College is an awkward transitional period for most sports-watchers. Around the age of 18, we become officially retired athletes that are now watching the men and women from our own classes who are way better at their respective sports than we ever could’ve been. I’m suddenly reminded of my short-comings as an aspiring athlete when Pistons C Jalen Duren, a guy playing in his 3rd NBA season, muscles his way into the lane for an easy two while the announcers let us all know that he’s a full year younger than I am.

This is the transition where us former athletes go from trying to replicate the greatness we see on TV every night to sitting back and appreciating our peers who developed amazing skills. 

As the age gap between the freshman class of college athletes and myself grows, I become more and more impressed. This college basketball season in particular has been dominated by spectacular 18 and 19-year-olds who remind me everyday that my childhood dream of throwing on the Burnt Orange for the Texas Longhorns is unfortunately long gone. Here are 15 freshman college basketball players that are must-see TV every time they lace ‘em up:

1. Cooper Flagg – F, Duke

NBA Player Comparison: Kevin Durant

While there are many freshmen who are playing massive roles for their high major programs, there is one freshman who is clearly the best in basketball. Also known as “The Maine Event,” Cooper Flagg has been the primary reason that Jon Scheyer’s Duke squad is poised to win the ACC regular season title outright with a few weeks of basketball still left. Flagg is the runaway favorite to hear his name called first at the NBA Draft this summer. He is also a very realistic candidate to win the John R. Wooden Player of the Year Award, which a freshman hasn’t won since 2019 (Zion Williamson). 

Whether you love or hate Duke, the hype around Flagg is 100% justified. There isn’t a thing he can’t do. He’s a lanky 6’9 point forward who can shoot, dribble, pass and dominate in the post. His 19.8 PPG on an efficient 48% from the field are about as good as it gets for a power forward who handles the ball as much as Flagg does.

For as dynamic as Flagg is on offense, I’d argue that he’s an even better defender. Most 6’9 freshmen would probably struggle in a high switch onto a veteran Division I guard, but not Flagg. He can defend at any level and he rebounds like a pro. I’d venture to say that Cooper Flagg will be an NBA superstar in just a few years time.

2. Ace Bailey – G/F, Rutgers

NBA Player Comparison: Andrew Wiggins

Rutgers is a team that we’d all be surprised to see get called on Selection Sunday at this point, but they’ve got some insane freshmen talent. Ace Bailey is a kid who walked into Piscataway last Summer with very high expectations, and he’s exceeded them. Bailey is averaging a team high 18.6 PPG for the Scarlet Knights on 46% shooting, which considering Bailey’s shot selection, is extremely impressive. He’s the embodiment of a tough-shot-maker that can crush the confidence of the Big Ten defenses he faces every week.

Bailey’s height, length and athleticism make him an ideal prospect for NBA franchises. Although we might not get to see Ace in March Madness, we’ll see him as a valuable piece on an NBA team next year.

3. Dylan Harper – G, Rutgers

NBA Player Comparison: Cade Cunningham

Whichever NBA teams pull the top 3 picks from the lottery this Summer are going to be luckier than ever. No matter which card they pull, they’ll be getting a #1 overall-level of talent. Compared to last year’s draft, all 3 of this year’s consensus top 3 would’ve been selected above 2024’s #1 draft pick, Zaccarie Risacher. What I’m saying is the fact that Dylan Harper is my third best freshman in college basketball is testament to how talented this class is.

Harper is a 6’6 point guard that averages another 17 PPG for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. His steadiness and comfort with the ball in his hands resembles a 5th-year senior guard, but Harper is just 18 years old. Some minor injuries have halted Harper’s scoring consistency, but he’s always dangerous to explode for 20 or more points on any given night.

4. Tre Johnson – G, Texas

NBA Player Comparison: Devin Booker

The SEC is far-and-away the best conference in CBB this season, and believe it or not, the leading scorer in the conference is a freshman. Tre Johnson is trying his best to will the Texas Longhorns into a tournament spot with his scoring. In all honesty, Johnson doesn’t do anything but get buckets. He’s a below average defender, passer, and rebounder for his size, but the guy can go on a 10-0 run by himself at any moment in a game.

Johnson is averaging 19.8 PPG on 43% from the field. The common theme in most Texas victories this season is Tre Johnson being unstoppable. 

