Will anyone be this year's Zion Williamson?

The college basketball world will be feeling a huge void this season without Zion Williamson to fawn over anymore. As you well know, Williamson caught the eye of the sports world last season as his powerful...yet graceful...dunks led off highlight shows, his off-court exploits were documented by networks and pretty much everything he did (or didn't do) was analyzed and debated ad nauseam.

While no one will likely fill that giant void as college basketball's biggest star in at least a decade, there most likely will be someone who will capture the attention of the sport and become a focus of fans and the media this season. Here are some candidates:

Cole Anthony, North Carolina

Down the road from Durham resides the guy who could be the player to take the torch. Anthony has the confident personality and the game to excite fans. He is a fine perimeter shooter, great passer and is an outstanding finisher. The son of former UNLV point guard Greg Anthony, Cole has the kind of leadership qualities that are rare for a freshman, and he will instantly become the Tar Heels' most important player. The ball will be in his hands a lot, just as it was for one-and-done Coby White last season, and with the Heels losing much of their scoring prowess from last season, it will up to Anthony to take on a lot of the offensive load.

James Wiseman, Memphis

Wiseman enters the season as the top-rated prospect by most analysts and the crown jewel of Penny Hardaway's amazing freshman class. He's already a monster on defense — a premier shot blocker and glass cleaner. His offensive game is a bit raw right now, but with all the talent surrounding him he should be able to pile up some easy baskets. Watch for a lot of alley-oop highlights from the front-runner to be the No. 1 overall pick in next summer's draft.

Anthony Edwards, Georgia

Imagine if Williamson decided to stay home and play for Clemson, and you'll get the buzz at Georgia over Anthony Edwards. The Bulldogs won just 11 games last year yet were still able to lock on Edwards, an explosive shooting guard who attacks the basket with ferocity. He's also a good shooter who has a mid-range game and hits threes, which will make him nearly unguardable at the college level.  He's got the talent, but this program is still a work in progress. He'll get plenty of chances to rack up points and show off his skill, and if he can carry the Dawgs to the NCAA Tournament, then his legend in Athens will go through the roof.

Isaiah Stewart, Washington

Stewart is a powerful force in the paint. He should be a double-double machine for the Huskies, who will also need him to be a presence on the defensive end. He's an old-school big man who does most of his damage in the paint, yet he also has a lot of athleticism around the basket. Playing out in Seattle could hurt his national exposure due to many of his games being shown later at night on the East Coast, but he's certainly a name to know this season.

Nico Mannion, Arizona

While Cole Anthony was the point guard who got most of the publicity during recruiting and on the All-Star circuit, Mannion held his own. Like Anthony, Mannion can score in a variety of ways and has that swagger about him that endears him to fans and teammates. A local high school legend, Mannion has also played for the Italian national team in FIBA World Cup qualifying games, so playing in the Pac-12 won't be too intimidating. His red hair and insane range will make him popular in the desert...and the rest of the country.

Tyrese Maxey, Kentucky

Maxey will be one of several freshman Wildcats this season — as is the case annually at Kentucky — so there will be some growing pains as John Calipari jells his team. He's not yet the long-range shooter as some of the other combo guards are, but he finds ways to get to the basket and has a great mid-range game. Playing alongside sophomore Ashton Hagans or as a playmaker, Maxey should be able to get buckets in bunches. He has a great personality and looks like he's having a blast when he's out on the court, which will make him a favorite among the BBN.

Vernon Carey Jr., Duke

Who better to be the next Zion than another Duke freshman? Carey isn't the high flyer that Williamson is, but he should be the next dominant Blue Devils big man. He plays primarily in the paint but has the ability to get end to end quickly when fast break opportunities arise. Like Stewart, Carey should put up a lot of double-doubles this year and remind the Cameron Crazies of Marvin Bagley, Wendell Carter and Jahlil Okafor. His father was former Miami Dolphins offensive tackle, Vernon Carey Sr.

Jalen Smith, Maryland

OK, Smith isn't a freshman, but he might really break out this season. Last year he played alongside Bruno Fernando, so his touches were limited. Even so, he made the most of his opportunities and averaged 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds last year for the Terps. Smith has bulked up this season and will be the go-to guy in the paint and should prosper in that role. He also has an advantage of playing with one of the better point guards in the nation in Anthony Cowan, who will not only help create space for Smith but also will get him the ball in spots where he can do the most damage. Expect a big season for Smith.

Precious Achiuwa, Memphis

The Tigers have an entire roster of intriguing freshmen who will wow us this year. While James Wiseman gets the most press, Achiuwa could be the one who sparks everyone's imagination. He is a lethal slasher who can get to the basket at will for athletic plays. He's got great size for a wing player and should play some stretch four at Memphis this year. If he can develop a reliable jumper, especially from the three point line, he will rocket up many mock draft boards.