The 5 Best Freshmen From Kentucky's John Calipari Era

DeMarcus Cousins, 2009-2010

PER: 34.2

The one we now often call Boogie comes in at number two, and rightfully so.

Besides Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins is the only other freshman from the past five-plus seasons to post a PER of at least 34 (or even 30 for that matter). Boogie was also the first of his kind.

In Calipari's first season in Lexington, Cousins led Kentucky to a 35-3 record and an appearance in the Elite 8. Well, that is, he led the Wildcats as much as one can when averaging just 23.5 minutes per game.

By looking at his per game stats, it's easy for one to disregard how great Boogie was in his one year at Kentucky. However, when you take into account his per 40 stats, he was absolutely ridiculous. If Cousins played all 40 minutes, he would have averaged an incredible 25.8 points, 16.8 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per contest.

Though Boogie wasn't as efficient as Brow in his dominance, he did lead his team in Defensive Win Shares (2.7) and Win Shares per 40 (.290).

Then he left Kentucky and was drafted fifth overall by the Kings in 2010, and he continues to put up dominant numbers night in and night out.