If you are like us… we are still missing college basketball. Oh, how we are missing the college game. But we don’t want to look past some of the impressive seasons players had this year.
In the Atlantic Coast Conference, there were plenty of freshmen that made their mark on the conference, led by the likes of Duke’s Vernon Carey Jr. and Cassius Stanley, Virginia Tech’s Landers Nolley, and UNC’s Armando Bacot. But those weren’t the only ones that should be recognized, so we have a few more players that had an impressive season that has gone a little under the radar.
Jay Heath Jr.
Boston College
Stats: 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.1 3-pointers made per game, 33.2 minutes
Heath had an impressive freshman campaign for the Eagles, leading the team in scoring and finishing the season with 15 straight double-figure performances. Even with Derryck Thornton, Heath was one of the key scoring guards for the Eagles. He shot 42 percent from the floor this season and nearly 38 percent from three. The DC product showed that he can put the ball in the hoop and should be a big part for the Eagles down the road.
Justin Champagnie
Pittsburgh
Stats: 12.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 32.5 minutes, 42 percent shooting from the floor
With multiple guards returning from last season, it was a freshman who led the team in scoring and rebounding. Champagnie recorded five double-doubles this season, six 20+ point performances and two 30+ point performances. With some tough losses on the roster, Champagnie should continue to flourish for the Panthers, as he battled on the boards really well and showing that he can be an offensive force.
Joseph Girard III
Syracuse
Stats: 12.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.2 3-pointers made per game, 33.0 minutes
Girard came in as a known scorer when he committed to Syracuse. As a senior, he averaged 48 points per game and he continued to show that he can produce at the next level, averaging 12 points per game for the Orange. He started his season out slow but eventually showed that he isn