NCAAB · 1 year ago

Ranking the Top 10 Freshmen in College Basketball

David Connelly

Host · Writer

10. Asa Newell - Georgia
Asa Newell is as steady as steady gets. The big man has eclipsed at least 12 points in 22 of 25 games so far this season while shooting an incredible 55 percent from the floor across 25 starts. That level of efficiency will always turn heads at the next level, and his performances have put the Bulldogs in a position to potentially reach their first NCAA Tournament since 2015.

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1. Cooper Flagg - Duke
Cooper Flagg can impact games in a myriad of ways. He already possesses an array of NBA-ready moves. His ability to rebound, defend, and get teammates involved makes him a special, well-rounded superstar in the making.

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2. Ace Bailey - Rutgers
Ace Bailey is the best pure scorer of the class, hitting ridiculous iso-fadeaways and contested jumpers on a nightly basis. His level of scoring and feel for the game is borderline unnatural for his age, and he has solidified himself as a surefire top-three pick this summer in the NBA Draft.
3. Dylan Harper - Rutgers
Dylan Harper's game is a spitting image of future Hall of Famer James Harden. He plays at his own pace, toys with defenders, and is quick to find an open teammate if he cannot create for himself. His size and constant ability to make the right decision make him such a frustrating matchup.
4. Tre Johnson - Texas
The length and wingspan of Tre Johnson have scouts drooling. He undoubtedly has the highest ceiling out of anyone outside the consensus top three, and his production has been incredible for a player inside the SEC gauntlet. He leads the entire conference in points per game and hopes to have the Longhorns dancing for a fifth consecutive year.
5. Kasparas Jakucionis - Illinois
A four-star international recruit, Kasparas Jakucionis has been a surprising star for Illinois throughout the 2024-25 season. He led the team in scoring and helped the program remain relevant after Terrence Shannon Jr. headed to the pros. His size and shooting fit perfectly into what NBA teams seek in today's era.
6. Jeremiah Fears - Oklahoma
Coming into the season, Oklahoma's biggest question mark was who would be the Robin to Jalon Moore's Batman after so many departures from the program. Jeremiah Fears has often answered the call as a poised first-year star who could take a serious leap forward if he improved on his below-average three-point shooting.
7. Derik Queen - Maryland
If you are looking for a pure big man in this NBA Draft, look no further than Maryland's Derik Queen. The Baltimore native has put up some gaudy numbers for the Terrapins on multiple occasions this year. His 22-point, 20-rebound performance in the season-opener against Manhattan is one, while he terrorized Rutgers in their most recent outing with 29 and 15.
8. Thomas Sorber - Georgetown
Thomas Sorber is another intriguing big in this year's class. He is a 6'10" power forward who leads the entire Big East with 8.7 rebounds per game. His timing, positioning, and efficiency often make you forget that he is just a freshman. With his athleticism and large frame, the sky is the limit for his potential.
9. Boogie Fland - Arkansas
There are few playmakers better than Boogie Fland that will be available in June's NBA Draft. The Arkansas freshman knows how to set up his teammates and contribute via his scoring abilities. He could climb even further up this list if he improved his shooting. It's a bit of an eye-sore on his stat sheet to be shooting sub-40 percent from the floor on the year.
10. Asa Newell - Georgia
Asa Newell is as steady as steady gets. The big man has eclipsed at least 12 points in 22 of 25 games so far this season while shooting an incredible 55 percent from the floor across 25 starts. That level of efficiency will always turn heads at the next level, and his performances have put the Bulldogs in a position to potentially reach their first NCAA Tournament since 2015.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1. Cooper Flagg - Duke
Cooper Flagg can impact games in a myriad of ways. He already possesses an array of NBA-ready moves. His ability to rebound, defend, and get teammates involved makes him a special, well-rounded superstar in the making.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

Ranking the Top 10 Freshmen in College Basketball

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