The NBA Draft took place on Thursday at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. Former Kentucky Wildcats superstar Anthony Davis was the top pick after being selected by the New Orleans Hornets. Fresh off leading the Cats to the national title, Davis is the clear cut prize of this year's NBA draft class. The rest of the draft yielded some surprises.
In the spirit of draft week, CLA has decided to hold a college basketball draft lottery for incoming freshmen. There are several talented ballers ready to make their imprint on the national scene. Much like the NBA Draft, not all projections hold true and there are always hidden gems waiting to be discovered. After a spirited debate in the Team CLA war room, we have assembled a list of the Top 14 incoming freshmen expected to make an immediate impact next season.
1. Shabazz Muhammad
(UCLA)
Despite a talented crop of incoming big men, former Bishop Gorman swingman Shabazz Muhammad is the first selection in the CLA College Draft Lottery. Muhammad is taking his talents to Westwood where he joins a star studded freshman class determined to return the UCLA Bruins to glory.
Shabazz has the all around game and athletic ability to be a dominant collegiate from day one. At 6-6 220, Muhammad was the MVP of the 2012 McDonald's All-American game with an impressive 21 point six rebound performance. Expect Muhammad to lead the Bruins to a great season.
2. Nerlens Noel
(Kentucky)
Highly touted big man Nerlens Noel should make an immediate impact for defending national champion Kentucky next season. Noel is expected to replace the production that Anthony Davis supplied the Wildcats last year.
At 6-10 215, Noel is an exceptional shot blocker that rebounds the ball at a high rate. As he gets stronger and works on his offensive game, Noel should quickly become one of the more dynamic players in the country.
3. Isaiah Austin
(Baylor)
Versatile big guy Isaiah Austin has a lot of upside and is worth the hype. Assuming he puts on some weight, the 7-0 210 pound Austin has the ball handling skills and quickness to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenders.
With Quincy Miller and Perry Jones III off to the NBA, Baylor is hoping Austin acclimates himself to the college game quickly. CLA believes Isaiah's athleticism and versatility will make that transition painless.
4. Anthony Bennett
(UNLV)
Findlay Prep standout Anthony Bennett spurned Florida and Kentucky in favor of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels. Bennett has the perfect game for the Rebels up tempo style and should flourish. At 6-8 230, Bennett possesses the versatility to play inside or out.
If Bennett can stay healthy, expect UNLV to be a force to reckon with in March.
5. Kyle Anderson
(UCLA)
The UCLA Bruins have another top 5 incoming freshman in former St. Anthony's star Kyle Anderson. At 6-8 215, Anderson has a great feel for the game and makes his teammates better. Anderson's point guard skills and unselfish nature should complement Shabazz Muhammad as well as fellow freshmen Tony Parker and Jordan Adams.
Expect Anderson to be an immediate stud on the court and lead the Bruins to a historic season.
6. Mitch McGary
(Michigan)
The Michigan Wolverines will finally have a low post scoring threat with the arrival of Mitch McGary to Ann Arbor. McGary should thrive in head coach John Beilein's offense and benefit from playing with point guard Trey Burke.
McGary should play a key role in leading the Wolverines to a big season and deep tournament run.
7. Kaleb Tarczewski
(Arizona)
The Arizona Wildcats heralded freshmen class is highlighted by seven footer Kaleb Tarczewski. The big man should produce from day one and be a force in the middle. Kaleb possesses a solid all around game for his size.
8. Archie Goodwin
(Kentucky)
Fresh off Championship Game MVP honors in the Arkansas Class 5A State title game, former Sylvan Hills star guard Archie Goodwin is a complete player whose game translates well to the college level. Goodwin will attend Kentucky and be expected to lead the Wildcats back to the Final Four.
9. Brandon Ashley
(Arizona)
The second Arizona freshman to make the list is former Findlay College Prep (Oakland, CA) forward Brandon Ashley. At 6-8 230, Ashley should flourish in head coach Sean Miller's system and provide scoring production on a consistent basis.
10. Alex Poythress
(Kentucky)
Kentucky head coach John Calipari should love incoming freshman Alex Poythress. The former Northeast High (TN) star forward combines superb athleticism with a deadly jumper, making him a valuable commodity for the Wildcats.
11. Gary Harris
(Michigan State)
Shooting guard Gary Harris should be a handful for opposing defenses to contain next season. At 6-4 200, Harris is super quick and attacks the rim with ferocity. The reigning Mr. Basketball in the state of Indiana, Harris will play a pivotal role in the Spartans success for years to come.
12. Przemek Karnowski
(Gonzaga)
The top European center Przemek Karnowski chose Gonzaga over Duke and Cal and is headed to the Pacific Northwest. The seven footer from Poland has a good skill set with a solid low post game. Karnowski has benefited from playing for the Polish under-19 national team at the World Championships and should make an immediate impact for the Zags.
13. Sam Dekker
(Wisconsin)
After dropping 40, including the game-winning three pointer in the state championship game, Wisconsin Mr. Basketball Sam Dekker has earned his spot on the list. The star forward will stay close to home and play for the Bo Ryan and the Badgers. Expect Dekker to spread the floor and become a solid contributor for Wisconsin for the foreseeable future.
14. Gabe York
(Arizona)
With his incredible athleticism and long range sharpshooting, former Orange Lutheran guard Gabe York should thrive at the next level. York joins a star laden freshman class at Arizona and will be expected to provide production in the backcourt from the opening tip.
