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't afraid to pull the trigger. However, there is still room to grow in his game, as he shot 34.8 percent from the floor and for someone that averaged 11 shots a game, his stats could certainly improve with a better shooting percentage.
Tyrece Radford
Virginia Tech
Stats: 10.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 60% shooting from the floor, 26.3 minutes
Landers Nolley certainly garnered the attention from programs, leading the team in scoring but Radford impressed as well. After redshirting last year, Radford played in all 32 games and continued to excel late into the season. He averaged 13.0 points, 5.9 rebounds in his last 12 games and was one of two ACC players that averaged more than 10 points, six rebounds, and shooting over 60 percent.
Al-Amir Dawes
Clemson
Stats: 9.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 29.9 minutes per game
A Top-100 prospect, Dawes came in and really made an impact for the Tigers in a needed area. Helping lead the offense, Dawes earned nearly 30 minutes of playing time and nine points per game. The freshman guard started to step up in big moments, finishing in double figures in six of his last 10 games, including big wins vs. Florida State and in the ACC Tournament vs. Miami.
