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Basketball's Top Freshmen

A Look at the Elite Newcomers for the 2009-10 Season

By , About.com Guide

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With the NBA's age limit forcing most elite prospects to spend at least one year in school, the NCAA is rapidly becoming a freshman-dominated league? Who will be this year's Kevin Durant or Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley? Here's a look at some of the top incoming freshman for the 2009-10 season.

1. John Wall

The jewel of John Calipari's first class as head coach at Kentucky, Wall is penciled in as the floor leader on a team that has legit title aspirations. Of course, he wouldn't be the first freshman to take a Calipari team to the Final Four...

2. Xavier Henry

Like Wall, Xavier Henry is the top recruit on a team that could be playing in to April. But there's a bit less pressure on Henry, who goes to a Kansas team already stacked with talented players from last year's squad.

3. Derrick Favors

Derrick Favors has the chance to lead his hometown Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets from the ACC basement and into the NCAA Tournament.

4. Abdul Gaddy

Gaddy is set to team with Isaiah Thomas in the Washington backcourt, giving the Huskies an excellent chance to win the Pac-10.

5. Renardo Sidney

Sidney could combine with Jarvis Varnado to give the Mississippi State Bulldogs one of the most imposing front lines in college basketball. Of course, that assumes he'll be cleared to play... which is no sure thing.

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