My Midseason Freshman All American Team

By Andrew Musur on January 23, 2015

This year’s college basketball freshmen have been outstanding. The heart and hustle shown by these young fellas across the country is something to take note of.

The transition from high school basketball to college basketball is a huge jump, and it takes players time to get the right footing. Although, it takes most first year players time to adjust, there are a few phenomenal freshmen every year that make the transition look easy.

This year’s freshman class is no different, as a few have changed the landscape of college basketball. Without further adieu, my midseason Freshman All American team:

Point Guard: Tyler Ulis, Kentucky

http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Tyler+Ulis+Texas+Arlington+v+Kentucky+IOg4aFcCM5el.jpg

Stats: 5.6 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 3.6 APG

Why: Tyler Ulis does not lead any freshman categories statistically, but no freshman has been bigger for their team than Ulis. Ulis has constantly stepped up when the Wildcats were in trouble this season.

The Chicago native played his best game of the year when No.4 Louisville came to visit. Ulis went off for 14 points and aided Kentucky as they pulled off a giant top five win. Ulis has been able to use his poise and self-control to provide quality minutes.

The freshman has played extremely smart basketball and has not turned the ball over much; Ulis averages 3.5 assists for every turnover he commits. Ulis has been able to be an effective backup point guard for Kentucky and at times has played better than the starters, Andrew and Aaron Harrison.

Kentucky coach, John Calipari, will have a tough decision to make if the Harrison twins continue to struggle. Ulis will be huge down the stretch as Kentucky tries to stay perfect and win a National Championship.

Shooting Guard: Melo Trimble, Maryland

http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com

Stats: 16.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.0 APG

Why: Maryland native Melo Trimble has been outstanding this season. Trimble has helped lead the Terrapins to a 17-2 record on the year.

The 6-foot-2 guard uses his quick speed and first step to get to the basket. Trimble is a threat not only close to the basket, but also from long range. Shooting nearly 40 percent from behind the arc, Trimble has hit a three in all but four games this season.

Trimble has completely changed Maryland’s offense. An unselfish guard who can beat you off the dribble, Trimble is exactly who I want at the guard position on my All American squad.

Small Forward: Stanley Johnson, Arizona

http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/article/media_slots/photos/001/197/034/ScreenShot2013-11-15at1.49.30PM_crop_exact.png?w=650&h=432&q=85

Stats: 14.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.7 APG

Why: Stanley Johnson has downright dominated for Arizona this year. Johnson has scored double digits in 16 of 18 games, and is the early favorite for Pac 12 Freshman of the year.

The 6-foot-7 wing has shown he can shoot; Johnson is hitting 48 percent of his field goals this year. Johnson uses his quick step to get to the basket. A long and agile wing, Johnson is tough to guard. Johnson also utilizes his long arms to grab rebound after rebound.

Some have compared Johnson to Kevin Durant, as both players are quick and athletic wings. The freshman leads his team in points and rebounds per game, and will need to continue to have a huge year if the Wildcats hope to be in Indianapolis at the end of the year.

Power Forward: Kevon Looney, UCLA

http://image.cdnllnwnl.xosnetwork.com/

Stats: 13.0 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1.8 APG

Why: Kevin Looney is currently the best rebounding freshman in the country. Looney has come up huge for UCLA game after game recording over five rebounds in every game this season.

The 6-foot-9 forward grabbed a career high 19 boards two weeks ago against Stanford. Looney has contributed offensively as well. The freshman is averaging 13 points per game, and has great vision when coming down the court.

The Bruins take on Arizona February 21, and I cannot wait for the Kevin Looney versus Stanley Johnson match-up. Will Looney be able to keep his crown as the best rebounding freshman in the country?

Center: Jahlil Okafor

http://cbssports.com

Stats: 18.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.4 APG

Why: Jahlil Okafor has been the best freshman in college basketball, if not the best player in college basketball. Okafor has simply ruled college basketball.

The 6-foot-11 Chicago freshman has averaged nearly 30 minutes per game, scoring 18.6 points per game. Okafor has scored double digits in every game this season, and has scored 15 or more points in 13 out of 18 games.

Okafor’s fantastic footwork makes it easy for the big man to get baskets. Okafor has become a household name under Duke coach, Mike Krzyzewski’s, system. Okafor is trying to lead Duke to their first National title since 2009-2010.

When it is all said and done, Jahlil Okafor may be the freshman and National player of the year. A soon to be top five draft pick, Okafor has a bright future ahead of him.

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