I think there's a universal consensus on which freshmen are poised for tremendous seasons. While this year's crop is no comparison to last year's in terms of depth, the skill level at the top is pretty much the same if not more exciting than last year. In keeping with the trend, here are my top three freshmen for the 2017-18 college basketball season.
1. Michael Porter Jr. SF Missouri
Michael Porter Jr. is the type of player that gets me excited about how bad the Bulls are this season. More than any other freshman in college, Porter Jr. represents the archetypal modern NBA superstar. Blessed with a lanky 6'10 frame, Porter Jr. can handle the ball and possesses a lethal outside jumper. He might be the perfect prospect if you're looking for another Kevin Durant. In terms of what he will accomplish for Missouri this year, that is a different story. The Tigers are coming off an abysmal 8-24 season, which saw them fail to pick up a road win. Even for a future 1st overall draft pick, that's tough to turn around. Luckily for Porter Jr, he will be joined by his brother Jontay, a top-50 recruit in his own right, along with Jeremiah Tilmon and Blake Harris. There'll definitely be some growing pains, but I believe Porter Jr. has the ability to get the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013.
2. DeAndre Ayton C Arizona
DeAndre Ayton is a physical specimen. I have never seen such a powerful person possess the speed and skill that Ayton does. This 7-footer can eat you alive on the block, but he can also bury you from downtown. I used this comparison in my Final Four predictions, but Ayton is like a combination of Shaq and Joel Embiid. He has a chance to be really special not only at Arizona but in the NBA as well. His impact at Arizona should help the Wildcats get to the Final Four. He is already a major focal point in the offense (He had 31 and 10 in an exhibition a few days ago.) and fits well next to Allonzo Trier. It's honestly unbelievable the type of skill set this kid has. I'll describe him as a Glorious Storm because he's an athletic beast but with smooth movements. You honestly just have to see it for yourself. So make sure you stay up late and watch Arizona play this year...it'll be worth it.
3. Marvin Bagley III PF Duke
Bagley III shouldn't even be at Duke. The versatile 6'11 forward should be gearing up to dominate his senior season in high school, but he decided to reclassify to 2017, and he immediately took the college basketball world by storm. He has been touted by draft experts as the best prospect since Anthony Davis, and while I don't really see what's so special about him yet, I know enough to declare him as the 3rd-best freshman in the nation. Bagley III has all the tools: skill, speed, athleticism, motor. But the one thing he has yet to consistently show is his shooting ability. If he puts in a good year at Duke in that department, I bet he will be the #1 pick in the 2018 Draft. He should also help Duke win a lot of games as he will be Grayson Allen's running mate for the Blue Devils this year. If Bagley III is all he's cracked up to be, Duke will be your national champion.
Others Considered (No Order)
Collin Sexton PG Alabama
Lonnie Walker IV PG Miami
Trevon Duval PG Duke
Gary Trent Jr. SG Duke
Mohamed Bamba C Texas
Troy Brown Jr. SF Oregon
Jaren Jackson Jr. PF Michigan State
Hamidou Diallo SG Kentucky
Kevin Knox SF Kentucky
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