The Big Lead: Malik Newman is one of nation's best

Almost buried within football's preseason watchlists and media days, USA Today ranked the top 50 players in college basketball on Thursday. Mississippi State freshman Malik Newman ranked 10th.

The Big Lead described Newman as an "Explosive combo guard with a shot to match. Instant impact player in the SEC, where he could lead the conference in scoring as a freshman."

Newman ranked as the fourth best player in the SEC and the sixth best freshman in the country, according to the Big Lead.

Duke freshman Brandon Ingram was No. 7, while Cal's freshman Jaylen Brown was No. 5. The top three players in the country were all freshmen in the SEC.

LSU's Ben Simmons topped the listed followed by Kentucky's Skal Labissiere and Jamal Murray.

Newman signed with Mississippi State and coach Ben Howland after winning four state championships with Callaway High School in Jackson. He was ranked as the nation's top rated guard.

Contact Michael Bonner at mbonner@gannett.com. Follow @MikeBBonner on Twitter.