3 kiddie Cats rated among nation’s best

Roberto Nelson. (Jim Hawkins / Special to FOXSports.com)

20. Roberto Nelson, Oregon State

A 6-foot-3 combo guard from Santa Barbara, Nelson could have a chance to turn Craig Robinson’s program into a conference contender with the Pac-10 losing a significant amount of talent over the summer. While his scoring ability may outshine his other offensive skills, the athletic Nelson is also one of the few Beavers capable of breaking a defender down off the dribble. Though there may be growing pains and freshman mistakes early on, Robinson should see his squad improve tremendously with Nelson on the floor.

19. Marshawn Powell, Arkansas

The Razorbacks return their top two scorers from last year, but Powell shouldn’t feel the pressure to put up big numbers like some other incoming freshmen. The 6-foot-7 forward from Newport News, Va., can still hurt defenses in a number of ways, whether it’s knocking down a three or posting up a defender down on the block. Now with the program looking to bounce back, Arkansas coach John Pelphrey hopes that Powell can be the additional piece that will put this year’s team back in the postseason.

18. Dexter Strickland, North Carolina

With the departure of Ty Lawson paving the way for Larry Drew II to take over the point in Chapel Hill, North Carolina will have some new leadership in the backcourt this year. But don’t be surprised if Strickland gradually earns more minutes at the point over the course of the season. An explosive finisher, particularly in transition, the 6-foot-3 combo guard from New Jersey should be able to provide a little bit of everything for Roy Williams and the defending national champs in 2009-10.

17. Durand Scott, Miami

Over the last three years, Frank Haith had gotten used to seeing Jack McClinton take control of Miami’s offense and serve as the team’s go-to player. But that all changes this season for Haith and the Hurricanes, who will be relying on senior forward Dwayne Collins to lead the charge in Coral Gables. The 6-foot-3 Scott, nonetheless, could emerge as an important piece to Miami’s offense after leading Rice (N.Y.) to the State Federation Class AA championship last year.

Mason Plumlee. (Jim Hawkins / Special to FOXSports.com)

16. Mason Plumlee, Duke

It’s been some time since Coach K last had a legitimate big man to work with in Durham, but things may finally change with the arrival of Miles Plumlee’s younger brother. Mason, at 6-foot-10, has the length, athleticism and skill to compete for significant minutes in the Blue Devils’ frontcourt this season. Don’t be surprised if he’s in Duke’s starting lineup sooner rather than later. Though the Indiana native still needs to get stronger, he could complement preseason All-American Kyle Singler nicely down low.

15. Kyryl Natyazhko, Arizona

Losing Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill will be tough for Sean Miller, but the new Arizona coach has at least found his replacement down low for Hill. Filling the center position will be Natyazhko, a 6-foot-10, 250-pound big man from Ukraine who put up solid numbers — 21 points and nine rebounds per game — during his senior year at IMG Academy (Fla.). With the size and skill level that Natyazhko possesses and the Pac-10 lacking experienced frontline players this year, Arizona shouldn’t have to worry about getting pushed around in the paint by any conference foes.

14. Junior Cadougan, Marquette

Cadougan may not be rated as highly as some other point guards coming into college basketball this season, but the impact he’ll have on his team’s success could be greater than most. That’s because Buzz Williams won’t have Dominic James, Jerel McNeal and Wesley Matthews to count on anymore, leaving Cadougan as Marquette’s new playmaker in the backcourt. While the 6-foot-1 Toronto native will be forced to learn Williams’ system quickly, he has the all-around game (22.0 points, 8.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 steals per game as a senior last year) to keep the Golden Eagles relevant amidst the other Big East powers.

13. Zeke Marshall, Akron

It’s been a long time since Akron locked up a recruit as big as Marshall — not just in height, but in ability. Still, with expectations quickly rising in the northeast sector of Ohio, Marshall arrives at the MAC school eager to prove that he’s capable of leading the Zips back to the Big Dance after last year’s NCAA tournament appearance. Even so, the 7-footer from McKeesport, Pa., will undoubtedly be a breath of fresh air for head coach Keith Dambrot, who has yet to have someone of Marshall’s size down low until now.

J’Covan Brown. (Jim Hawkins / Scout.com)

12. J’Covan Brown, Texas

Avery Bradley might be stealing some of the preseason hype from one of the Longhorns’ newest freshman, but with his talent and skill level, Brown should compete for time in Texas’ backcourt this fall — and could win the starting point guard job before long. A big-time scorer who averaged 29.9 points per game as a senior at Memorial High (Texas), he has the offensive moves to get by his defender and create his own shot — and he can also run a team.

11. Eric Bledsoe, Kentucky

While a lot of the talk in Lexington this fall will be about John Wall, Bledsoe could be just as valuable in 2009-10 as the Wildcats’ other top-rated recruit. Despite a questionable perimeter shot, Bledsoe has a knack for finding open teammates by using his quickness and strength. The 6-foot-1 point guard from Birmingham, Ala., also has a passion for the game and strong leadership skills that should greatly benefit a Kentucky club that will be looking to get back to the NCAA tournament after a disappointing finish last season.

