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Michigan’s Hardaway Jr. performing like Sullinger, Barnes

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You’ve heard about Jared Sullinger, Harrison Barnes and Terrence Jones. Perry Jones and Brandon Knight, too.

They’re among the nation’s best freshmen, right?

But what about Michigan’s Tim Hardaway Jr.? Does he make that list?

His basic stats – 13.6 points, 3.9 rebounds a game – don’t blow you away, but blame that on an uneven first few months of the season. During Big Ten play, he’s been as good as any of the highly touted freshmen.

He’s hit double figures in scoring his last 11 games (22 in a win vs. Minnesota on Saturday) thanks being more assertive on offense. And efficient, too. Per the Big Ten Geeks, he’s easily among the nation’s 10 best freshmen.

Here’s a table to illustrate how good he’s been during conference play.

hardaway

How’s he done it? Let’s let teammate Darius Morris explain.

“His shot selection has been really key and that’s been opening it up for him,” Morris told the Detroit News. “Now he’s taking high-percentage shots and when they try to close out on him, he’s putting the ball on the ground and getting buckets around the rim.”

Oh yeah. His pedigree probably helps too.

You also can follow me on Twitter @MikeMillerNBC.