Most talented incoming freshman in college basketball

Canyon Clark, YardBarker | Source: MSN Sports

Some of the premier NCAA college men’s basketball programs in the country have set their sights on winning a national championship after fortifying their rosters with blue-chip recruits. The 2018-19 NCAA college basketball season is set to get underway on Nov. 6.

While the majority of incoming freshman players will be redshirted or receiving limited minutes off the bench, several highly-touted recruits will assume prominent roles for their respective teams.

These are the most talented incoming freshman in college basketball.

Jahvon Quinerly, PG, Villanova

The New Jersey native was ranked as the fifth-best guard prospect in the Class of 2018, yet was also allegedly referenced in the FBI probe into corruption within college basketball.

A five-star recruit and a gifted ball handler, Quinerly is adept at creating separation off the dribble while using quick crossovers to dismantle opposing defenses. He is expected to win the starting point guard job for the Wildcats after Jalen Brunson opted to turn pro instead of returning for his senior season.

Nazreon Reid, PF, LSU

The ultra-talented Reid is one of the nation’s most athletic big men and should easily win a starting role with the Tigers as a true freshman. The 6-foot-9 power forward impressed at the McDonald’s All-American game with his ability to run the floor and lead the fast break like a point guard.

Reid possesses a high basketball I.Q. and is comfortable playing inside as well as away from the basket, displaying a soft shooting touch. The Roselle, New Jersey standout has tremendous upside with all the raw tools reminiscent of Moses Malone.

Charles Bassey, C, Western Kentucky

Bassey is a 6-foot-11 Nigerian who will instantly become the best player in the Conference USA in 2018-19. The five-star recruit, who was already 6-foot-1 at the age of 12, averaged 19.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks during his final season at Aspire Basketball Academy in Louisville.

The 17-year-old is an aggressive rebounder and strong defender, yet needs to improve his offensive moves which lack a consistent post up game. Although there are rumors concerning his eligibility for the Hilltoppers due to a questionable high school diploma, Bassey is considered by several media outlets as a potential 2019 NBA Draft lottery pick.

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