper and passing to become a more complete offensive player.

7. Marquis Teague, Kentucky

Marquis Teague is next in the line of outstanding point guard to play for John Calipari. Teague should be a great fit for Calipari's "Dribble Drive" offense. Teague is a creator. He will push the tempo by and look to drive to the basket.

6. Brad Beal, Florida

Although Florida already has established players in the backcourt, Beal should have no problem getting onto the court. He has an great jump shot with range that goes beyond the three point line. He will add another outside scoring threat for the Gators.

5. James McAdoo, North Carolina

North Carolina added another impressive player with McAdoo. At 6'8, he will make the Tar Heels even longer in the front court. McAdoo has a solid mid range jump shot, but he will be best at attacking the basket. He will also add rebounding and is versatile enough to guard in the post and on the wing.

4. Michael Gilchrist, Kentucky

Gilchrist has long be considered one of the best players in the incoming class. He is constantly working on his game trying to improve. He will can drive to basket and finish with anyone in the country. His motor never stops and should also be one of the best defenders for Kentucky next year. The only thing lacking for Gilchrist, is a jump shot, that should improve other time.

3. Andre Drummond, Connecticut

This was a surprise addition to this year incoming class and the second Connecticut player on the list. The addition of Drummond shot Connecticut up the Top 25 rankings. He will bring an immediate low post presence on defense for the Huskies. He is an outstanding shot blocker and rebounder. His offensive game is not as strong, but with Lamb and Daniels on the outside, Drummond should get plenty of one on one opportunities to score.

2. Austin Rivers, Duke

Rivers may be the best freshmen shooting guard this year. He is a great shooter and has range that goes past the three point line. His also has strong ball handling skills that help him create his own shots. He should have the chance to excel in Duke's system.

1. Anthony Davis, Kentucky

The third Wildcat on this list shows just how strong a recruiter John Calipari is. With Davis Kentucky has a low post presence on both ends. His size and lengths should allow him to be a constant shot blocking threat and clean up defensive rebounds. On offense he has shown a mid range jumper and can finish around the rim. All he needs to do is put on some weight and get stronger to complete his game.

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