Top Of The Class: Ranking The Top Incoming Freshmen Players

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Mar 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All American athlete Ben Simmons (25) poses for pictures during portrait day at the Westin Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All American athlete Ben Simmons (25) poses for pictures during portrait day at the Westin Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Did you ever read XXL Magazine’s Freshmen List? Every year they put together a list of the top up and coming hip-hop and rap artists: some that had already started building up a strong mainstream following, and others who were still building buzz underground.

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The list has produced a number of different types of artists: some of their alumni have gone on to be strong commercial artists (Wiz Khalifa, J. Cole, Big Sean); others have strong fan bases, without producing as consistently as the first group (Kid Cudi, Meek Mill, Wale?); others are one-year wonders (Mac Miller, Rich Boy, Macklemore).

What does all this have to do with college basketball? Nothing in particular, but with the 2014-15 season a distant memory and the top NCAA players declaring for the NBA Draft, it’s never too early to begin looking towards next season.

Most of the top players in the Class of 2015 have picked their school, but there are a few at the top who have yet to make a decision, including four of the top 10 in ESPN’s Top 100. This group features super-skilled scoring guards, a few of imported superstars from across the globe, and a bevy of talented big men —  but who’s going to make a true impact and who’s going to flame out?

Instead of listing off the top players, let’s look at this outside box. Presenting HoopsHabit’s Freshmen Class Rankings.

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