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NCAA Basketball: Fabulous freshman of 2016

By Blake Cockrum

Mar 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; From left to right McDonald's All-Americans Josh Jackson (11), Marques Bolden (1), Terrance Ferguson (6), and Jarrett Allen (31) who are all presently undecided on choice of college to attend pose for a group photo before the McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; From left to right McDonald's All-Americans Josh Jackson (11), Marques Bolden (1), Terrance Ferguson (6), and Jarrett Allen (31) who are all presently undecided on choice of college to attend pose for a group photo before the McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All American guard Markelle Fultz (20) poses for photos on portrait day at the Marriott Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All American guard Markelle Fultz (20) poses for photos on portrait day at the Marriott Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Markelle Fultz (Washington)

Markelle Fultz might be the best overall point guard in the class of 2016. Two years ago though, when Fultz didn’t make the varsity basketball team at DeMatha Catholic, few people would have guessed that it would turn out that way.

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In the years since, Fultz has become one of the most coveted players in the country and was recruited by nearly every big-time program in the nation. He committed to Washington over Arizona, Connecticut, Kansas, Louisville and North Carolina, amongst others.

Fultz is fresh off the 2016 U-18 FIBA Americas Tournament in Valdivia, Chile, where the United States won gold and he took home the MVP trophy. He shined in the championship game with a team-high 23 points in a 99-84 victory over Canada.

He averaged 13.8 points, 5.2 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 3.2 steals per game during the five-game tournament. He shot nearly 55 percent from the field, 33 percent from beyond the arc and hit all five free throws he attempted.

Fultz is a 6’4”, 180-pound attack-first guard with great offensive skills, including a good spot-up jumper. He’s got great size and length that he uses to take advantage of smaller defenders on his way to the basket. He’s a capable defender as well, which could be seen in the U-18 FIBA Americas Tournament – he led all players with 3.2 steals per game.

Fultz is a talented, energetic guard with the potential to be a top-5 pick in next year’s NBA Draft. Until that time, the Washington Huskies are going to enjoy having his talents in Seattle.

Next: 3. Jayson Tatum

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