NCAA analyst lauds young Villanova freshman: “Cam Whitmore is the most offensively gifted freshman”
Villanova Wildcats freshman Cam Whitmore is starting to make noise in college basketball. That's what was expected out of Whitmore coming into the 2022-23 season.
As a senior in high school, Whitmore was ranked 22nd in ESPN's high school basketball player rankings. However, an impressive summer from Whitmore while playing in FIBA competition with Team USA got the attention of NBA scouts and draft analysts. Whitmore was then considered a potential top-5 pick.
At 6'7", 232 pounds, Whitmore has the size and strength to overpower opponents with regularity. He was expected to hit the ground running for the Wildcats this year. However, a preseason thumb injury kept Whitmore sidelined for the first seven games of the year.
Whitmore finally made his anticipated debut against Oklahoma this past Saturday. After another strong outing on Tuesday night, Whitmore has started to get the attention of the basketball world. NCAA analyst Jon Rothstein recently praised Whitmore on social media. Rothstein compared Whitmore to Villanova legend Tim Thomas, who was the 7th overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft.
"Cam Whitmore is the most offensively gifted freshman that Villanova has had since Tim Thomas."
Cam Whitmore is the most offensively gifted freshman that Villanova has had since Tim Thomas.
21 tonight against Penn.
STUD. twitter.com/JonRothstein/s…
Villanova freshman Cam Whitmore starting to buzz
It took longer than expected, but Villanova Wildcats freshman Cam Whitmore has finally started to turn heads around the college basketball world. The freshman forward is a highlight machine with the ability to play above the rim.
Whitmore has the tools to be a difficult assignment for any opposing defender. He's smooth with the ball in his hands and can attack the defense with an array of counters. Whitmore is the most dangerous when attacking the lane, as he can posterize defenders with relative ease.
Since playing for Team USA this summer, Whitmore has shown improvements when it comes to his outside shot. If that continues to develop, NBA teams will be smitten with the idea of his potential.
Quick start for Cam Whitmore, 28 points in first 43 minutes. More signs of tighter handle, key for creating driving advantage when paired with that 6-7, 232lb frame. Power-explosion-coordination-quick jump combo for easy buckets. Shot coming along after 10-22 3PT at U18s. https://t.co/aSW7jm66HK
Cam Whitmore has all of the tools to be a top-5 player in the NBA draft. Only time will tell if those tools can come together as quickly as NBA personnel are hoping.
Whitmore impressed during Villanova's game on Wednesday night against UPenn. He finished with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. Through two games, Whitmore is averaging 14.0 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 50.0% from the field in 21.5 minutes.