Conference Call: Looking at impact 2017 players outside top 50

Freshmen Lonzo Ball, Josh Jackson and Malik Monk have the chance to shape the month of March. While each was heavily coveted and noted as five-star prospects, there were a bevy of others, including Kamar Baldwin, Charlie Moore and Robert Williams, that have surprised many with their play.

Who, from the 2017 class, could make a surprise run for their conference’s freshman of the year honors, but are not found within the top-50 of their class’ rankings? We assess.

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THIS YEAR’S VERSION: KYRAN BOWMAN, BOSTON COLLEGE (3-star, NR)

FAVORITE: WENDELL CARTER, DUKE (5-star, No. 5)

CANDIDATE: AARON THOMPSON, PITT (3-star, NR)

We could have went many ways here but the value of Thompson right off the bat for the Pitt men's basketball program cannot be understated. A three-year starter for the highly lauded Paul VI program in Virginia, and a two-year standout on the Nike EYBL circuit, Thompson may be just a freshman next year, but the experience under his belt is as good as you're going to find. A lefty playmaker that immediately becomes one of the top on-ball defenders in all of the ACC, minutes are ample at the lead guard spot, a position that Thompson could man for his entire college playing career beginning next winter.

THIS YEAR’S VERSION: KAMAR BALDWIN, BUTLER (3-star, No. 123)

FAVORITE: OMARI SPELLMAN, VILLANOVA (5-star, No. 18)

CANDIDATE: KYLE YOUNG, BUTLER (4-star, No. 111)

The Big East is a conference became overrun by freshmen stars this winter as St. John’s, Butler, Marquette and Xavier have come to lean on newcomers this season. While the freshman of the year honors is not put to bed just yet, the surprise of the class is Baldwin, a sharp-shooting and confident scorer for Butler. The Bulldogs may have found another prospect that fell outside of the top-100 in making major noise next year. Young, slotted No. 111 overall in the 2017 class, is the ideal Butler-type of four-man. With four-year stalwart Andrew Chrabascz graduating, Young could step in and immediately help on the glass, extend a defense with the perimeter jumper and add toughness.

THIS YEAR’S VERSION: CARSEN EDWARDS, PURDUE (4-star, No. 91)

FAVORITE: JAREN JACKSON, MICHIGAN STATE (5-star, No. 10)

CANDIDATE: DARRYL MORSELL, MARYLAND (4-star, No. 79)

While the Big Ten seems to be lacking the Final Four contender that the other power conferences boast, depth is a non-issue for the league. The freshman class is nothing short of superb, and next year should be similar. Jackson (Michigan State) and Jeremiah Tilmon (Illinois) could fight for the freshman of the year honors, but it could be Morsell who jumps into the starting lineup for Maryland and puts up big numbers. Morsell brings great athleticism, ball skills and size to any backcourt position. He should slide in alongside current freshmen studs Kevin Huerter and Anthony Cowan, thus creating arguably the best underclassmen perimeter core in the nation.

THIS YEAR’S VERSION: KRISTIAN DOOLITTLE, OKLAHOMA (3-star, No. 132)

FAVORITE: TRAE YOUNG, OKLAHOMA (5-star, No. 14)

CANDIDATE: ZACK DAWSON, OKLAHOMA STATE (4-star, No. 121)

Oklahoma suffered through a down year this season thanks to losing four of its starters from its run to the Final Four. Without Buddy Hield and Isaiah Cousins, a giant void was left, shoes that can be filled next year by Young. However, Doolittle out-produced his No. 132 ranking given to him as he looks like a very solid piece to build around in Norman. Who might be like Doolittle next year? Dawson, a bouncy bodied lead guard out of Miami will head to Oklahoma State and likely replace potential NBA first-rounder Jawun Evans. Dawson will have a plethora of shot-makers around him and after showing good progressions this winter, the 6-foot-2 guard could be the next in line to produce with frequency in the Big 12.

THIS YEAR’S VERSION: CHARLIE MOORE, CALIFORNIA (4-star, No. 55)

FAVORITE: MICHAEL PORTER, WASHINGTON (5-star, No. 1)

CANDIDATE: JEMARL BAKER, CALIFORNIA (4-star, No. 80)

While Lonzo Ball, Lauri Markannen and Markelle Fultz have taken up most of the attention this season, Charlie Moore is a freshman that, statistically speaking, belongs in the same conversation as a top freshman in the Pac-12. Next year, another batch of elite talent will hit the conference thanks the signings of DeAndre Ayton, Michael Porter and Jaylen Hands. Cal could have another four-star make some noise. Losing Sam Singer, Grant Mullins and Jabari Byrd on the perimeter, Cuonzo Martin and his program will welcome in Jemarl Baker. He brings great ball skills and versatility to the backcourt. Thanks to an immediate need for his shot-making and playmaking, Baker could surprise many and make a run for freshman of the year honors as he can throw up a 30-spot on the scoreboard in the blink of an eye

THIS YEAR’S VERSION: ROBERT WILLIAMS, TEXAS A&M (4-star, No 67)

FAVORITE: HAMIDOU DIALLO, KENTUCKY (5-star)

CANDIDATE: SABEN LEE, VANDERBILT (4-star, No. 120)

During the non-conference portion of the season, Williams made many of the scouting analysts throughout the business look foolish for his original rankings of him thanks to his impressive ability to rebound the basketball, block shots and compete with a heavy motor. While he has simmered down some, the SEC is absolutely loaded with young talent that has outperformed original expectations. Next year, Lee might be ready to take the mantle from Williams as someone that will shine early on. The staff in Nashville is anxious about getting the Arizona native on campus and for good reason. In need of a go-to lead guard that can create for both himself and others, Lee is the ideal piece needed by the Commodores. He should work nicely alongside Matthew Fisher-Davis, Joe Toye and Riley LaChance, the missing piece that will create an even more efficient offense run by second year head coach Bryce Drew.