Top 5 Big Ten Freshman To Watch For 2014-15
By Jacob Rude
After being one of the strongest conferences in 2012-13, the Big Ten took a slight step back last year. Last season, they sent six players to the Big Dance, down from the seven they sent the year prior.
However, an influx of freshman could revitalize the parity in the conference. A handful of key recruits could help alter the landscape in the Big Ten. We’ll take a look at five freshman to keep an eye on for the year.
James Blackmon, G, Indiana
One of the purest scorers in the class, if not the best, Blackmon will give Tom Crean an outside scorer they lacked last year. Too often the team relied on Yogi Ferrell to create, but Blackmon gives them immense scoring.
Scout raves highly about Blackmon, calling him the #1 shooter in the class:
"His jump shot is so devastatingly effective it doesn’t merit the words to describe it. There’s nothing he needs to improve"
Blackmon may not only be the best freshman scorer in the conference, but he’s going to put his name among the best in the entire conference. Depending on how quickly and effectively he can adapt to the college game as a scorer, Crean may have a one-and-done player on his hands and a hole to fill next years.
D’Angelo Russell, G, Ohio State
After a disappointing season last year that saw them finish in the middle of the Big Ten, Thad Matta brought in a talented recruiting class that features Russell. A combo guard with a great ability to create, Russell will be able to add an extra dynamic to the Buckeyes offense.
A versatile perimeter player, Russell can step in and either score at the basket, which he is capable of, or create for teammates, which he has a knack for. His scoring ability will get him on the court, and his leadership ability will keep him there. Russell could become a general of this team and for Matta.
Keita Bates-Diop, F, Ohio State
To along with Russell, Bates-Diop will bring talent to the forward position. A 6’7″, 190 pound small forward, Bates-Diop brings length and scoring around the basket. A top-10 small forward in the class, Bates-Diop will pair nicely in the front court with senior center Amir Williams.
Bates-Diop will likely be featured as a stretch forward or a small forward, but from either position he’ll be able to score given his range and ability. For a team that lost so much talent last year, both Bates-Diop and Russell will bring scoring to the Buckeyes program and help return them to the top.
Kameron Chatman, F, Michigan
The departure of Nik Stauskas, Gary Harris, and Mitch McGary will leave lots of holes for the Wolverines to fill. However, versatile forward Chatman can do a little bit of each to fill the respective holes.
An above average passer, Chatman can be a play-maker at the small forward spot. While his jumper could use some work, he does have an ability to score, but lacks the consistency. He makes up for it with his great rebounding and crashes the boards especially hard on offense. At 6’7″, he can create match-up problems with many forwards across the country.
While Chatman won’t be able to do it alone, he can help fill a little bit of each of the holes left by Michigan’s departing players last year.
Victor Law, G, Northwestern
The last player listed is a bit of a wildcard, but could have a big impact for the Wildcats this year. Victor Law is a big time scorer who excels at nearly every facet of shooting. His has range, he can catch and shoot, he can knock down mid-range jumpers.
Better yet, at 6’7″, he can handle the ball and create from the wing, something that will certainly cause headaches for opposing teams. Under second-year head coach Chris Collins, Law could be the guy to help catapult the Wildcats into the tournament, something they have famously yet to succeed at doing.