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25 impact freshmen for the 2024-25 season

It’s never too early to start looking ahead!

Check below for our list of 25 impact freshmen for the 2024-25 college basketball season.

In no particular order:

Cooper Flagg, Duke: A generational talent, the 6-9 Flagg has a chance to be the best freshman to play in the Blue Devils’ program since Zion Williamson. He’s already the heavy favorite to be the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Whenever Flagg takes the floor in 2024-25, it’ll be appointment television.

Khaman Maluach, Duke: The 7-2 Maluach was a part of the South Sudan team that played in Paris over the summer in the Olympics. He’s expected to be a significant piece to the Blue Devils’ puzzle up front and should be able to make an immediate impact defensively at the front of the rim.

Kon Kneuppel, Duke: The 6-7 Knueppel was the leading scorer a few years ago during EYBL’s regular season and possesses an incredible feel for the game. An extremely polished offensive player, Knueppel may quickly emerge as the unsung presence in Duke’s 2024 recruiting class.

Isaiah Evans, Duke: Blessed with gifts from God physically, Evans naturally looks like someone who could emerge into a lethal two-way player. Armed with good size and length at 6-7, Evans possesses tremendous defensive prowess and an offensive game that could be exceptionally effective in the mid-range area. His continued progress in terms of his overall strength will be critical for his long-term development.

Dylan Harper, Rutgers: This is the most anticipated season that the Scarlet Knights have had in recent memory and Harper’s presence is a major reason why. The brother of former Rutgers star Ron Harper Jr., Dylan Harper is arguably the top guard in the 2024 class. He’s also projected to be a lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Ace Bailey, Rutgers: A freak athlete, the 6-8 Bailey is firmly in the mix to be one of the top picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. With he and Harper in tow, Steve Pikiell has the most talented one-two punch that he’s had since he took over the Rutgers program in 2016.

Asa Newell, Georgia: Many people were shocked when Newell was not invited to the McDonald’s All-American game last spring, but that doesn’t mean that he’s not going to be one of the best freshmen in college basketball during the 2024-25 season. The 6-9 Newell is a gifted offensive player who can face-up and pick-and-pop. He’ll play a major role for the Bulldogs as Mike White aims to lead Georgia to the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Boogie Fland, Arkansas: John Calipari has always been synonymous with talented first-year guards and Fland is next in line. A New York native, this 6-2 guard is a capable shooter who can play multiple positions. Fland will be an immediate factor in the Razorbacks’ rotation.

Karter Knox, Arkansas: The younger brother of NBA forward Kevin Knox, Karter Knox looks like a prototypical small forward at 6-6. A capable offensive player with a variety of things in his tool bag, Knox’s defensive readiness will have to be intact if he’s going to make a significant contribution to Arkansas this season.

V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor: Scott Drew has coached back-to-back guards who were first-round picks in Keyonte George and Ja’Kobe Walter; Edgecombe is next. The 6-5 freshman averaged 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists for the Bahamas in the recent qualifying games for the Olympics. He’ll be ready to make a major contribution for the Bears in 2024-25.

Liam McNeeley, UConn: The Huskies may have the best shooting team that they’ve had under Dan Hurley and that’s directly related to McNeeley. After initially committing to Indiana, the 6-6 McNeeley is headed to Storrs and is the likely favorite to be the Big East Freshman of the Year. Think another Gradey Dick.

Ian Jackson, North Carolina: A ridiculous offensive talent, Jackson can score from all angles on the court all while giving everything he has on defense. He’ll form an elite perimeter troika for the Tar Heels along with freshman point guard Elliot Cadeau and National Player of the Year candidate RJ Davis.

Drake Powell, North Carolina: Elite athlete? Check. Elite motor? Check. Strong physical attributes? Powell has that too. 6-7 and explosive, Powell’s tenacity should complement the Tar Heels in the open floor and on defense. This is a an intriguing piece to monitor in North Carolina’s rotation.

