Busting Brackets CBB Town Square meeting while sitting at a Roundtable
By Joe Nardone
Who is the best freshman?
Kids in diapers or something. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
JN: Tough, tough question. Whoever thought of it is certainly a genius. At this point in time I will go with Jabari Parker. Man, I know he is struggling and all, but I still think his game is the best among the freshman. Maybe not as much at the next level, but at the CBB one. He just needs to get over this slump. I would also like to note that I have changed my mind four different times during the time it took me to answer this question.
BLW: Jabari Parker. I might be tainted here because I’ve seen more of Parker than any other freshman. This guy is physically a full-grown man. He’s also very versatile.
JM: Yes he’s cooled off since conference play started but Jabari Parker is still averaging 19 points and 7 rebounds on the season, which when factored in with the flashes of brilliance he’s shown, it’s hard not to give it to him over Julius Randle. While I think Randle has shown an incredible ability to score in a number of ways, I think Parker has stood out as the leader of his Duke squad, where he’s able to not just create his own shot whenever/wherever he wants it, but he’s been able to get better shots for his teammates as well. Parker hasn’t been Andrew Wiggins on the defensive end, but he has great awareness and poise, and has been great at attacking the rim despite not having elite athleticism. Through the first month and a half of the season, Parker looked like the most talented player in the country, I’m sure that thought will prevail quite a few more times amongst college basketball fans over the next couple of months.