Diaper Dandies will have big impact again

One thing I really look forward to at the start of each new season is looking at the freshmen who are capable of making a major impact.

The diaper dandies have become so important all across America. They can help you make the Big Dance and even get you to the winner's circle at the national championship game.

There are plenty of notable freshmen coming into the season. There is always the question of whether the diaper dandies can live up to the hype they have received in high school. Many of them will learn that the speed of the game is different on the collegiate level. They have to get used to the physicality. Some have to get stronger in the weight room.

This season, the focus will be squarely felt at Duke and Kentucky.

Yes the Blue Devils haveGrayson Allen back, plus the return of a healthy Amile Jefferson. It is the incredible class of freshmen that Mike Krzyzewski has brought in that makes them the preseason No. 1 pick in the eyes of many.

Jayson Tatum is a bonafide star. Marques Bolden and Frank Jackson are highly regarded as well. If Harry Giles can recover from his injury woes of last season, watch out. My friends, he will be special.

Down at Kentucky, coach John Calipari will simply be reloading again. Point guardDe'Aaron Fox, power forward Bam Adebayo, shooting guard Malik Monk and power forwardWenyen Gabrielwereall ranked in ESPN's top 15 prospects coming out of high school.

Calipari will work hard to get these young stars to mesh as a unit. Guys like Jamal Murray, Tyler Ulis and Skal Labissiere are gone to the NBA, but the cupboard is far from bare in Lexington.

There will be many other freshmen impacting the sport this season. You will hear from names like Lonzo Ball of UCLA, Josh Jackson of Kansas, Jarrett Allen of Texas, Miles Bridges of Michigan State,V.J. Kingof Louisville and Mustapha Heron of Auburn to name a few. That is the beauty of college basketball. These kids come in and make a difference. It will be fun to watch them progress.