Are you serious that Wright can impact both sides of the floor and Durant can't? All he did was lead the Big 12 in rebounds and blocks. I guess he can't impact a game on the defensive end quite like Wright though.

Durant does not have a presence on the defensive side of the court?

As someone else pointed out...Durant leads the Big XII in rebounds, defensive rebounds and blocks. He is also in the top 3 in steals.

I usually enjoy your writing...But a statement like that doesnt do much for your credibility as a writer.

Anyone ever heard of Tajuan Porter out of Oregon? One of the most explosive offensive players in the country? Probably not because his games goes past your bedtime.

So, Brandon Costner from NCSU puts up 30 and doesn't get a sniff...ok.

Kent in NC

Luke,
Oden, Durant and Wright have all had impact as frosh. But (and let's see what happens in the madness)I think when the All Freshman teams are named, you have to consider the Jayhawks' Sherron Collins AND Darrell Arthur who play in a system with 10 players averaging 10 minutes or more. Durant would be my overall pick for frosh AND player of the year--he's simply amazing. Too bad for Texas tho...."one and done"

Remember........

SI left Aaron Brooks from Oregon off of the All America team. That is GARBAGE. He single handedly led the Ducks to at least 7 victories. He lead the Pac 10 in scoring, and his team just destoyed Arizona.

blocked shots and steals don't always equal being a good defender. Durant can be beaten off the dribble and in the post. He's a heck of an offensive player and could be a very good defensive player, but the same things that cause mismatches on offense (his height and shooting ability) also make him a liability on defense. He can score over a 6'4" shooting guard, but he often can't keep up with the same guy on the other end.

As a Tar Heel it saddens me to admit that Brandan is gone after this year unless he wants that #1 slot in 08's draft. I don't think he's on the same level as Durant and I don't think you was trying to say that Durant is not a force on the defensive end, Wright is more an interior player which means he affects alot of things that happen in the paint and around the basket. As for the Brandon Costner comment, he's not a true freshman!

Who is Tajuan Porter, im a huge bball fan and i have NEVER heard of Tajuan Porter. If he wanted recognition he should play for a team that isnt headlined by Aaron Brooks, who i agree should me at least be a 3rd team all american.

C'mon, people! Are you kidding me?!?!? When you're talking about freshmen big guys, there's only one name to discuss:

Zoubek from Duke! He's a PTP'er, baby!

The Dookies'll be cutting down the nets in '08, baby! Write it down right now, Mr. Patrick!

Those Cameron Crazies'll be going wild!

Brandon Costner: 2 games, 52 points. Care to mention him?

Another freshmen who should get some respect is Maryland's Greivis Vasquez. He got robbed of the ACC All-Freshmen Team because the media decided that the Dookie Jon Scheyer should be on there without deserving at all. Apparently, being a terrible defender, shooting 40% from the floor and 31% from 3 point range when you're supposed to be a shooting specialist means you're a great player. Vasquez was one of the biggest reasons for Maryland's resurgence this year. The kid is a little loco, but he's got everything you want in a player. He could end up being one of the X-Factors in the NCAA's. If Maryland makes a run, you can bet Greivis had a lot to do with it.

there's an NC State post coming in a minute, guys. Calm down.

And as for Durant, I love him on offense, but even the Texas coaches will tell you that he's a long ways away from reaching his potential on D. He gets crazy reboudning and block stats because he's so long, but he shouldn't be considered an All-American defender right now.

Are you kidding me? Zoubek looks so awkward on the court, I'm not sure he's actually played basketball before. Duke will be lucky if he turns out to be a good role player.