11. Vernon Carey, Duke
Big, 6-foot-10, 18 years old
Carey has an easy case for NCAA Freshman of the Year and is simply the best player on the floor nearly every game he plays. He’s averaging 17.8 points and 8.8 rebounds with 1.5 blocks per game thus far. Arguably the biggest knock on Carey is that he’s predominantly used as a post-up option for Duke. He has finished 46.5% of his offensive possessions posting up against smaller defenders, which is simply not going to work in the NBA. But perhaps that is simply a product of the role he is playing for the Blue Devils. When watching the freshman, however, it is clear he possesses above-average shooting touch for someone his size. Carey is shooting 36.8% from 3-point range, which means that he is more than just a post-up threat. If you believe in him as a shooter, he is a lottery talent.
12. Obi Toppin, Dayton
Forward, 6-foot-9, 22 years old
Toppin, the most prolific dunker in college basketball, is currently averaging 1.17 points per possession on offense. That ranks second-best among D-I players who have finished at least 400 possessions thus far, per Synergy. The high-volume finisher has helped Dayton make a case for being the most exciting team in college basketball this season. The bad news, however, is that Toppin likely can be played off the floor during big moments due to his poor defensive instincts. His pick-and-roll coverage is easy to criticize, and his measurable statistics when guarding opponents don’t do him any favors, either. Despite that, his box plus-minus ranks as the best among all players at mid-major schools. For a big man, he projects as a solid role player and likely starter.
13. Patrick Williams, Florida State
Forward, 6-foot-8, 18 years old
Florida State freshman Patrick Williams is one of the youngest prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft, meaning there is still room to grow and fill out his game. The 18-year-old, however, already has an efficient jump shot and has been able to shoot off the catch and off the dribble. But considering his 6-8 frame, perhaps his most interesting skill is his ability to run the pick-and-roll as a primary ballhandler. He has two-way potential on defense, too, as someone who can guard multiple positions at the next level. There is enough upside on both sides of the ball to warrant a lottery selection in this class.
14. Precious Achiuwa, Memphis
Big, 6-foot-9, 19 years old
Achiuwa, who was a top-15 recruit in this freshman class, is averaging 15.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. There are flashes of greatness, like when he put up 22 points and 22 rebounds with four blocks in a recent game against Tulane. His defensive rebound percentage (24.3%) ranks second-best in his conference and sixth-best among all freshmen. Meanwhile, his block percentage (6.3%) ranks among the top five in the American Athletic Conference. Back in 2017, he measured with a 6-foot-11 wingspan and 8-foot-11 standing reach. The size is there for him to play a role in the NBA at some point in the near future, more likely in the post than as a forward.
15. Cole Anthony, North Carolina
Guard, 6-foot-3, 20 years old
UNC freshman Cole Anthony has endured a frustrating season that has done him no favors in boosting his draft stock. More than just injuries and poor team performances by the Tar Heels, there seem to be some real holes in his game. His field goal percentage within five feet of the basket is among the worst when looking at high-major freshmen with as many opportunities. Anthony has also taken far too many midrange shots, considering his low efficiency on these looks as well. But it’s still worth noting that the guard was considered a top-three player in the country coming out of high school. There are some stats that tell that side of the story, too. According to Synergy, he is the second-leading scorer (3.6 points per game) among D-I players as the ballhandler in a transition offense.