College Hoops Today

Serving College Basketball 365 Days a Year

20 under-the-radar freshmen for the 2024-25 season

It’s never too early to start looking ahead!

Check below for our list of 20 under-the-radar freshmen for the 2024-25 college basketball season.

In no particular order:

Trent Perry, UCLA: Mick Cronin revamped the Bruins’ roster this spring by adding six transfers, but don’t forget about Perry. The 6-4 point guard was a McDonald’s All-American and should be an immediate contributor in Westwood. Look for Perry to give UCLA another quality ball handler alongside both Dylan Andrews and Louisville transfer Skyy Clark.

David Castillo, Kansas State: Jerome Tang is counting on big things from Castillo, who may very well push for a place in the Wildcats’ starting lineup. Lightning quick and super capable as a table setter, the 6-1 Castillo has the type of game that will make him an instant fan favorite among Kansas State’s passionate fan base.

Thomas Sorber, Georgetown: Sorber has to be in the mix for Big East Freshman of the Year if the Hoyas are going to finish in the middle of the conference standings in their second season under Ed Cooley. The 6-9 big man is the strong favorite to be Georgetown’s starting center during the 2024-25 season.

Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn: Bruce Pearl needs mileage out of this 6-1 lefty, who has a chance to be a menace defensively in Auburn’s high-octane attack. A Jersey City native, Pettiford can play either guard spot for the Tigers, who are again expected to be one of the top teams in the SEC.

Caedin Hamilton, Marquette: Well embedded moles in Milwaukee have raved about the 6-9 Hamilton, who redshirted for the Golden Eagles last season. Don’t be shocked if this is Marquette’s second primary big man in 2024-25 behind Ben Gold.

Somto Cyril, Georgia: A consensus top-50 recruit, the 6-10 Cyril originally signed with Kentucky, but now heads to Athens with hopes of making an immediate impact as a freshman. His rim protection should be an instant asset as he averaged a league-leading 3.2 blocks last season while playing for OTE.

Jaiden Glover, St. John’s: Rick Pitino needs floor spacers to complement both Deivon Smith (Utah) and Kadary Richmond (Seton Hall). That’s right in Glover’s wheelhouse. A capable shotmaker with a textbook stroke, the 6-4 Glover should find a place in the Red Storm’s rotation.

Annor Boateng, Missouri: An 0-18 finish in SEC play forced Dennis Gates to reload via the transfer portal. Boateng however, is still set to be a key newcomer in Columbia as a freshman. A consensus top-40 recruit, this 6-5 wing should instantly add length, shotmaking, and athleticism.

Daniel Jacobsen, Purdue: Another 7-footer in West Lafayette? You better believe it. The 7-3 Jacobsen averaged 9.2 points, seven rebounds, and 3.2 blocks for Team USA during the U18 Americup this past summer in Argentina. Remember the name.

Amier Ali, Arizona State: A pair of five-star prospects — Jayden Quaintance and Joson Sanon — headline the Sun Devils’ fabled recruiting class, but Ali will also play a major role. Bobby Hurley is bullish on this 6-8 small forward, who should flourish in Arizona State’s fast-paced style of play.

Rob Wright, Baylor: Wright isn’t getting the same amount of attention as V.J. Edgecombe — a likely one-and-done prospect — but he’s still got a chance to play a key role for the Bears as a freshman. A 6-foot floor general who can run a team with the poise of an upperclassmen, Wright will give Scott Drew another point guard to go along with Duke transfer Jeremy Roach.

Oswin Erhunmwunse, Providence: Erhunmwunse’s decision to reclassify into the Friars’ 2024 class immediately bolstered Providence’s rim protection. A lob threat on offense and a shot blocker on defense, this 6-9 big man instantly gives Kim English another option at center along with St. Joe’s transfer Christ Essandoko.

Jase Richardson, Michigan State: The son of Jason Richardson, Jase Richardson is following in his father’s footsteps in East Lansing. A talented lefty who can play either guard spot, Jase Richardson is another piece to monitor in Michigan State’s backcourt along with Jeremy Fears, Tre Holloman, and Jaden Akins.

Robert Hinton, Harvard: Tommy Amaker is in the midst of an impressive recruiting tear and Hinton is a major part of that. This Southern California native had power conference interest before opting to take his talents to Cambridge. He’ll need to play a major role as the Crimson attempt to transition following the loss of Malik Mack, who transferred to Georgetown.

Daquan Davis, Florida State: The Seminoles haven’t played in the NCAA Tournament since 2021 and if they’re going to change that in 2025, several players are going to have to step into major roles. Davis is part of that equation. Don’t be shocked if this kid winds up as Florida State’s starting point guard.

Kanon Catchings, BYU: After initially committing to Purdue, Catchings now is bound for Provo and first-year head coach Kevin Young. A 6-8 forward with capable guard skills, Catchings’ development could play a role in whether or not BYU will be able to reach the NCAA Tournament in 2025.

Daniel Freitag, Wisconsin: Chucky Hepburn’s decision to transfer to Louisville immediately opened up available minutes for the Badgers at point guard. That’s where Freitag comes into play. This kid and Central Arkansas transfer Camren Hunter will both play key roles for Wisconsin at the most important position on the floor during the 2024-25 season.

Jackson McAndrew, Creighton: Another skilled power forward in Omaha? Why not! Like both Mason Miller and Isaac Traudt, the 6-9 McAndrew can really stretch the defense. He’ll instantly help with Creighton’s spacing on offense, which is always among the best in college basketball.

Morez Johnson, Illinois: The Illini are one of the most intriguing teams in college basketball entering this season, mostly because so many spots in Illinois’ lineup are up for grabs. Johnson figures to be right in the fight for one of those positions up front. He averaged eight points and nine rebounds for Team USA in the U18 Americup over the summer.

Moustapha Thiam, UCF: The Knights are the sleeper team in the Big 12, partially because Thiam opted to reclassify into the 2024 class. That decision now gives Johnny Dawkins a capable option at center at 7-1. Keep your eyes on this kid.

Leftovers