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Ours is a sport of anticipation.
What we know and what has happened is never as exciting as what we don't and what is yet to come. This is why for as much as goes on in the world of basketball there is as much, if not more, attention placed on things reserved for a future time. This is why the NCAA tournament is more than just a tournament and applicable to more than just college basketball. March Madness has become a breeding ground for anticipation and hype concerning the NBA's next crop of potential stars.
College basketball is not alone, either. The age limit prevents any more preps to pros jumps, but high school athletes are still more than worthy of drawing their own expectations. The truth is, if you got game and you're not in the League or overseas, people will be talking about when you get the call and what you do when you're chance comes.
What comes next is a group of players (in no particular order) for whom the anticipation is fully justified. Feel free to drop me a comment and bust your own list, but as for me, these are my future must sees...
Adam Morrison, Gonzaga
To this writer he is undoubtedly the best college basketball player in the nation and will be a better pro than you think. Beyond just having an all-world shot Morrison has got what it takes to be successful on the next level. He has a complete offense game, great basketball smarts, and a fiery competitiveness. His rebounding and defense need to improve, but the work ethic and sheer determination is there for him to overcome any obstacle. He needs to improve his upper body strength, but he has enough size and just enough quickness to play effectively at the three. A great shooter who is a smart player and an intense competitor, these things should make Adam Morrison a welcome addition to the NBA.
J.J. Redick, Duke
Lets just get the National Player of the Year front runners out of the way early shall we. Redick is one of the purest shooters on the planet and a joy to watch on the offense end. His form is perfect and his release is lighting quick. His mid-range game is as deadly as his shot from deep and his ability to move without the ball and come off screens make him near unguardable at the collegiate level. The doubts on his NBA prospects come form his lack of size and athleticism, neither of which is on par for a NBA two guard. But scoring against superior athletes is not impossible, especially for someone with the resiliency and intelligence of Redick. JJ relies on his jump shot, so long as he can conjure methods of creating space he'll have success. His aptitude at moving without the ball and his quick release should give him the ability to succeed in the NBA despite the more athletic defenses he'll be facing.
Rudy Gay, Connecticut
Rudy Gay is easily one of the most exciting players in the tournament right now. Gay is a phenomenal athlete who runs the floor well and and finishes strong at the rim. His tremendous length and leaping ability has him getting most of his points around the basket in college, but he has a complete offense game including a decent mid-range jumper. Naturally his combined size, quickness, and athleticism make him a good defender who could potentially guard two or three positions on the next level. His ball handling needs to improve in order to make successful transition to the wing, but his speed and agility should make him a good slasher and a very exciting player in the NBA.
LaMarcus Aldridge, Texas
As much as I despise clichés, I can't help but remind you that things are bigger in Texas. Such is definitely the case with LaMarcus Aldridge, one of the premier NCAA big men. The 6-11, 245 pound sophomore has developed a fluid and effective post game in his two years at Texas. Aldridge has a nice touch around the basket and possess the all important good footwork. He's got a killer jump hook shot and good fundamentals with his back to the basket. He's bulked up since his lanky high school days and his freshmen year, but he could still stand to put on some extra muscle before going pro. His defense is also top notch and his incredible length should make him a good shot blocker in the NBA.
Greg Oden, North Lawrence High School(IN)
The first high school player to grace this list is possibly as well known as any of the college stars already mentioned -- and with good reason. Lets get this out of the way early, Greg Oden has the potential to be one of the best big men to play basketball, ever. Physically speaking he's already unbelievable: a seven footer going about 240 pounds with great quickness and ability, good strength and long arms. Players of this size and athleticism don't come along often. His rebounding is excellent and his timing and instincts make for a powerful shot blocker. His offense game is a little raw in terms of post moves, but he's developing nicely and a year at Ohio State (signed a letter of intent) will do him good before going pro. One of my favorite things about Oden is that he's said to be a good kid with a humble attitude and great work ethic. For someone with his natural ability, being coachable and willing to work on weaknesses will likely be the key to becoming as great as his potential would suggets he can be.
Glen Davis, LSU
We're talking about a player who is six foot nine 300 pounds, has a good face up game, a killer cross over, good speed and agility for his size, legitimate go to post up moves, soft touch around the basket, a jump shot good from 17 feet out, and his nickname is "Big Baby". Need I say more? Fine. He's also a good passer, hits the offense glass, and runs the floor well. Additionally he has a charismatic personally that just begs to be a presence in pro sports. In my opinion Glen Davis can't grace the NBA soon enough. The sooner he fits a cap on draft night the better.
Thaddeus Young, Mitchell High School(TN)
The second pre-NCAA player comes in the form of Thaddeus Young, one of the most promising and exciting young players in the country. Young is versatile and extremely athletic. His playmaking and creativity makes him able to play all three perimeter positions and as he matures he'll become better at setting up his teammates and making decisions. Weighing in at about 200 pounds and standing 6-8 he'll need to bulk up to improve his game on the college level and certainly before he goes pro. It's likely, and probably for the better, that he plays more than one year of college basketball, but make no mistake about it, when Thaddeus Young makes his debut in the NBA (whenever that is) he will be something to see.
Honorable mention: Marcus Williams(UConn), Shelden Williams(Duke), Maurice Ager(MSU), Daniel Gibson(Texas), Rodney Carney(Memphis), Terrell Owens(Dallas Cowboys)
