The start of college basketball and an influx of new talent means there is a level of hope and excitement in the air for every team. But most programs struggle to survive if they cannot evaluate, recruit and develop top prospects. Most ranked recruits have the talent to impact but it takes more than sheer ability to have influence right away.
What separates talent? Years of preparation, habits and focus combined with opportunity. With the early signing period underway in men's basketball, the group below is on a great path to stand out as freshmen when they take the court a year from now.