NCAA Basketball: Top 25 most impactful freshmen for 2019-20 season
By Brian Rauf
24) Avery Anderson III, PG/SG, Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State is still building under head coach Mike Boynton and have needed an influx of top-end talent, particularly on the offensive end. Anderson figures to be able to help with that right away.
A 6-2 combo guard, Anderson is extremely fast and quick, which allows him to get to the rim with ease. And, once there, he has a wide array of moves that allow him to finish over length. He’s an inconsistent shooter at this point but has good mechanics and can take over a game when he gets hot.
Anderson is at his best in transition. That’s when his quality athleticism and speed is on full display, and he relentlessly attacks the defense. Oklahoma State hasn’t been great in that area and Anderson figures to give them an upgrade. Those physical tools also make him a quality on-ball defender, too.
He needs to get better as a playmaker, which may keep him from playing point guard for the Cowboys right away, but they need scoring. No one averaged more than 12.3 points per game for them last season.
Even if Anderson doesn’t crack his way into the starting lineup, he’ll play a major offensive role off the bench – and he’ll be good for a few highlight plays over the course of the season.