How Good Is This Freshman Class?
February 21st, 2008 at 1:30 pmBy Chris
The Angry T asked a good question about the current crop of college basketball freshman we hear about, night in, night out:
Is this the best collective freshman class ever? Judging by the data compiled, the argument is certainly there. While some will be quick to point out the Fab Five class, has any group of freshman had this much impact? The names are plentiful:
Michael Beasley of Kansas State, Eric Gordon of Indiana, Derrick Rose of Memphis, Deandre Jordan of Texas A&M, Kentucky’s Patrick Patterson, UCLA’s Kevin Love, OJ Mayo of USC… the list goes on and on.
For Beasley, he’s on track to win the overall Player of the Year award, which would make him only the second freshman to do so. Imagine Kentucky without Patterson or UCLA without Kevin Love. How about no Mayo at USC? Would any of these teams be anywhere without their vaunted freshmen?
With UK and Kansas State, their respective freshman are so valuable, their teams would probably be having losing seasons without them. So again the question is posed, is this the best freshman class ever? If you need some more data before you make your decision, check out the Angry T post and their in-depth statistical breakdown of each player.
Going by their research, it’s hard to say no. As a Kentucky supporter, all I can say is, “Thank God for Patrick Patterson.” I couldn’t imagine how bad this season would be if he choose Florida over UK…
February 21st, 2008 at 1:37 pm
If not for Beasley, I think P Pat would have to be considered for freshman of the year. I think he’s got SEC POY wrapped up. Can’t wait ’til next year!
February 21st, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Eric Gordon.
February 23rd, 2008 at 8:44 pm
SEC freshman POY that is.