Jahlil Okafor (C)-Duke
Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski finally landed the force down low that the Blue Devils have missed for years. Okafor has NBA size (6’11, 272 pounds) and scouts are already pegging him as the No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft. The Chicago native has soft hands, great footwork, and is comfortable maneuvering with his back to the basket. He’s not a game-changing athlete, but his basketball IQ, size, and ability to score set him apart from the rest.
Karl Towns (C)- Kentucky
John Calipari continues to recruit the best prospects in the country year after year, and Karl Towns is no different. Towns runs the floor very well for a player his size (7’0, 255) and plays above the rim. He has great length, with the the potential to be very disruptive on defense. It’s yet to be seen how exactly Calipari will utilize his strengths, but Towns has range out to the 3-point line and could be used as a stretch four or five in some instances. As stated above, Okafor is talked about as the No. 1 pick, but don’t count out Towns. Although raw, he may have the most upside and potential of the two.
Kelly Oubre (SF) – Kansas
With the departure of Andrew Wiggins to the NBA, Kelly Oubre will certainly get his fair share of touches during his freshman campaign. Oubre has solid size for his position (6’6, 205). He plays well in transition and is great at getting to the basket and finishing around the rim. He needs to work on his jump shot and his defense needs some work too. Head coach Bill Self will trot out a dynamic duo in Oubre and sophomore Wayne Selden, which should keep Jayhawk fans happy throughout the season.
Stanley Johnson (SF) – Arizona
Johnson may be the most physically imposing freshman who plays on the wing (6’7, 245). He’s the type of player you want to have on your team. He’s a great defender and can guard multiple positions. His high-motor, willingness to compete, and overall defensive abilities give him the chance to be an elite swingman. That combination of speed and strength is very difficult to contain and will give opposing teams fits. Although much improved, don’t expect Johnson to be a knockdown three-point shooter. He’s best suited to attack the basket and is not afraid of contact. Solid finisher around the basket and is also willing passer. Johnson is one of the most well-rounded players in this class.
Cliff Alexander (PF/C)- Kansas
Not many programs in the country can replace a Top 5 pick. But Kansas may just do that. After losing center Joel Embiid to the NBA, Cliff Alexander is looking to fill that void. Alexander is everything you want in a big man. A tough-minded player who can rebound and block shots. It just so happens, he can do both…and very well. In fact, Alexander plays just as hard on the offensive glass as he does on the defensive glass. He’s great at boxing out and has a knack for locating the ball in mid-air. You can always count on him to display maximum effort and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Although undersized (6’9, 255 ), Alexander plays much bigger and is ready to make a name for himself this season.
*Section Photo credit to CatsPause.com ; Featured Photo (above) credit to Guy Rhodes, USA Today Sports
