The McDonald’s hoops value menu

One recurring theme swirling around Clemson basketball team, at least externally, is the contribution – or lack thereof – from its vaunted freshmen trio of Milton Jennings, Devin Booker and Noel Johnson.

Don’t think it’s been a stretch to suggest this team’s ceiling will parallel the development of that group considering the cast of complementary players surrounding Trevor Booker, although Demontez Stitt is showing signs of emerging in a supporting No. 2 role.

Considering the hype this class generated, it’s understandable why some Clemson fans might have expected more to this stage than the freshmen have contributed.

But perhaps evaluate them from a wider perspective before entertaining the (premature, IMO) notion that these freshmen aren’t going to pan out as advertised.

There are nine McDonald’s All-Americans among the ACC’s freshmen class, and if you’ve watched most of them, you’d probably reach the conclusion what Clemson is experiencing is the norm, not the exception.

Here they are, going by Scout.com ranking and stats entering Wednesday’s games

1. F Derrick Favors, Georgia Tech
12.1 pts, 26.1 min, 58.3 pct, 64.8 FT pct, 8.8 reb, 31 blocks
Still projects as a one-and-done. But he’s certainly not where Chris Bosh was at this stage.

4. F John Henson, UNC
3.6 pts, 11.7 min, 45.7 FG pct, 2.9 reb, 30.8 3-pt pct
Looks really lost at the small forward spot

12. F Ryan Kelly, Duke
2.8 pts, 11.4 min, 40.0 FG pct, 2.1 reb
All you need to know: Got 1 minute in 21-point rout of Clemson

13. G Michael Snaer, FSU
8.4 pts, 20.7 min, 42.9 FG pct, 2.1 TOs, 62.0 FT
NBA body, but no one on this team’s scoring right now

18. F Mason Plumlee, Duke
5.0 pts, 13.0 min, 53.8 FG pct, 3.1 reb
Skilled and developing a role, but playing out of control in the post

23. F Milton Jennings, Clemson
4.5 pts, 12.9 min, 46.6 FG pct, 3.0 reb, 3-for-17 3s
Talents still masked by apprehension

33. G Dexter Strickland, UNC
5.3 pts, 16.2 min, 40.6 FG pct, 62.1 FT pct, 1.9 TOs, 2.4 ast
Miscast as the backup point out of roster necessity

55. F David Wear, UNC
2.8 pts, 10.9 min, 42.1 FG pct, 1.5 reb
See Henson

56. F Travis Wear, UNC
3.1 pts, 8.9 min, 46.2 FG pct
See twin brother

Others ranked in the top 50

25. G Durand Scott, Miami
8.0 pts, 26.3 min, 41.8 FG pct, 4.5 ast, 2.0 TOs
USC and Minnesota have been ‘Canes only legit opponents, so judgment reserved

28. G Lorenzo Brown, N.C. State
Did not qualify, at Hargrave Military Academy

36. PG Mfon Udofia, Georgia Tech
10.8 pts, 28.5 min, 41.7 FG pct, 29.8 3-pt pct
Respectable numbers for “Moo” (pronounced MOO-fon)

40. G Andre Dawkins, Duke
9.1 pts, 18.1 min, 47.5 FG pct, 46.4 3-pt pct
Again – 5 minutes against Clemson

44. F Ari Stewart, Wake Forest
8.5 pts, 17.2 min, 45.7 FG pct
Disclaimer – never seen the kid

For further comparison …

G/F Noel Johnson, Clemson
5.3 pts, 14.7 min, 38.5 FG pct, 37.5 3-pt pct
We know he can score in spurts. Still waiting for him to defend in spurts

F/C Devin Booker, Clemson
5.4 pts, 11.8 min, 63.8 FG pct, 38.9 FT pct, 3.2 reb
His role’s increasing, too, although his was one of many deer-in-headlight gazes at Duke

You could argue Wake Forest guard C.J. Harris (11.9 pts in 26.8 min) has been the second-best freshman behind Favors.

Long story short, the future of the rebuilding ACC is still enduring its growing pains.

Which is probably a contributing factor for why, beyond Duke, it’s anyone’s guess what the order will be, teams 2-8, in the conference.