The high school class of 2016 was one of the most highly touted groups in years, with future lottery picks and NBA All-Stars at the top of the rankings and talented pieces throughout the first 30-40 names. And so far, they’re living up to the hype. Each of the top 10 prospects -- aside from the injured Harry Giles -- is averaging at least 12.0 points, while the likes of Josh Jackson, Lonzo Ball, De’Aaron Fox and Markelle Fultz are packing stat-sheets every night and T.J. Leaf and Lauri Markkanen are pushing for double-doubles with regularity. Going through each of the ESPN 100 freshmen, 28 of the top 40 players are averaging at least 8.0 PPG -- with only 15 players ranked between 41 and 100 hitting that mark.
So outside of the stars, which players are exceeding expectations?
Inside the top 50
Zach Collins, Gonzaga: The 7-foot Collins (No. 37) was a McDonald’s All-American last spring, so it’s hard to say he’s truly a surprise -- but he’s given Gonzaga a surprisingly consistent offensive weapon. Despite playing just 17.0 minutes per game, Collins is averaging 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds. His ability to face-up and knock down jumpers makes him a matchup problem for opponents, and will really be tough to stop once West Coast Conference play begins. Collins has the size and skill of an NBA player, and he’s rising in the eyes of scouts. Expect him to continue to improve.
Nick Ward, Michigan State: Ward (No. 39) was thrown into the proverbial fire earlier than expected this season, after preseason injuries to UNLV transfer Ben Carter and senior Gavin Schilling. The need for frontcourt production was exacerbated even further when freshman star Miles Bridges went down with an injury. And Ward has stepped up. Over the last four games, Ward is averaging 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Spartans, while also blocking nearly two shots per game. Ward is extremely efficient around the basket, shooting 64.9 percent from the field in that span.
Robert Williams, Texas A&M: Williams (No. 50) is the early candidate to be this year’s Marquese Chriss: a guy who was ranked around the top 50, but had the size, length and athleticism to be an impact player -- and potential lottery pick -- if he realized his potential quickly. The 6-foot-9 Williams is averaging 9.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks, while shooting 61.5 percent from the field. But it’s more than just the numbers. Williams has a 7-5 wingspan and a great motor, with high-level athleticism and a growing offensive game. He’s just scratching the surface right now.
Inside the top 100
Charlie Moore, California: Among players ranked in the ESPN 100 for 2016, Moore (No. 61) ranks No. 4 in scoring so far, averaging 17.1 points. He originally committed to Memphis, but reopened his recruitment after Josh Pastner went to Georgia Tech. Moore sent a message early this season, scoring 38 points in an overtime win over UC-Irvine, and hasn’t slowed down since. With the departures of Jaylen Brown and Tyrone Wallace, and a back injury to Jabari Bird, Moore has had to carry the scoring load and provide some perimeter balance for Ivan Rabb.
Anthony Cowan, Maryland: Cowan (No. 62) boosted his stock as his high school career progressed, impressing scouts at the Under Armour All-American Camp the summer before his senior year and then continuing to produce as a senior. And as a freshman, Cowan has stepped in immediately alongside Melo Trimble and been excellent as a complementary piece in the backcourt. He leads the team in assists (3.6 APG), is third on the team in scoring (10.2 PPG) and is also grabbing nearly five boards a game.
Myles Powell, Seton Hall: Powell’s shooting ability was never a question at the high school level, as he possessed deep range and could get hot at any time. His 41.5 percent clip from 3-point range as a freshman shows that hasn’t changed with the Pirates. But it’s his physical transformation that has been most impressive. Powell (No. 81) has lost weight and gotten in much better shape. He’s hit a little bit of a slump the past few games, but he’s already scored at least 20 points on two occasions and hasn’t been afraid to shoot (almost six 3s attempted per game).
Carsen Edwards, Purdue: Edwards (No. 88) seemed to be consistently underrated at the high school level, playing alongside five-star recruits De’Aaron Fox and Jarred Vanderbilt on the AAU circuit. But he was as tough as anyone, and made plays -- whether he was playing point or off the ball. Edwards has continued that with the Boilermakers, already supplanting Vincent Edwards in the starting lineup. He’s scored at least 12 points in four of his last five games (11.9 PPG on the season) and is bringing a different dimension to Matt Painter’s offense.
Sam Hauser and Markus Howard, Marquette: Steve Wojciechowski has a nice mix of veterans and newcomers on the roster this season, and Hauser (No. 86) and Howard (No. 84). Hauser has notched 19 points in back-to-back games, now averaging double-figures on the season -- while shooting 52.3 percent from 3. Howard has scored in double-figures in four straight games -- despite averaging fewer than 18 minutes on the season. The two will have a huge test against in-state rival Wisconsin this weekend.
Jared Harper and Danjel Purifoy, Auburn: Bruce Pearl is relying heavily on his freshman class this season, with five-star recruit Mustapha Heron leading the way. But it’s Harper and Purifoy who are picking up the slack behind Heron. Harper (No. 96) has stepped in at the point guard spot, averaging 12.0 points, but Purifoy -- who sat out last season -- has continued to be the 6-foot-7, 230-pound matchup nightmare that separated him in high school, putting up 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
Unranked
Justin Jackson, Maryland: Jackson would have been ranked had he not transferred to The Hill Academy (Canada) for his senior season, due to his versatility and all-around skillset. That has shined immediately in College Park, averaging 10.4 points and 6.4 rebounds, knocking down 47.1 percent of his 3s. Jackson has a 7-3 wingspan, and continues to intrigue NBA scouts.
Marcus LoVett Jr., St. John’s: The Red Storm are struggling once again in Chris Mullin’s second year, but the wait for LoVett has been worth it. LoVett redshirted last season, and people in the St. John’s program couldn’t wait for his arrival. He’s averaging 18.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists -- while shooting 44.4 percent from 3-point range.
Dazon Ingram, Alabama: After missing most of last season with a fractured left foot, Ingram has picked up where he left off prior to the redshirt. He’s coming off a 12-point, six-rebound, six-assist effort in a loss to Texas, and is contributing in a variety of facets. He and ESPN 100 freshman Braxton Key lead the Crimson Tide in scoring.
De’Anthony Melton, USC: Andy Enfield likes having two playmakers in the backcourt at the same time, and Melton has stepped in nicely for Julian Jacobs. He’s taking some of the burden off of Jordan McLaughlin, while also making plays at both ends of the floor, ranking No. 11 nationally in steals per game. Had 12 points, eight rebounds and six assists over the weekend vs. BYU.