UCLA Basketball: The Bruins House The Nation’s Best Freshman

December 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) and forward TJ Leaf (22) help up guard Lonzo Ball (2) against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) and forward TJ Leaf (22) help up guard Lonzo Ball (2) against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA Basketball has the nation’s two best freshman in forward TJ Leaf, and guard Lonzo Ball. According to a Bleacher Report article, Leaf comes in at #5, and Ball checks in at #1.

The impact two freshmen have had on the UCLA Basketball team this season is remarkable, they have played a huge role in the success of the Bruins this year.

The country has been put on notice, and executives everywhere in the NBA are salivating at the potential these two young stars have.

UCLA’s touted freshman guard, Lonzo Ball, averages 18 points, 5 rebounds and almost 9 assists per game. His athleticism and ability to shoot from anywhere is what puts him over the top.

His shot selection has been suspect at times this season, but it is very hard to argue with the results. Lonzo Ball has NBA written all over him, and it’s no surprise to see him ranked as the nation’s best freshman.

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Not to be forgotten, UCLA freshman forward TJ Leaf has been phenomenal this season. Averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists.

Having a forward with Leaf’s ability makes the Bruins that much harder to beat. His shooting this season has been remarkable, he’s even shooting a blistering 54% from deep this year.

With TJ Leaf’s ability to stretch the defense with his shooting, it makes the UCLA Bruins that much more difficult to defend.

He is a very unselfish and willing passer, just another element NBA scouts love about his game. Seeing him ranked at #5 is no surprise, he could find himself in the Player Of The Year discussion.

His length makes it difficult for opponents to get clean looks around the rim, TJ Leaf averages only one block per game, but he alters many shot attempts. Sometimes the stats that aren’t jotted down are the most important.

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These two studs of freshman have been an undeniable force for UCLA this season, and they show no signs of slowing down any time soon.

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