Fultz is a sensational playmaker and finisher around the basket. His laid-back demeanor shouldn’t be confused for fear, as Fultz is a killer with the ball in his hands. The Huskies likely have another freshman stud.
9. JARON BLOSSOMGAME (CLEMSON FORWARD)
He has always been underappreciated but finally gained some deserved recognition after posting 18.7 points and 6.7 rebounds a game last year. Blossomgame can take over the game on both ends and will be Clemson’s leader once again.
8. MONTE MORRIS (IOWA STATE GUARD)
Longtime leader Georges Niang graduated, so Morris is going to need to take over a chunk of that load. Morris is one of the best at controlling the game. He averaged 6.9 assists to only 1.6 turnovers last season and should be an All-American as a senior.
7. DILLON BROOKS (OREGON FORWARD)
Brooks led the breakout Oregon team that made it to the Elite Eight with averages of 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He might not be a great athlete, but Brooks is a skilled forward who will be the best wing player in the Pac-12.
6. MELO TRIMBLE (MARYLAND GUARD)
Last year was a disappointment for the preseason Big Ten Player of the Year. Trimble will get back on track this year, and he should be near the top of the national leaders in scoring and assists.
5. JOSH HART (VILLANOVA GUARD)
Hart does it all — he defends, rebounds, shoots, posts up, attacks the basket and distributes. Villanova was glad to hear its best player would return. Hart is the glue that keeps the Wildcats together, and he also pushes them to an elite level.
4. GRAYSON ALLEN (DUKE GUARD)
As much as Allen’s arrogance rubs people the wrong way, his athleticism, penetrating ability and shooting range will make him one of the top offensive weapons in America. As a junior, he should be the leading scorer on the nation’s deepest team.
3. JOSH JACKSON (KANSAS FORWARD)
It’s rare to find a freshman who plays with the effort that Jackson does. His tremendous athleticism allows him to be a lockdown defender and capable slasher. He’s got all of the ability and work ethic to be a program-changing talent at Kansas.
2. HARRY GILES (DUKE FORWARD)
If healthy, Giles can show why he has the most superstar potential in the country. Giles has an incredible motor that allows him to make the most out of his natural athleticism, magnetic hands and scoring touch. Duke should have another top-five NBA draft pick.
1. IVAN RABB (CALIFORNIA FORWARD)
Rabb would have been an NBA lottery pick. He shot 61 percent from the field on his way to averaging 12.5 points and 8.6 rebounds last season. Rabb’s dedication to improvement will lead to exponential growth in his body and game. He is going to be a monster next season.