Ranking the freshman seasons of former number one high school recruits

SYRACUSE, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Former Syracuse Orange player Carmelo Anthony (C) receives his jersey from athletic director Daryl Gross (L) as his number is retired during a ceremony at half time during the game against the Georgetown Hoyas at the Carrier Dome on February 23, 2013 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Nate Shron/Getty Images) /

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Jahlil Okafor (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

Ranking the freshman seasons of former number one high school recruits: 3. Jahlil Okafor

Freshman stats: 17.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.4 bpg

Playing with your back to the basket is a lost art but Jahlil Okafor did his best to bring the big man back. Okafor dominated in high school and despite having a long list of future NBA All-Stars in his class, including the likes of Karl Anthony Towns, Devin Booker, and D’Angelo Russell – Okafor was the best of the best.

The University of Duke did their best to wine and dine Okafor and luckily for them, it worked. The throwback big man officially made the decision to sign with coach Krzyzewski.

Okafor was a monster during his lone year in college. He dropped 17.3 points a night, grabbed 8.5 boards, and blocked 1.4 shots a game. For his efforts, Okafor was a consensus All-American, ACC Rookie of the Year, and ACC Player of the Year as well.

Things couldn’t have gone any better for Okafor. He established himself as arguably the best player in the country and led the Blue Devils to an NCAA Title in the process. His NBA career didn’t quite pan out due to his inability to adapt his game but in terms of his success in college, Okafor was one of the best.

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