8 international players to watch in college basketball this year
There are a number of incoming international prospects that will influence college basketball this season. The list below consists of eight of the best international prospects headed to college that didn’t play high school basketball in North America last year.
Lauri Markkanen, Arizona
Arizona beat out the likes of North Carolina and Utah for the Finnish star, and he’s expected to play a big role for the Wildcats this season. Markkanen is a unique prospect because of his size (7 feet), skill level and ability to shoot the ball from long-range. He has impressive shot mechanics, tremendous touch and moves end to end incredibly well, especially considering his height. At this stage, Markkanen is projected as potential lottery pick by Draft Express. In 2015, Markkanen averaged 18.2 points and 6.3 rebound for Finland’s U18 team in the FIBA U18 European Championship.
Omer Yurtseven, NC State
Yurtseven would have been regarded as a top 10 recruit if he had played high school basketball in the United States. The Turkish star turned down a professional contract with Fenerbahçe to play for Mark Gottfried at NC State. Yurtseven is a dynamic center prospect that stands 6-foot-11 and has a 9-foot standing reach. Yurtseven is equipped to score and even went for 91 points in a Turkish club game last year. He’s able to go over either shoulder for hooks, shoots the ball well from mid-range and is a terrific area rebounder. Assuming Yurtseven gets cleared, he and Dennis Smith should make up one of the best freshman guard/post tandems in college basketball.
Killian Tillie, Gonzaga
Gonzaga welcomes three international standouts to campus this year. Although it looks like Killian Tillie, a native of France, will have the most impact early on, Rui Hachimura and Jacob Larsen are certainly going to help the Bulldogs in time. Tillie has grown to 6-foot-10 and has good length, athleticism and nice touch around the basket. Now he does lack strength, but that will come with more time in a college weight room. Gonzaga has had plenty of success with international prospects in the past and Tillie appears to be the next one in line. In 2014, Tillie averaged 13 points and 8.5 rebounds playing for France in the U16 European Championship.
Richard Freudenberg, St. John’s
Freudenberg, a 6-foot-8 wing, had the option of signing a pro deal in Munich, Germany, or pursue collegiate options. In the end, Freudenberg committed to St. John’s over a host of high major schools including Vanderbilt, Miami and Boston College. While watching St. John’s in a recent practice, Freudenberg’s shooting ability and skill level immediately stood out. Although lacking in strength, Freudenberg will find a role at St. John’s this season and should play fairly significant minutes. Freudenberg averaged five points and three rebounds in last years U18 European Championship playing with Germany.
William McDowell-White, Fresno State
Unfortunately for Fresno State, Aussie point guard Williams McDowell-White won’t play until the second semester, as he spent the fall finishing up his academics. But in due time, McDowell-White could be one of the best lead guards in the Mountain West. McDowell-White, who played in the Nike Hoop Summit, has tremendous size for a primary ball handler at 6-foot-5. His ability to facilitate is arguably his biggest strength, as he has impressive instincts, vision and is a dynamic passer. In 2015, as a 17-year-old, McDowell-White played for Australia in the FIBA U19 World Championship, averaging 7.4 points and 3.7 assists a game.
Harry Froling, SMU
One of the best players to come out of Australia this past year is 6-foot-10 post player Harry Froling. Froling chose SMU over offers from Arizona, Colorado and Illinois. Froling will help the Mustangs inside because of his understanding of the game and skill package. Froling is able to stretch the floor with his jump shot, as his range extends to the three-point stripe, but he’s also a very good passer with quality hands and touch around the basket. Froling played in the Nike Hoop Summit and also played for Australia on the U17 in 2014 and U16 in 2013.
Dejan Vasiljevic, Miami
Australia is among the countries sending the most players to play college basketball, and that’s evident by looking at this list. Another Aussie that could make an impact this season is 6-foot-3 combo guard Vasiljevic. His impact will be felt specifically on the offensive end, as Vasiljevic is known for his ability to shoot the ball from long-range. Vasiljevic has experience playing against high-level competition in the FIBA u19 World Championship, where he averaged 13.3 points and 3.1 rebounds a game.
Fiifi Aidoo, Grand Canyon
Fiifi Aidoo is the second prospect from Finland’s Helsinki Basketball Academy to land on this list. Aidoo, a 6-foot-2 guard, is impressive physically and is a high-level athlete that’s equipped with a ridiculous 6-foot-10 wingspan. More of a combination guard than a point, Aidoo impacts the game with his defense, ability to play in transition, passing and scoring off the bounce. Aidoo averaged 6.3 points, 2.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds this past summer playing for Finland in the u20 European Championship.