Donnie Freeman, Syracuse: It’s been a while since the Orange have had a freshman up front as talented as the 6-9 Freeman, who’s projected to be Syracuse’s starting power forward in 2024-25. With Freeman and Colorado transfer Eddie Lampkin, Red Autry has a formidable baseline at his disposal as he gets set for his second season as head coach of his alma mater.

Carter Bryant, Arizona: Tommy Lloyd went to Southern California to get the 6-8 Bryant, who’s one of the more physically gifted players in the 2024 class. Bryant has natural gifts and instincts that allow him to seamlessly shoot, dribble, and pass. He’ll immediately have a significant role in the Wildcats’ rotation.

Derrion Reid, Alabama: Nate Oats made major waves in the transfer portal by adding Cliff Omoruyi (Rutgers), Chris Youngblood (South Florida), and Aden Holloway (Auburn). A word to the wise: Don’t forget about Reid. The 6-7 small forward was a consensus five-star prospect and is tailor made for Oats’ high-octane attack. Remember the name.

Tre Johnson, Texas: Well embedded moles in Austin quickly sent word over the summer that Johnson had instantly made an impression with his new team. It shouldn’t be a surprise. Arguably the top scoring guard in the 2024 class, the 6-6 Johnson is the type of player that rolls out of bed and gets 12-15 points. Don’t be shocked if this kid is the Longhorns’ leading scorer in their first season in the SEC.

Jalil Bethea, Miami: The Hurricanes’ program has been synonymous with great guards under Jim Larranaga and Bethea will follow suit. Miami needs major mileage out of this kid if it’s going to return to the NCAA Tournament in 2025. The 6-4 Bethea joins veterans Nijel Pack and Matthew Cleveland on the Hurricanes’ perimeter, which will also feature Stetson transfer Jalen Blackmon.

Jayden Quaintance, Arizona State: After initially committing to play for John Calipari when he was at Kentucky, the 6-9 Quaintance decided to pivot to the desert, where he hopes to be part of a memorable first season in the Big 12 for Arizona State. A multi-talented offensive threat, Quaintance is one of the best all-around players in the 2024 class.

Joson Sanon, Arizona State: Like Quaintance, Sanon was originally committed to another school — Arizona — before opting to take his talents to Tempe. A volume scorer with confidence, the 6-5 Sanon should excel in Bobby Hurley’s guard-friendly system.

Will Riley, Illinois: Riley reclassified to the 2024 class to join the Illini for the upcoming season, where he aims to play a major role. Versatile and multi-talented at 6-8, the lanky Riley can score from multiple levels and also has shown signs of being a quality facilitator. He should fit nicely in Brad Underwood’s “positionless” offensive approach.

Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois: After UCLA and Xavier both only got marginal contributions from their international heavy recruiting last season, it’s important to take all international prospects with a grain of salt. With that said, the 6-6 Jakucionis has been mightily impressive and averaged 19.4 points in the U18 European Championship this past summer. It’s going to be really hard to keep this guy out of Illinois’ starting lineup.

Derik Queen, Maryland: An offensive freak, the 6-10 Queen has a smooth touch that extends to the elbow and potentially, the three-point line. While he still needs to improve his body and overall conditioning, Queen is still a force at center. He’ll pair with Julian Reese to give the Terps a lethal power forward/center combo.

Flory Bidunga, Kansas: It’s going to be hard for Bidunga to crack the Jayhawks’ starting lineup with KJ Adams and Hunter Dickinson cemented up front, but that doesn’t mean that he’s not capable of having a major role as a freshman. The motor never stops with this kid, who at 6-9 could give Kansas a lethal frontcourt reserve.

Egor Demin, BYU: Like Jakucionis, it’s important to temper expectations for international recruits. Nevertheless, the 6-8 Demin — who previously played for Real Madrid — is a five-star prospect. His development and contribution level will be critical if BYU is going to advance to the NCAA Tournament in its first season under Kevin Young.

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