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: 27.2 ppg, 15.5 rpg.

What he’s done lately: After scoring at least 30 points in four of Kansas State’s first five games, Beasley scored only 13 against Rider but still had 10 rebounds. The 6-10 forward has had a double-double in each of his first six games.

What’s ahead: Thursday vs. Oregon.

Eric Gordon, Indiana

Season stats: 27.0 ppg, 55.2% three-point shooting.

What he’s done lately: The 6-4 guard has three 30-point games in five outings but was held to 20 as the Hoosiers were upset by Xavier, scoring mostly from the line as he made all 12 of his free throws.

What’s ahead: Tonight vs. Georgia Tech, Saturday at Southern Illinois.

Kevin Love, UCLA

Season stats: 19.3 ppg, 10.5 rpg.

What he’s done lately: The Bruins’ center had 21 points and 11 rebounds as UCLA fought off Michigan State, and added 15 and five in an easy victory over Yale despite missing part of the game because of a slight ankle injury.

What’s ahead: Wednesday vs. George Washington, Sunday vs. Texas.

O.J. Mayo, USC

Season stats: 21.8 ppg, 3.3 apg.

What he’s done lately: The Trojans’ guard was chosen the most outstanding player of the Anaheim Classic, averaging 18 points over three games. He scored only 13 in USC’s impressive victory over Southern Illinois -- coming off the bench in what Coach Tim Floyd claimed was a move to foster team spirit -- but made five of seven shots.

What’s ahead: Thursday vs. Oklahoma, Sunday vs. Kansas.

Derrick Rose, Memphis

Season stats: 16.6 ppg, 2.8 apg.

What he’s done lately: The bloom was off the rose a bit against Arkansas State, as the Tigers’ point guard scored only four points -- his first game out of double figures. He also contributed six rebounds and five assists.

What’s ahead: Tonight vs. Austin Peay.