Predicting the impact of a freshman is difficult — each experience is different for every player for a variety of reasons.
The adjustment from high school star to college freshman is major. It is a brand-new world and the variables that affect their impact on the game are plentiful. The rankings and accolades they have on their basketball résumé cannot help them at this level and the physical demands of competing with other high-level athletes as well as learning a new system on a daily basis coupled with the mental demands of a new academic routine are certainly tough.
The accountability level is high and freshman impact can present itself in a few different ways. It can look like the instant scoring punch or it can look like the defensive stopper. It can also look like promising future stardom or a valuable role player who spells the senior when they need a break.
The depth of the roster and the non-conference into conference load are different everywhere and each freshman deserves the time to grow into their role. Approaching that challenge with humility, discipline, and consistency is key as they have to have a methodical and mature approach to the process.
One thing rings true amongst all the staffs that were consulted: No one knows how the freshman will impact their…
