Fresh five

A season after Kevin Durant was the national player of the year and another freshman, Greg Oden, became the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, a new group is making an impact.

A weekly look at how UCLA’s Kevin Love and USC’s O.J. Mayo stack up against the best of the freshman class:

Michael Beasley, Kansas State

Season stats: 25.0 ppg, 14.3 rpg

What he’s done lately: With a couple of 19-point performances in a loss to Notre Dame and a victory over California, Beasley slipped from his role as the nation’s leading scorer, but remains the top rebounder. Teammate Bill Walker -- a second-year freshman after missing most of last season after knee surgery -- scored 30 against Cal.

What’s ahead: Monday vs. Florida A&M; at Kansas City, Mo.

Eric Gordon, Indiana

Season stats: 24.3 ppg, 50.0 3-pt FG%.

What he’s done lately: After bruising his back in the first half against Tennessee State, finishing with eight points, Gordon didn’t play in Indiana’s 19-point victory over Kentucky.

What’s ahead: Saturday vs. Western Carolina.

Kevin Love, UCLA

Season stats: 16.7 ppg, 10.1 rpg

What he’s done lately: Love had 12 points and 12 rebounds in the Bruins’ comeback victory over Davidson but played only 22 minutes; it was the second game in a row in which he played less than 25 minutes.

What’s ahead: Saturday vs. Idaho State.

O.J. Mayo, USC

Season stats: 20.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg

What he’s done lately: Mayo scored 16 points in USC’s overtime loss to Memphis but made only six of 20 shots. He has taken 157 shots in nine games -- or 87 more than any teammate.

What’s ahead: Monday vs. Delaware State.

Derrick Rose, Memphis

Season stats: 15.9 ppg, 4.3 apg

What he’s done lately: Rose had a quiet outing in the Tigers’ victory over USC, with nine points and four assists, although he added 10 rebounds.

What’s ahead: Saturday vs. Middle Tennessee.