Which freshmen are you most excited to watch this fall/winter? And which freshmen will have the biggest impact on their teams? — Shane H.[/b]
My answer probably is the same for both: I’m intrigued by the big guys. Who will be the best college player among the trio of James Wiseman, Isaiah Stewart and Vernon Carey? Wiseman probably has the most riding on him, in terms of cementing the Penny Hardaway era at Memphis in only the second year of said era. But we’ve wondered internally at The Athletic if Stewart won’t be the most productive college player out of all of them — not necessarily the best long-term pro or whatever, but just the most impactful guy at this level, this year.
I can see it only because Mike Hopkins will be absolutely fine playing one-in and four-out and running things through Stewart. Washington played that way with Noah Dickerson and it’s part of what enticed Stewart to hop on board. The Huskies just need outside shooting to keep defenses honest. Quade Green could help there when eligible, for sure. Jaden McDaniels — yes, he’s big, but he doesn’t necessarily play a “big” spot, so that’s why he’s not in this discussion — can also draw attention and space the floor a bit.