Besides Duke who has a game changing freshman? Nobody knows who the best freshmen will be next season.
That’s a fair question. First, I don’t know who the top 10-15 freshmen are this year.
However, I should have been more clear. I think the best potential college teams will consist of 1-2 of the top tier freshmen combined with an excellent class of upper classmen. In other words … what would UK look like with Cooper Flagg, Will Riley, etc…?
I’m totally guessing that if Duke gets knocked out, if will be because of their lack of experienced players. If we get knocked out, it will be because we don’t have a player of Cooper Flagg’s ability. (That’s the reason I think Pope wanted Wilson.)
I’m on record of saying I think good older players will beat excellent players in a one and out tournament. Very young teams have a hard time winning 6 in a row, or even 4 in a row. (If the first 2 games are gimmies.) I’m also on record of wanting an older PG similar to Butler because guards are so important in tournament time. (John Wall and a few other freshmen are the exception if surrounded by good older players.
Yes, you may find a Dalton Knecht in the portal. But, there’s only going to be 2-3 of those a year. (Everyone thought Davis was going to be that for Cal.) I just think the best overall chance for winning it all every year includes 1 elite freshman and a very good group of upper classmen.
To your point, I don’t know if any team has that roster this year. I’m guessing the freshman at Alabama will keep getting better, making them even more dangerous as the season progresses.
