The Crimson Tide is having a strong season with the talent they have on the floor this season along with the recruiting class they were able to bring in which was highlighted by players like Brandon Miller (who should be one of the top players in the NBA Draft), Jaden Bradley, and others.
But one freshman that I believe has gone under the radar for this team but should be getting more national attention has been freshman Noah Clowney, the 6’10 forward from Dorman high school (SC).
Why'
When diving into the analytics with Cerebro Sports along with his stats and production, you can see that Clowney has been one of the more impressive freshmen bigs in the country. One the season so far, Clowney is nearly averaging a double-double at 9.8 points and 8.7 rebounds, while shooting 52 percent from the floor and even showing that he can be capable of stepping out from three as a big. Stretch that out to Per 40, you are looking at numbers like 16.4ppg, 14.6rpg, and 2.3bpg; quite impressive numbers for a big man that is only a freshman.
And when diving into more of the analytics with Cerebro Sports, compared to other freshmen around the country, Clowney excels and makes his impact felt on both sides of the court. He has been good with his pure scoring prowess and his 3-pt efficiency, but he has been much stronger with his production around the rim and with his defensive impact.
Clowney has shown good footwork, excels in pick-and-roll situations and uses his mobility/athleticism to finish strong at the rim, his ability to run the floor and even step out behind the arc, and be a defensive presence as well.
Though he wasn’t talked about as much as others in that incoming class, it seems that many more outlets and eyes are coming his way with his play and promise as a prospect. And if he continues to play at this level and even continues to develop towards the end of the season, Clowney could be a very interesting prospect even more down the road and his stock should only continue.