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Top Of The Class: Ranking The Top Incoming Freshmen Players

By Ian Flickinger-Galeza

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One Hit Wonders: Dwayne Bacon and P.J. Dozier

This isn’t meant as an insult as it does in the music industry, so there won’t be an comparisons to Macklemore. No texts from Dwayne Bacon to Stephen Zimmerman saying, “I robbed you man. You should have won …” after the dunk contest.

While their teams don’t have the prowess of the powerhouse programs, both Bacon and Dozier are two underrated players capable of a performance on their own, whether it be an awesome dunk or a major upset. Expect to hear their names next season.

Bacon: 6-6, 210-pounds, SF, Florida State

Bacon won the McDonald’s All American Game Powerade Jamfest after dunking over former NBA player Jalen Rose. The combo G/F from Oak Hill Academy averaged 25.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and five assists last year, and is one of the most explosive scorers in the class. He’s a monster on the break and can score off the bounce or in catch-and-shoot situations.

Playing for a rebuilding Florida State, Bacon will be expected to carry the load on offense, and he won’t disappoint. While he needs to improve his shot selection and range offensively, and has a ton of work to go on defense, the possibility for a top-10 play is there every time he catches the ball.

Expect lots of highlights from Bacon his freshman year, and plenty of awful jokes from Dick Vitale about his name.

Dozier: 6-6, 197, PG, South Carolina

The lanky South Carolina signee has the ability to be a program-elevating type of player if he’s given the freedom to do so early on in South Carolina. The Spring Valley High School alumni averaged 18.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists his senior year.

A threat to score off the dribble, Dozier has expanded his range out to the three-point line, and with his size, is capable of passing over anyone guarding him on defense. On the other side of the ball Dozier can be a game-changer, capable of shutting down the opposing teams best scorer.

P.J. is the type of player that could (and probably will have to) put up big numbers for South Carolina to beat the tougher SEC teams.  Dozier is a major signing for his hometown Gamecocks, and has the talent to lead them to an upset or two next year.

Next: Can Simmons Save The SEC?

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