2. RJ Barrett, Duke
Previous rank: 1st
Position: Guard/Forward
Height: 6-foot-7
Stats: 22.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 2.0 3PM, 40.8 percent shooting, 31.6 percent on three-pointers
RJ Barrett was the top college player entering the 2018-19 season, but not only did someone take this spot, but he played his way out of it. Unexpected for a player thought to be a dynamic scorer, and he still has 22.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
However, the shooting percentages for the Canadian freshman don’t level stand well and paint the picture of an inefficient player. That’s with a high 35.6 usage percentage and 48.0 true shooting percentage, as SB Nation noted.
Barrett’s moves to the rim still top most collegiate players, and he will continue to find points for Duke and in the NBA. For now, his stock is down.
How high can Zion Williamson jump?
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 16, 2018
He'd still be able to dunk if they raised the rim this much 👀 pic.twitter.com/6MbWglm85j
1. Zion Williamson, Duke
Previous rank: 2nd
Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-7
Stats: 20.7 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 2.7 BPG, 0.3 3PM, 65.3 percent shooting, 25.0 percent on three-pointers
It took Zion Williamson one game to solidify his standing in college basketball and the NBA Draft. The Duke vs. Kentucky matchup placed a spotlight on this superstar freshman, and he balled out for 28 points and seven rebounds and flashed the freakish athleticism only seen on YouTube.
It didn’t stop there. Williamson delivered 27 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and six blocks against Army on 11-for-14 shooting.
Since then, Williamson’s numbers have dipped slightly, and the one knock is the lack of an outside game, but he also doesn’t need to shoot when able to overpower everyone to score at will.
The latest litmus test — a game against Gonzaga — resulted in 22 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks on 50 percent shooting. So there’s no doubt what he can do against top competition.
New York Knicks fans will salivate over Williamson potentially playing in the orange and blue for 2018-19. There’s much basketball to play before this becomes realistic, and it likely requires the No. 1 pick in June to make happen.