For the second time in four years, the college basketball national champion was led primarily by freshmen. In fact, all 37 of Duke’s second half points on Monday night were scored by freshmen.
Freshman Tyus Jones was named the Final Four MOP, with teammates Justise Winslow and Jahlil Okafor being right in the conversation, as freshmen, as well. It does beg the question, though, whether that will happen again next season.
With that in mind, we took a look at five incoming freshman heading to Final Four contenders–though one is undecided, he is considering several contenders–next season that could make a push for MOP honors.
Isaiah Briscoe, Kentucky: Briscoe is a dynamic lead guard who is versatile enough to play alongside Tyler Ulis as a scorer, or to take his minutes entirely.
Jaylen Brown, Undecided: Brown hasn’t made his college choice yet, but as one of the top two preps in the country, there’s no doubt that he will give any school a chance to make a deep run into March.
Diamond Stone, Maryland: With Melo Trimble returning for the Terps, the addition of Stone gives Maryland one of the five best rosters in the country.
Chase Jeter, Duke: The Las Vegas native will likely replace Okafor once he declares for the NBA Draft, and is ranked as a five-star center according to Rivals.com.
Allono Trier, Arizona: Trier is one of the premier scorers in the high school ranks, and will be provided plenty of opportunities to fill it up playing for Sean Miller in Tucson.
