Over the next few weeks, I'll be breaking down some of the most and hyped freshman entering the NCAA in the 2016-17 season, as well as providing readers with the best mixtape video I've found of each. Today, I'll start with the consensus top-2 players recruited this year: Josh Jackson, a shooting guard headed to Bill Self's already impressive Kansas squad, and power forward Harry Giles, a very important part of Duke's newest powerhouse recruiting class.
Josh Jackson -- SF, 6'8", 203 lbs -- Kansas
Jackson is rated the No. 1 prospect out of the 2016 class by both 247Sports and Rivals, and was named co-MVP of the McDonald's All-American team this year. Kansas' head coach Bill Self has already made Andrew Wiggins comparisons due to Jackson's competitive spirit and explosiveness. In fact, he is so competitive, he once talked trash to former NBA star Gary Payton during a game against his son. The small forward isn't the most precise player, but for what he lacks in refinement, he makes up for with toughness, defensive competitiveness, excellent transition play and unselfish, full-court vision. Jackson has the handles to be effective inside on the run, and he often plays above the rim and is able to make strong finishes at the basket. Defensively, he is very capable of solid rim protection, and he's a strong rebounder for his size. Interestingly, his wingspan (6-10) isn't elite for his height of 6-foot-8, but he still has a good amount of room in his frame to grow into. However, his jump shot, shooting stroke, and range are lacking and need development. He will need to work on those aspects of his game in order to grow into playing in a half court set more effectively. Despite his weaknesses, Jackson's upside on both sides of the court is already exciting NBA scouts.
Jackson's athleticism and competitiveness are shown well by his Courtside Films highlight reel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebRxN_do7U8
Harry Giles -- PF, 6'10.75". 222 lbs -- Duke
Giles is a bit of a question mark after tearing his ACL for the second time in his high school career. The former No. 1 prospect has lost about 10 pounds of muscle since his latest knee issue caused him to miss his senior season. NBA scouts will have big questions for Giles regarding his health and how/if it effects his explosiveness. His size and length are already considered elite for his age, as he has a 7-foot-3 wingspan to accompany his nearly 6-foot-11 height. Giles' physical tools are even more impressive when he combines them with the power he puts behind everything he does on the floor. He's currently ranked No. 2 on Rivals and No. 3 on 247Sports, and from watching his Elite Mixtape, you can immediately see why he earned a scholarship from Coach K: he plays with ferocity. The power forward is an athletic and aggressive finisher, and will have an immediate starting spot at Duke if his health allows. That being said, he'll need to improve his passing to fully use the tools his team will possess next year. He doesn't often look to pass once he gets the ball. Giles will also need to develop his range and handles in order to stretch the floor more. Defensively, Giles is an impressive threat down low, blocking shots and rebounding at an elite level. Overall, if he can cement his role and regain what he lost due to a second major knee injury, while additionally adjusting to the speed of collegiate play, Giles could become a very valuable fantasy and NBA prospect.
Giles' upside is shown well in his highlight reel from EliteMixtapes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fASlnqiguKo