Connor Cagley, Big Sports Radio Basketball Writer
January 8, 2022
Brice Sensabaugh courtesy Predictem.com
Coming into conference play across the country, let’s examine how the 2022 freshman class is performing relative to expectations since the beginning of the season. We are seeing a differentiation of performance as the freshmen find out that results are more important than their ranking prior to arriving on campus. The groups of players can be broken down into three basic groups: those that are exceeding expectations, those that are meeting expectations, and those that are underwhelming.
This the first installment in a series of six. It will focus on four of the top eight players exceeding expectations.
Brandon Miller, small forward for Alabama, came into the season as the fourteenth ranked freshman using composite rankings. It would be tough to argue that he’s not the best freshman in the country. Miller is reminiscent of LA Clipper forward Paul George due to his wiry frame and ability to shoot the ball.
His play so far has vaulted him to a top five pick on draft boards. Averaging 19.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, he’s shown the ability to score from all three levels and is a focal point for the number seventh ranked Crimson Tide. Even more impressive is that he’s shooting 43.3% from the three on over seven attempts per game.
Coming into the summer Gregory Jackson II was potentially going in to his senior year of high school and committed to North Carolina. Flash forward six months and he’s in his freshman season for the South Carolina Gamecocks, playing a year earlier and at a different school than expected and excelling in the college ranks. His team, unfortunately, is not very good outside of him. This puts a lot of pressure on him to produce as their leading scorer and rebounder.
The 6’9” power forward averages 15.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and shoots the ball 40.4% from the field and 32.1% from the three. Jackson would surely like to enjoy more team success; nonetheless, he’s showing his decision to enroll in college early was the correct one. He’s outperforming all but a few of the class a year older than him. He still needs to improve his jumper for the next level, but he’s shown real potential as a shooter from all levels of the floor.
Brice Sensabaugh is a 6’6” forward for Ohio State. He’s currently the Buckeyes leading scorer despite only averaging 23 minutes per game. He’s averaging 16.6 points per game and 4.6 rebounds, while shooting the ball 43.2% from the three and 51.9% from the field. Relative to expectations, his performance may be the most impressive. He came into the season ranked 64th nationally in the 2022 class and was the 3rd highest recruit on his squad alone behind Roddy Gayle and Bruce Thornton.
Sensabaugh is already putting up impressive numbers, and has potential to go well beyond where he is today. To capitalize on that potential, he will need to put in the time in the weight room and focus on becoming a playmaker.
Cason Wallace is a combo guard for the Kentucky Wildcats. He was brought in for his defensive prowess and he’s a very good defender, despite being just a freshman. Where he’s been a surprise is his offensive game – he averages 12.1 points and 3.9 assists while shooting 41.9% from the three and 46.6% from the field. He’s the Wildcats’ 2nd leading scorer behind reigning national player of the year, Oscar Tshiebwe. He’s also 5th in the SEC for steals per game.
Kentucky was looking to get good shooters around Tshiebwe, and Wallace has come through . His opportunity for continued growth is free-throw shooting – at 57.7%, his average is well below what he’s capable of.
The next installment in this series of six will focus on four more class of 2022 players who are exceeding expectations.
