Freshmen develop at different rates. Last week, we looked at ESPN 100 prospects already outplaying their high school ranking. On the flip side, there are several top-50 prospects who are taking a little longer to get going. Don’t mistake this for a list taking aim at early disappointments or underachievers; We’re only one month into the season, and the circumstances vary for each player.
Marques Bolden, Duke Blue Devils
This will be an interesting situation to watch. The common thought was that Bolden (No. 16 in the ESPN 100) would immediately step into a role upon returning from the leg injury he suffered in early November. He’s only played in three games since returning, averaging 9 minutes -- including a zero-point, two-foul performance against Florida where he played just two minutes. There are a couple of issues. Amile Jefferson is playing like an All-American right now. Duke is playing a smaller lineup for long stretches, with Jayson Tatum at the four. The debut of No. 1 freshman Harry Giles appears to be coming soon. On a fully healthy Blue Devil team, Bolden might only see 15 minutes per game. He has lottery-pick talent, but he might not get to fully showcase it this season.
Sacha Killeya-Jones, Kentucky Wildcats
Killeya-Jones (No. 24) will have his moments this season. He’s a skilled frontcourt player who can knock down face-up jumpers or score around the rim, and can be active on the defensive end. But like Bolden and Javin DeLaurier at Duke, Killeya-Jones has some bodies in front of him in the pecking order. Edrice "Bam" Adebayo leads the way, with Derek Willis getting a role because of his shooting and Wenyen Gabriel earning time because of his versatility and defensive ability. Killeya-Jones and Isaac Humphries split the remaining minutes. Killeya-Jones didn’t get off the bench against UCLA, and played just four minutes against Michigan State. With five-stars Nick Richards and P.J. Washington coming in next season, Killeya-Jones’ development will be key.
Xavier Simpson, Michigan Wolverines
Simpson (No. 48) is coming off his best game of the season on Tuesday, scoring seven points and dishing out two assists in 18 minutes against Central Arkansas. But that’s just the fourth time this season he’s played double-digit minutes -- and only the second game in which he’s made a field goal. With senior Derrick Walton Jr. returning at the point guard position and playing 33 minutes a night, there’s just not that much left over for Simpson. On the plus side, the point guard job will seemingly be Simpson’s next season. The Wolverines are bringing in freshman Eli Brooks, but Simpson should beat him out -- and form a nice backcourt duo with Kentucky transfer Charles Matthews.
Coach Tony Bennett’s freshman class has gotten off to an uneven start in general, with Kyle Guy showing flashes, but Jay Huff and De'Andre Hunter seem likely to redshirt this season. Then there’s Jerome (No. 43), who is playing just 9.3 minutes per game, averaging 2.3 points and shooting 30.8 percent from 3. He came in with the ability to play on or off the ball -- but there’s something of a logjam in the backcourt for the Cavaliers, even on a team that’s playing at least nine guys every night. London Perrantes was always going to start at the point, and Devon Hall and Darius Thompson also returned. Guy has picked up the rest of the significant backcourt minutes. Perrantes is gone after this season, so Jerome should see an increased role in 2017-18.
Javin DeLaurier, Duke Blue Devils
DeLaurier (No. 44) has actually shown some flashes this season, going for six points and eight rebounds in the season-opening win against Marist -- but he’s totaled just 11 points and 15 rebounds in the 10 games since. He also has three DNPs during that stretch. This was somewhat expected heading into the season, of course, with Jefferson and Chase Jeter returning, and Giles and Bolden also entering the program. There just aren’t enough minutes to go around, especially considering Jeter and Bolden are having trouble carving out consistent roles -- even without a healthy Giles. Will it change next season? Jefferson will be gone, Giles (and Bolden) could leave early, but elite big man Wendell Carter enters the fold.
Kameron McGusty, Oklahoma Sooners
Heading into the season, McGusty’s role seemed clear: he could come in and help replace Buddy Hield with his ability to make plays on the offensive end and guard multiple positions defensively. It looked promising early, especially after his 14-point outing against Clemson -- but McGusty has now posted his three shortest outings in three straight games, including just six minutes in last weekend’s loss to Wichita State. He’s actually playing well in those minutes, going for 11 points in 12 minutes against Wisconsin, but sophomore Rashard Odomes' improvement from last season has given him a bigger role in the backcourt for now. McGusty is talented, so expect him to figure it out soon -- or at least once Jordan Woodard leaves after this season.