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Alabama freshman forward Noah Clowney has turned into one of the hottest names in college basketball.
Heading into the 2022-23 NCAA season, Clowney was ranked 68th out of high school by ESPN. The fourth-ranked Crimson Tide (9-1) have been one of the tougher teams in college basketball to start the year. Part of that reason has been the outstanding play of freshman forward and potential NBA draft lottery pick, Brandon Miller.
While Miller has been getting all of the buzz, his teammate Noah Clowney has been impressive lately. In his first seven games of the season, Clowney was averaging 6.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. While the numbers were respectable, they weren't anything that was pushing the needle for Clowney as a potential draft prospect.
But recently the light has started to come on for the 6-foot-10 forward. In his last three games, Clowney has averaged 16.3 ppg, 9.7 rpg and 1.7 bpg. During that span, the freshman forward shot 56.3%, including 38.9% from 3-point range.
One of his most notable performances came against the previously top-ranked team in the country. In a 71-65 win at then-No. 1 Houston on Saturday, Clowney finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks.
Alabama freshman Noah Clowney turning heads in college basketball
The Alabama Crimson Tide are starting to cement themselves as one of the top teams in college basketball. The team has already added some impressive wins to their resume this season.
Alabama has defeated two teams that were ranked No. 1 at the time (topping North Carolina 103-101 in four overtimes) as well as No. 12 Michigan State. Its only loss came to UConn, which is now ranked No. 3. The Crimson Tide are 9-1 after Tuesday night's 91-88 win against Memphis.
The next challenge for the Crimson Tide will be going up against the 15th-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs (8-3) in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday. After an impressive stretch of games, it will be another opportunity for Noah Clowney to cement himself as a potential 2023 NBA draft prospect.
Noah Clowney continues to showcase some fascinating long-term upside for the next level. At 6-foot-10, 210 pounds, Clowney has the size and versatility to be an intriguing asset in the paint. He's also shown a respectable outside shot that looks to be trending in the right direction. If Clowney can continue to produce at a consistent rate, he's going to be skyrocketing up NBA draft boards.
His next test will be one of his toughest, as Clowney will go toe-to-toe with Gonzaga veteran big man Drew Timme on Saturday.
