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Big Ten Basketball: Ranking the Top 5 Freshmen of 2014-15

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By @mattytheole

Big Ten Basketball: Ranking the Top 5 Freshmen of 2014-15

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Recruiting has always been the lifeblood of college sports. In basketball, the emphasis on year-to-year recruiting has never been more important with high-level prospects declaring for the NBA Draft earlier each year. Here are the top five recruits Big Ten basketball fans should keep an eye on as the 2014-15 season gets underway in a few weeks.

5. Leron Black, Illinois

John Groce
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5. Leron Black, Illinois

John Groce
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A strong, physical forward, Leron Black joins a young Illinois team under the direction of coach John Groce. Rated a four-star recruit by both Rivals and Scout, Black averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds during his senior season for White Station High School in Memphis, Tenn. and figures to have a big impact for the Fighting Illini in his freshman season.

4. Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio State

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4. Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio State

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Considered a polished two-way player, Keita Bates-Diop possesses the skills both on offense and defense to make an immediate impact for coach Thad Matta and the Buckeyes. A consensus top-30 recruit nationally who stands 6-foot-7, Bates-Diop’s versatility should allow him to see plenty of minutes as the season goes on.

3. Kameron Chatman, Michigan

John Beilein
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3. Kameron Chatman, Michigan

John Beilein
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A native of Portland, Ore., Kameron Chatman figures to see plenty of early action for the Wolverines. At 6-foot-7, Chatman is considered one of the top rebounders in the class of 2014 while being rated a five-star recruit by Scout and a four-star prospect by Rivals.

2. James Blackmon, Indiana

Tom Crean
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2. James Blackmon, Indiana

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An explosive scorer, James Blackmon will likely start from Day 1 for coach Tom Crean and the Hoosiers. During his senior season at Marion High School in Illinois, the 6-foot-4 guard poured in 33.4 points per game while being rated a five-star recruit by Rivals and a four-star by Scout.

1. D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State

Ohio State
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1. D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State

Ohio State
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Performing as a shooting guard for national prep powerhouse Montverde Academy in Florida, D’Angelo Russell figures to see plenty of court time early in his Ohio State career. A consensus five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Russell averaged 19.3 points in his senior season and could emerge as the Buckeyes’ best player as a freshman.

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