10. Alex Oriakhi, Connecticut

Oriakhi knew long before graduating from the Tilton School (N.H.) that he wanted to play for Jim Calhoun and Connecticut. Now, he’ll finally get his chance to put the Huskies back on top of the Big East with the departures of Hasheem Thabeet and Jeff Adrien last spring. At 6-foot-9 and 225 pounds, the Lowell, Mass., native has the size and power to dominate the boards and take over a game with his defensive skills. But his offensive game still needs some work, with Oriakhi needing to improve his post moves to put UConn back into Final Four contention.

9. Avery Bradley, Texas

A 6-foot-2 native of Tacoma, Wash., Bradley can score with a variety of moves and a capable midrange game, proving that during a senior season in which he averaged 19.1 points and shot over 50 percent from the field. However, Bradley’s biggest asset is his ability to defend. Ranked No. 1 among Scout.com’s top shooting guards in 2009, he should be an important component of Texas’ backcourt with the departure of A.J. Abrams.

Dante Taylor. (Jim Hawkins / Special to FOXSports.com)

8. Dante Taylor, Pittsburgh

Jamie Dixon won’t be able to replace Levance Fields, DeJuan Blair and Sam Young in one offseason, but adding Taylor should lighten the load a little bit for Pittsburgh’s returning players. An athletic big man originally from upstate New York, the 6-foot-9 forward put up impressive numbers during his senior year at National Christian Academy (Md.), averaging 23.8 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks per game. Taylor will make an immediate impact for the Panthers.

7. Renardo Sidney, Mississippi State

Sidney has all the tools to be an All-American at the college level and an eventual NBA player, but there’s no guarantee that he’ll play for Mississippi State this season. If Sidney is finally cleared to play by the NCAA, his attitude and commitment could still hamper his progress. The Fairfax (Calif.) standout can do it all — shoot, pass, rebound and handle the ball — and he’s big enough to bang down low despite being only a freshman. Now as he waits on the status of his eligibility (The NCAA is still investigating amateurism issues), the 6-foot-10, 255-pound big man needs to remain focused on improving his game and getting his body into shape.

6. DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky

Another one of John Calipari’s late-spring signings, Cousins is part of a top-rated incoming freshmen class that will quickly make the Wildcats one of the nation’s premier teams this season. During his senior year in high school at LeFlore (Ala.), he averaged 29 points and 12 rebounds to help his team reach the 5A state semifinals. With a capable post-up game and a commitment to get better on the offensive and defensive ends, the 6-foot-11, 260-pound McDonald’s All-American will form a formidable tandem down low with junior forward Patrick Patterson this fall.

5. Lance Stephenson, Cincinnati

Long heralded as the next big recruit to come out of New York City, Stephenson’s ego may need more work than his actual game. The 6-foot-5 Lincoln High product surprised many by committing to Cincinnati late last spring, but there truly weren’t many high-major programs that wanted to take a chance on the enigmatic, yet talented wing. At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, Stephenson’s got the size and the natural ability. The question remains whether he can buy into playing a team game.

Kenny Boynton. (Jim Hawkins / Special to FOXSports.com)

4. Kenny Boynton, Florida

With the departure of Nick Calathes, Boynton will have as much opportunity to score next season as any freshman in the country. It’s a good thing for the 6-foot-2 shooting guard from Pompano Beach, Fla., because that’s just what he showed he can do during his high school career at American Heritage. A deadly shooter from long range, Boynton is quick enough to get his shot off whether he’s coming around a screen or driving through the lane, and his ball handling and passing skills continue to improve as he gets older and matures.

3. Tommy Mason-Griffin, Oklahoma

Mason-Griffin may be a tad undersized at 5-foot-11, but the Houston native has what it takes, both physically and mentally, to become an immediate star for the Sooners. With a 195-pound frame, he isn’t afraid to drive the lane and take a bump or two. And with his knowledge of the game, he should be able to handle running Oklahoma’s offense this fall. While Jeff Capel will undoubtedly miss Blake Griffin’s presence in Norman, he’ll have a young, yet talented backcourt behind Mason-Griffin and sophomore sensation Willie Warren to lean on.

2. Derrick Favors, Georgia Tech

At 6-foot-9 and 235 pounds, Favors has the body to be a major post presence and defensive stopper in the ACC. But the Atlanta native will need to develop a few go-to post moves and also a midrange game at Georgia Tech if he wants to become a superstar at the next level. While he often leads by example rather than through words, Favors makes the Yellow Jackets an instant contender for the ACC title with his high basketball IQ and tireless work ethic.

1. John Wall, Kentucky

Considered by some to be the next Derrick Rose and potentially the No. 1 pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, Wall is just as quick as the Chicago Bulls’ current floor leader and even longer, too. Though his jump shot still needs significant work, the 6-foot-4 point guard from Word of God (N.C.) immediately turns Kentucky into a national title contender in John Calipari’s first season in Lexington. While Wall’s most likely another one-and-done talent, Kentucky fans are hoping he can be the key to putting the program back in the national spotlight.