The 2024 NCAA men’s basketball season is seeing a great number of freshman players. This year’s group of first-year players boasts impressive individual performances. With 24 players from the ESPN 100 for 2024 averaging double figures in scoring, the depth and quality of this freshman class are undeniable.
Let’s delve into the standout freshmen who are making headlines this season.
Top Freshmen Leading the Charge
Cooper Flagg, Duke Blue Devils
Cooper Flagg has emerged as the best freshman in the country. Averaging 17.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, Flagg has consistently delivered in high-stakes games. His impressive stats have also earned him the No. 2 spot in KenPom’s Player of the Year standings.
Dylan Harper, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Dylan Harper has been nothing short of sensational for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Harper’s ability to drive to the basket and draw fouls has made him nearly unstoppable. His standout performance at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas further cements his status as a top prospect.
International Talent Making Waves
Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois Fighting Illini
Kasparas Jakucionis has quickly risen to prominence, thanks to a remarkable four-game stretch. This saw him significantly boost his averages to 22.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. The Lithuania native has lived up to the preseason hype, showcasing his sharpshooting ability with nearly 56% accuracy from beyond the arc in recent games.
Egor Demin, BYU Cougars
Standing at 6-foot-9, Egor Demin’s size and versatility have made him a valuable asset for the BYU Cougars. Despite some inconsistencies, Demin has demonstrated his potential with a career-opening 18-point, 11-assist game against Central Arkansas. He is currently averaging 13.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
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Big Men Dominating the Paint
Derik Queen, Maryland Terrapins
A skilled 6-foot-10 big man, Derik Queen has been a dominant force for the Maryland Terrapins. Averaging 17.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, Queen has consistently delivered double-doubles and showcased his defensive prowess with steals and blocks. His standout performance against Purdue, where he scored 26 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, highlights his impact on the court.
Samet Yigitoglu, SMU Mustangs
Samet Yigitoglu, a 7-foot-2 freshman from Turkey, has made an immediate impact for the SMU Mustangs. After overcoming initial eligibility issues, Yigitoglu quickly integrated into the team, averaging 11.6 points and 6.5 rebounds. His notable performances against Virginia and Washington State underscore his potential as a dominant big man in college basketball.
Sharpshooters Lighting Up the Scoreboard
Tre Johnson, Texas Longhorns
Tre Johnson has lived up to his reputation as one of the best pure scorers in the 2025 class. Averaging 21.1 points and shooting nearly 44% from three-point range, Johnson has led the Texas Longhorns in scoring in seven of nine games. His impressive performances against Ohio State and UConn highlight his scoring prowess and confidence.
John Mobley Jr., Ohio State Buckeyes
Despite not starting a game for the Ohio State Buckeyes, John Mobley Jr. has established himself as one of the premier three-point shooters in the country. With an average of 12.9 points and a nearly 56% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, Mobley has consistently delivered multiple three-pointers in most games this season.
Guards Making Their Mark
Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma Sooners
Reclassified and committed to Oklahoma over the summer, Jeremiah Fears has been a key catalyst for the Sooners, who remain unbeaten. Averaging 16.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, Fears has been instrumental in some of the team’s biggest games, including standout performances against Arizona and Providence.
Boogie Fland, Arkansas Razorbacks
Initially committed to Kentucky, Boogie Fland has found his stride with the Arkansas Razorbacks. Averaging 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, Fland has been a consistent performer, especially in games against Baylor, Miami, and Michigan. His ability to score and facilitate has made him a valuable asset for the Razorbacks.
Mid-Major Standouts
Robert Hinton, Harvard Crimson
Robert Hinton has been the best mid-major freshman in the country, averaging 16.0 points and 4.9 rebounds. The Los Angeles native’s standout performances against Marist and Navy, where he scored 27 and 26 points respectively, have highlighted his scoring ability and potential for future success.
Adrian Wooley, Kennesaw State Owls
Adrian Wooley has been sensational for the Kennesaw State Owls, averaging 15.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. His performances against Georgia Southern, Towson, and Rutgers have showcased his scoring and playmaking abilities, making him a standout freshman in the mid-major ranks.
Future Stars to Watch
Joson Sanon and Jayden Quaintance, Arizona State Sun Devils
Joson Sanon has been on a tear for the Arizona State Sun Devils, averaging 19.7 points and 4.3 rebounds over his past six games. Jayden Quaintance, while not putting up the same scoring numbers, has been a defensive force with an average of 3.4 blocks per game. Both players have shown significant potential and are worth keeping an eye on.
Kon Knueppel, Duke Blue Devils
Kon Knueppel has had an up-and-down start to his college career, but his playmaking ability has been evident.
Averaging 12.4 points and 3.6 assists, Knueppel has shown flashes of brilliance. For example, he had an eight-assist game against Kansas and a six-assist performance against Louisville.
The 2024 freshman class is proving to be one of the most talented and impactful in recent memory. With standout performances across the board, these young players are not only making a name for themselves in college basketball but also setting the stage for future success in the NBA.
For more detailed rankings and analysis, check out the full article on the best freshmen of 2024 NCAA men’s basketball.
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