'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAYACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABjAAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABhAAAQQBAgcAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgEDBBEAEiEFBwgTFCJBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAFBhEAAQQCAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDESEABBIUMf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AlY/JKK1FihIdhOyKIEf8ZPcaQaJPm1peTUrp1bclPGzxgGWicJQa7GvQKrsOpV3rGMlu9tIHJLlmJoYu1rMuSFJkDyzn/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
As this college basketball season has gotten into full swing, we’re checking in on the elite freshmen. They've established their roles with their Power Five teams and are looking to impress NBA scouts with their elite skills.
Anthony Black of Arkansas continues to contribute at a high level, although his usage has gone down with the return of guard Nick Smith. Black should find his way back onto the list before the season is over.
Kyle Flipowski was added at No. 6 because he has been playing exceptionally well. However, we could not leave Gradey Dick out of the rankings any longer.
#6, Kyle Filipowski, Duke
Flipowski could be the most important piece for No. 14 Duke (10-2) to succeed, although some may argue Jeremy Roach could be. Flipowski, however, cannot move up the rankings because he hasn't consistently imposed his will in every game like the five ranked ahead of him. Flipowski went 5-for-15 in scoring 12 points with 10 rebounds in a 74-62 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes on Dec. 6.
The big man has started to draw comparisons with Lauri Markanen of the Utah Jazz. The way he is able to stretch the court is nothing short of amazing. A limber, lanky big man with guard abilities is rare and essential in today's NBA.
#5, Jett Howard, Michigan
Howard has impressed under his father's tutelage as the Wolverines (7-3) prepare for a big matchup in the first Jumpman Invitational against the North Carolina Tar Heels (8-4) on Wednesday.
Howard tied his season high with 19 points in an 83-75 win over Lipscomb on Saturday.
His shooting from beyond the arc has been going through dry spells. As a prototypical 3-and-D guy, Howard needs to get out of this rut and find his way to consistent shooting.
Howard has been consistent with maintaining possession of the ball as well, until the last two games (two turnovers in each). It can be looked upon as encouraging, as the Miami native has shown his ability to create and score on the ball as well.
Howard is still showing the flashes that have NBA scouts excited about his potential. Like this sweet behind-the-back finish on a breakaway against Lipscomb. Howard's matchup against an elite defender, Carolina's Leachy Black, can also prove to doubters that Howard can score with the best of the best in the country.
#4, Keyonte George, Baylor
Keyonte, one of the country's highest-regarded recruits coming into the season, enters the rankings. He was consistent early in the season, however, there were no real definitive plays or games that noted his dominance early. However, his 18-point game powered a 64-63 a win over the then-No. 14 Gonzaga Bulldogs on Dec. 2 to put the country on notice.
The Texas native has the highest usage percentage (31.3%) and the second-highest PER (14.6) on the team. He is an above-average defender, and if a freshman is able to defend, he will see the floor when he makes it to campus.
George has to become a better 3-point shooter. However, because he is such an efficient slasher and scorer in the midrange, long-distance shooting is something that the 12th-ranked Bears (8-2) are not asking him to do.
George will be a staple in our rankings as the Bears look to make it back to the Final Four after the Bears' stunning second-round exit last season.
#3, Jarace Walker, Houston
Walker has impressed as No. 3 Houston (11-1) was ranked No. 1 in the country before a 71-65 loss to Alabama on Dec. 10. Walker finished with eight points, five rebounds, two steals, two blocks and two assists in a high-powered matchup that was dominated by the guards on both teams.
Walker showed his impact as he came out of his rut against then-No. 2 Virginia in a top five matchup, helping Houston win 69-61 on Saturday. He dominated for 39 minutes with one of his most efficient games of the season, finishing with 17 points while shooting 55%, including 67% from 3-point range. He added seven rebounds, four assists, a block and a steal.
One of the best decision-makers in this upcoming draft continues to impress as the season goes on.
#2, Gradey Dick, Kansas
A repeat at a national championship is very much in reach for the No. 4 Jayhawks (10-1) when they have one of the country's best players in a phenomenal freshman. Dick has not had a game under 15 points in five games, shooting 50% from 3-point range, in this stretch as well. His 31 3-pointers lead the Big 12.
He is an exceptional defender in the passing lanes, averaging almost two steals a game. The Sunrise Christian graduate has a true shooting percentage of 65%. He is one of the country's best shooters, celebrating shots before they even go in the rim and we are only in December.
An exceptional player who has lottery pick potential should be one of the most highly regarded freshmen in March and April as the Jayhawks could hit a scary stride.
#1, Brandon Miller, Alabama
The Tennessee native has been nothing short of magnificent all season for No. 9 Alabama (9-2). He did not disappoint in a 100-90 loss against Gonzaga on Saturday. He totaled 36 points, as he hit six 3-pointers and went 100% from the free-throw line.
Gonzaga's Drew Timme was asked about Miller after the game and had high praise for the freshman.
"Draft lottery guy ... he's a hell of a player. He really stepped up when his team needed him," Timme said.
The go-to double-digit scorer in his first season is 20 years old. He is NBA-ready today. One thing that is understood is that Miller is the most consistent and so far the best freshman player of the season so far.
We have to end with one more interesting comparison of Miller that we have seen so far. Auburn's Jabari Smith Jr., the No. 2 pick in June, is a popular comparison for Miller right now. Check out the similar mannerisms the two possess.
