CBS's top 20 talented and entertaining freshmen this year (4 from UK)

[bigbluelou]

From Matt Norlander, right here.

"Below, I've listed the 20 freshmen who I think are a combination of being the most talented, having the best chance of producing big numbers and overall being the most watchable guys in their class. It's not just about how they project as pros. I'd say at least eight of the players I have listed should return for their sophomore seasons."

For UK, he has:

• #6, Diallo - The skinny: Diallo could have taken a gamble on himself and left for the NBA Draft in June. Instead, he got feedback that he wouldn't be a top-20 pick. Now he has an opportunity to be the dominant player on this young-as-ever Kentucky roster. And this UK team is going to be green but good. Diallo might wind up as the most watchable player in the sport. Freak athlete, fairly good handle, loves to run, will get up in your face and defend. He also plays hot from time to time, which is a good quality but one he'll need to keep in check. He's probably the most competitive guy John Calipari has on the roster this season. It's a good thing for college hoops that a program like Kentucky has a player like Diallo. They fit each other well.
• #9, Knox - The skinny: Knox will probably battle with Diallo to lead Kentucky in scoring. He's a really good shooter, someone who can be tinkered with in John Calipari's offense. If he wants, Cal can put Knox along the perimeter and find success by getting Knox 12 or 13 shots per game. He's 6-9 and malleable, though. If asked, Knox could slip into playing some shooting guard. Or he could be a stretch-4. Or he could thrive in a traditional small forward role. Kentucky's got an overload of players who play the power wing spot. Knox is the most bankable player on offense in that regard.
• #16, Washington - The skinny: Washington is similar to Knox, only he's more prone to attack the rim, is a little better in getting a bucket in transition, and his size makes him a tough matchup for a lot of undersized power forwards. He's a bulldog in the paint -- but has good touch. I could see his role in November being different from how he's used by March, but there's no doubt about it that he's a top-20 freshman in terms of talent and value. UK's challenge will be working out how each of these players works together and supports each other.
• #18, Green - The skinny: Point guards under John Calipari often thrive, and with good reason. He coaches them well, surrounds them with talent and often lets them do what they excel at. Green isn't an all-time point guard prospect, but he'll be a joy to watch because he's a tough-nosed true point guard out of Philly who is going to facilitate a bevy of wings Kentucky is going to deploy. Distribution might as well be his middle name. All-around, he's not the best point guard in this class but he's probably going to average more assists than any other freshman point guard in a major conference. His first name is pronounced "Qwah-day," by the way.

Full List:

1. Michael Porter, Missouri
2. Marvin Bagley III, Dook
3. DeAndre Ayton, Arizona
4. Mohamed Bamba, Texas
5. Trevon Duval, Dook
6. Diallo, UK
7. Collin Sexton, Alabama
8. Jaren Jackson, Mich St
9. Knox, UK
10. Omari Spellman, Villanova
11. Trae Young, Oklahoma
12. Wendell Carter, Dook
13. Lonnie Walker, Miami
14. Troy Brown, Oregon
15. Brandon McCoy, UNLV
16. Washington, UK
17. Jaylen Hands, UCLA
18. Green, UK
19. Billy Preston, Kansas
20. Gary Trent, Dook

 

[Catclass15]

So ky and duke have 40 percent of the top 20, sounds about right.

 

[Jazzycat]

Petty at Alabama is going to be good, as well....

 

[Lempface]

So ky and duke have 40 percent of the top 20, sounds about right.

Fuke Duck

 

[bucsrule8872]

21. Richards

Going to be a load inside once Payne and Cal get through with him.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

That's bullsh$t. We were robbed.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Vanderbilt?

 

[GonzoCat90]

Look at the eligibility questions at the top of that list.

Also Troy Brown should be higher.