College Basketball: The top 10 players through first two weeks

The season is still early and the sample size is small, most teams have played between three and five games, but some of college basketball’s top players have already experienced some signature moments. Ryan Kalkbrenner started the season with a 49-point outburst. Cooper Flagg’s game against Kentucky, Johni Broome against Houston, and Hunter Dickinson in both his UNC and Michigan State matchups. Each of those performances was memorable.

Not only has each of the players mentioned had a signature moment, but they have been able to sustain the success outside of that individual game. It was difficult whittling this list to just ten. Players like Indiana’s Mackenzie Mgbako, Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard, Memphis’ PJ Haggerty, and others have started their seasons off well.

College Basketball’s Top 25 After Week 2

We will take a look at the mid-major and freshmen-specific standouts later in the week. For now, let’s discuss how things shook out after week one of the season with college basketball’s Top 10 freshman standouts.

1. C Hunter Dickinson (Kansas)

Stats: 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 2.0 blocks, 55.6% FG, 40.0% 3P

Kansas jumps out to a 4-0 start behind the play of their senior center, Hunter Dickinson. The (listed) 7-foot-2 big man has had big performances under the brightest of lights so far this season with 20 and 10 performances against both high-major opponents.

2. PF Johni Broome (Auburn)

Stats: 16.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.3 blocks, 1.0 steals, 60.5% FG

While his counting stats might not match some others around him on this list, Johni Broome’s impact on On3’s No. 2 ranked team has been undeniable. The 6-foot-10 post player is the defensive anchor and the go-to offensive presence.

3. C Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton)

Stats: 25.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.5 blocks, 89.1% FG, 90.0% FT

Ryan Kalkbrenner started the season with a 49-point outburst. The 7-foot-1, 3-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year has continued his hot play as he is shooting 41-46 from the field through Creighton’s four games.

4. F Alex Karaban (UConn)

Stats: 18.0 points, 4.7 rebounds. 4.3 assists, 4.0 blocks, 64.3% FG, 55.0% 3P

Simply put, Alex Karaban has put forth significant contributions across the board for the Huskies so far this season. While the defending national champions sit at 3-0 to this point, they have yet to face much of a challenge (their three wins have totaled 116 combined points), UConn will face Memphis on 11/25.

5. SG Kam Jones (Marquette)

Stats: 24.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.0 steals 64.9% FG, 54.5% 3P

After losing two NBA Draft picks off last season’s team, Kam Jones was tasked with a lot for this Marquette team. Early returns have Jones picking up the usage and playmaking numbers while keeping his shooting efficiency intact.

6. PG Braden Smith (Purdue)

Stats: 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 2.5 steals, 36.4% 3P

Can Braden Smith do it without Zach Edey? Through four games, the answer has been a resounding yes. The 6-foot-0 point guard is on triple-double watch for Matt Painter’s group every night as the Boilermakers are averaging 85.3 points this season.

7. PF JT Toppin (Texas Tech)

Stats: 22.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.7 steals, 73.7% FG, 73.7% FT

JT Toppin had a strong freshman year at New Mexico then transferred back home for his sophomore season. Through his first three, the 6-foot-9 forward has been a steady producer across the board. Efficient scoring and 3.7 stocks per game.

8. SG Tre Johnson (Texas)

Stats: 23.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 58.9% FG, 58.6% 3P

Tre Johnson has come into the season knocking down shots at a high clip. The 6-foot-6 freshman has not lacked confidence, knocking down 10 of 20 of his shots on opening night against Ohio State. Through four games, Johnson is currently the seventh-highest scorer in high-major basketball and the leading freshman.

9. G Mark Sears (Alabama)

Stats: 17.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 44.2% FG, 35.0% 3P

Mark Sears entered the season firmly planted in the all-american conversation. Last year, the 6-foot-1 senior capped off his season with a trip to the Final Four and multiple post-season all-american-type nods after finishing second in the SEC in scoring (21.2). This season has gotten off to a bit of a slower start. Sears leads the top ten-ranked Alabama team in usage and scoring at this point of the season as the Crimson Tide will play Illinois, Houston, Rutgers, North Carolina, and Creighton in upcoming games.

10. F Cooper Flagg (Duke)

Stats: 16.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.8 blocks, 2.0 steals, 44.2% FG

Cooper Flagg came into the college basketball season with a lot of buzz. To this point, he has done nothing to quiet the talk. Flagg is affecting the game across the board, putting up numbers in each counting category including an efficient 26-point, 11-rebound outburst against Kentucky.