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If you recall back to our reveal of both Ian Eagle’s and Mike Fratello’s thoughts on the NBA rookies to watch in 2012-13, you’ll likely remember that “The Czar” and “The Bird Man” both had similar lists – and you’ll recognize in reading Jim Spanarkel’s thoughts below that the Nets broadcast team is in sync when thinking about the most fabulous freshmen in the NBA.

However, while Spanarkel agreed with his partners on the Top 3, he also included a fourth player that neither man mentioned – one that certainly vexed Spanarkel’s alma mater, Duke University, for the past two collegiate seasons.

No. 1: Anthony Davis, New Orleans
“I don’t know if he’s going to be the impact player he was in college in his first year, but he’s talented on both ends of the floor. He had the ability to at least change a college game defensively, and I think that will carry over.”

No. 2: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky
“Kidd-Gilchrist is a hard-nosed guy. He might not be the best player, scorer, or rebounder on his team, but his competitive nature makes him one that you have to keep an eye on.”

No. 3: Dion Waiters, Syracuse
“Waiters didn’t start in college, but he has a great body and he could be an explosive scorer. The question is can he maintain it at a high level on a consistent basis at the pro level?”

No. 4: Kendall Marshall, Phoenix
“His ability to pass the ball as a college player was as good as I’ve seen in a long time, and as he’s taking over for Steve Nash in Phoenix, he should get plenty of opportunity to show what he can do.”

Follow Lou DiPietro on Twitter: @LouDiPietroYES