College basketball’s 10 best freshman for 2024-25 season, ranked

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There are some new faces this season who could help their team make a tournament run come March.

The 2024-25 college basketball season is approaching quickly and there will be a decent handful of new-look teams, as this offseason was one of the most hectic ones in recent memory with the transfer portal.

While there was a lot of movement with players switching teams, there is still a strong freshman class coming into college that should take the spotlight this season, with many elite talents that could contend to go inside the Top 5 of the 2025 NBA Draft.

So who are some of the best freshmen in the country ahead of the 2024-25 season? We break down 10 names you need to know.

Duke | F | Cooper Flagg

The most-hyped recruit in recent memory, Cooper Flagg has been projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 class ever since he re-classified to join the Duke Blue Devils as a 17-year-old freshman.

Flagg is the most complete player in college basketball, as he has the ability to handle the ball at 6’9, while being a complete scorer, good passer, and a great defender.

The hype has only intensified for Flagg, who has posted two good games in the preseason for Duke, going off with 22 points in one game, while showing more of his other talents in the Blue Devils win over Arizona State.

Rutgers | F | Ace Bailey

One of the deadliest scorers in the country, Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey would likely be projected as a No. 1 pick in other classes if not for Flagg stealing the show.

Bailey, a 6’9’’, 205-pound wing, has a great knack for scoring the basketball and has incredible athleticism that should all be on display as the No. 1 option for Rutgers this season.

In the team’s exhibition game against St. John’s, Bailey thrived with 25 points and showed that he can get hot at any moment, which should keep Rutgers in games all season long.

Rutgers | G | Dylan Harper

You can’t talk about one of the Rutgers five stars without mentioning the other. The Scarlet Knights have two top-three talents in the class, and point guard Dylan Harper should make a strong impact as a likely one-and-done in 2024.

Harper plays with great control and pace, which isn’t very common for a freshman point guard, as he has a great feel for the game, while clearly having a knack for scoring.

Harper poured in 20 points in the exhibition game as well, drawing heaps of praise from St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino. He should not only be one of the best freshmen in college basketball, but one of the best players overall.

Baylor | G | V.J. Edgecombe

When it comes to elite scorers, Baylor’s V.J. Edgecombe immediately comes to mind, and it’s not crazy to think that the freshman could lead the Bears in scoring in 2024.

Edgecombe exploded on the national scene this summer, playing for Team Bahamas, and was recently named to the preseason Jerry West award watchlist, which is for the top 20 shooting guards in the country.

There’s a good amount of talent on this Baylor team, with head coach Scott Drew landing marquee transfers Jeremy Roach (Duke) and Norchad Omier (Miami). Edgecombe should be a big-time contributor to one of the top teams in the country.

Duke | F | Kon Knueppel

Arguably the best shooter in the 2024 recruiting class, Duke’s Kon Knueppel has been one of the biggest risers of the summer, cementing himself as a part of the Blue Devils starting lineup in both of the team’s exhibition games thus far.

Knueppel is an elite shooter and overall scorer, which has been seen in both of Duke’s games thus far, and should be one of the team’s top players in 2025 as a great complement to Flagg.

Knueppel has risen to a projected top-10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and he should only continue to grow his stock as the season goes along.

Duke | C | Khaman Malauch

If you thought we were done talking about Duke’s freshman class, think again.

Five-star center Khaman Malauch should be one of the team’s best players, already seemingly earning a starting spot, despite being seen as more of a developmental player with a high ceiling.

Malauch is a great rebounder, roller and shot-blocker, which could make him a likely one-and-done this season.

Georgia | F | Asa Newell

As one of the top players on last year’s No. 1 Montverde high school team, Asa Newell could lead the charge for the Georgia Bulldogs this season as head coach Mike White’s highest-rated recruit ever.

Newell took the stage and flashed in a major way in Georgia’s first exhibition game, scoring a team-high 20 points, showing off his all-around skills and high motor.

Newell could very well be a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and will get the platform to show off his talents this year at Georgia.

Arkansas | G | Boogie Fland

Five-star guard Boogie Fland was the headliner for head coach John Calipari as he made the transition from Kentucky to Arkansas this year, having to completely change up his new roster.

Fland, one of the class’ best two-way guard, shined in Arkansas’s first exhibition game, putting up 22 points, five assists, and a whopping six steals in an 85-69 victory over the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks. More notably, Fland played 35 minutes in the contest, setting himself up for a major role this year.

It’s unclear how Arkansas’ rotation will shape out as the year goes along, as the Razorbacks have former five-star guard D.J. Wagner, as well as marquee transfer Johnell Davis in the backcourt. However, Fland should be a top player on this team in 2024.

Texas | G | Tre Johnson

One of the top scoring guards in the class, Tre Johnson should be a major addition to Rodney Terry’s Texas Longhorns in 2024, even with a plethora of talented players on the roster.

Johnson exploded in a closed-door scrimmage against Colorado last week, scoring 31 points, showing his quick assimilation to the college level.

Now, he will be playing alongside talents like Arthur Kaluma, Tramon Mark and Jordan Pope, which could create more of a variance with shot attempts, but Johnson should be one of the top freshmen in the country this year.

UNC | G | Ian Jackson

A top-10 player in the Class of 2024, five-star point guard Ian Jackson comes to North Carolina looking to help anchor what could be one of the best backcourts in the country this year.

UNC returns star guard R.J. Davis to the fold for a fifth year, while sophomore Elliot Cadeau is expected to take a major jump, leading to what could be a crowded backcourt. At 6’4’,’ Jackson is expected to be a starter as well, adding a versatile offensive weapon to the fold.

Jackson has been clear about his desire to be a one-and-done, but his competitiveness should be a big addition to the Tar Heels this year.