Cole Anthony and Jordan Nwora impress during NCAAB's first week

On Tuesday the 2019-2020 college basketball season launched in spectacular fashion, as freshmen talent and veterans alike put on impressive showcases in their first games back on hardwood.

Several of those players happened to be named to the preseason top 50 watch list for the John R. Wooden Award on Monday and put the voting committee on further notice this week.

Let's underline five athletes who not only boast excellent chances of becoming the next Wooden Award recipient, but also have promising odds to help lead their team to a national title in April.

Cole Anthony, guard, North Carolina (championship odds +1400)

Game 1: 34 points, 12-24 field goals, 6-11 from three-point range, 4-5 free throws, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal

Freshman Cole Anthony stepped onto UNC’s court for his first game as a Tar Heel and left no doubt his future is bright in Chapel Hill. The son of former NBA guard and UNLV alum Greg Anthony lifted the Tar Heels past conference mate Notre Dame, 76-65, on Wednesday and set a freshman school record for scoring.

Anthony notched a team-high 34 points, including a stretch of seven straight, to help put away the Fighting Irish. He should play a crucial role for the No. 9 Tar Heels and drew strong praise and comparisons to Tyler Hansbrough (the 2008 Wooden Award winner) from head coach Roy Williams following the game.

Jordan Nwora, forward, Louisville (championship odds +1800)

Game 1: 23 points, 8-16 field goals, 4-6 from three-point range, 3-3 free throws, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

Chris Mack has quickly changed the culture of the Louisville basketball program since the fallout from the Rick Pitino era. Jordan Nwora has played a key part, and in his junior season, he’s pegged to guide the No. 5 Cardinals to incredible heights this season.

In Louisville’s first game against Miami, Nwora led the team with 23 points on 50% shooting from the field and 66.7% from three-point range. The junior forward also grabbed 12 rebounds and two steals in the 87-74 drubbing of the Hurricanes.

Tyrese Maxey, guard, Kentucky (championship odds +700)

Game 1: 26 points, 7-12 field goals, 3-7 from three-point range, 9-10 free throws, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

Another spotlight-stealing freshman, Tyrese Maxey, faced an incredible first test in his collegiate debut and came up clutch in Kentucky’s 69-62 victory over the No. 1 Michigan State Spartans.

Maxey came off the bench to score 26 points, including a deep three to boost the No. 2 Wildcats’ lead to five points with less than a minute remaining. The freshman phenom isn’t the only Kentucky player on the Wooden watch list—sophomore Ashton Hagans is a member, too—but Maxey outshone the rest of his team Tuesday and proved he’s one to keep an eye on throughout the season.

James Wiseman, center, Memphis (championship odds +1300)

Game 1: 28 points, 11-14 field goals, 6-7 free throws, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks

In Penny Hardaway’s second season as head coach at Memphis, the Tigers pulled in plenty of hype with the No. 1 recruiting class—including top prospect James Wiseman and fellow Wooden Award candidate Precious Achiuwa.

In Memphis’ 97-64 thumping of South Carolina, both Wiseman and Achiuwa unleashed impressive performances, but the 7-foot-1 center from Tennessee put the nation on notice. Wiseman registered a double-double, with 28 points and 11 rebounds (both team highs), and he blocked three shots.

In the preseason Wiseman dealt with shoulder and ankle injuries, but if he can stay healthy, he could help lead Memphis and its band of freshmen deep in the NCAA tournament.

Markus Howard, guard, Marquette (championship odds +4000)

Game 1: 38 points, 11-20 field goals, 7-10 from three-point range, 9-10 free throws, 5 rebounts, 2 assists, 1 steal

While plenty of underclassmen stole the headlines in the first action of the season, senior Markus Howard pieced together an impressive opener. The Marquette guard more than tripled the point total of his next-closest teammate, and his 38 points pushed Howard to No. 1 on Marquette's all-time leading scorer list.

The Golden Eagles are just on the outside looking in on the AP top 25 and should crack the rankings soon, especially if Howard continues at his current pace.

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