5. Derik Queen – C, Maryland

NBA Player Comparison: Zach Randolph

It seems like every time I switch my TV station over to a Maryland game, Derik Queen is at the free throw line, chewing on his mouthpiece. Queen is a 6’10 center with the footwork and touch of an NBA big already. At 16 PPG and 9RPG, he’s appeared to be the piece that’s gotten Kevin Willard’s Terrapins over the hump and into the top group in the Big Ten. Queen’s footwork and ball fakes often put even the best bigs in the conference in early foul trouble.

As much as I want to hate Queen for choosing Maryland over my beloved Hoosiers, he’s too likeable. He’s a quiet, smooth big man with finesse, which I’m all about.

6. VJ Edgecombe – G, Baylor

NBA Player Comparison: Anthony Edwards

From the moment VJ Edgecombe put Mark Few’s son, Joe in the rim in garbage time of his CBB debut, I made it a point not to miss any Baylor games going forward. VJ is a Bahamian 2-guard with a vertical that I’d guess is way above 40 inches. He’s averaging a touch under 15 PPG this season and has been critical to Baylor’s tournament push. If you catch a Baylor game on ESPN, Edgecombe is the guy that Fran Fraschilla won’t shut up about, and for good reason too.

7. Kasparas Jakučionas – G, Illinois

NBA Player Comparison: Luka Dončić

This offseason, Brad Underwood had to build a brand new roster in Champaign after last year’s Fighting Illini squad went deep in the tournament. Due to the vacancy at point guard left by Marcus Domask’s departure, Kasparas Jakučionas had massive shoes to fill when he joined the Illini. Jakučionas has been so great this season, it’s hard to even tell the difference between him and Domask.

A Luka comparison might be a little ambitious for Jakučionas, but he’s a ball-dominant Euro League product who scores, passes, and rebounds at an NBA level. In my opinion, NBA teams drafting in the late lottery might get a franchise player in Kasparas Jakučionas.

8. Liam McNeeley – F/G, UConn

NBA Player Comparison: Bojan Bogdanović

UConn hasn’t been the team that everyone thought they’d be, but Liam McNeeley has been exactly what we expected for the Huskies. McNeeley is a tough forward with solid handles and inside-the-gym range. He contributes a steady 15.1 PPG along with 37.5% from 3pt land. UConn will probably find themself around the 7-10 seed line this March, and could pose a difficult 2nd round matchup for a 1 or 2. 

9. Jeremiah Fears – G, Oklahoma

NBA Player Comparison: De’Aaron Fox

Oklahoma got off to a scorching start this season, winning their first 13 games. The high level play of their should-be-high-school-senior guard Jeremiah Fears was the reason for this. Fears’ quickness, passing, and finishing propelled the Sooners past Arizona, Louisville, and Michigan in big games early on this season. 

Since the start of SEC play, Oklahoma has struggled and likely will stay home this March, but Fears has been an impressive young talent all season. Watching Fears run the floor in his upside-down headband made November and December college ball so much more entertaining.

10. Boogie Fland – G, Arkansas

NBA Player Comparison: Coby White

Despite Arkansas rough start to SEC play, their undeniable talent has been shining in big games lately. When John Calipari took the Arkansas job this offseason, he took his stars with him, including his 5-star point guard commit, Boogie Fland. Fland is a speedy, pass-first point guard that can shoot the three at a decent clip (36%). Boogie’s quickness and downhill attack were instrumental in Arkansas’ comeback win over Michigan in Madison Square Garden this past December.

Fland will not return for the rest of the season due to a UCL injury, which will surely hurt Arkansas’ late-season tournament push, but he was a superstar while he was playing. I’d like to see him in a Razorback jersey again next year, but if he decided to head to the draft, NBA teams would be delighted to have him.

12. Asa Newell – F, Georgia

NBA Player Comparison: Pascal Siakam

I didn’t think I’d be talking about another dynamic freshman playing for Georgia again so soon, but here we are. The Dawgs have had some decent fight in them this season, and a lot of it is thanks to Asa Newell. Newell is a 6’11 lanky, slashing forward with great touch around the rim and a smooth mid-range. He’s contributed a solid 15.3 PPG and just under 7 RPG in his freshman season. I’d love to see Newell and this Georgia team in the big dance.

13. Tahaad Pettiford – G, Auburn

NBA Comparison – Rob Dillingham

Auburn is, without a doubt, the best team in the country, and this year’s NCAA championship is theirs to lose. Everyone knows how great Johni Broome is, but a big reason why they’ve been significantly better this season is that their guard play has been very steady. Bruce Pearl’s starting trio of Senior guards (Denver Jones, Miles Kelly, and Chad Baker-Mazara) is elevated perfectly by their 5-star freshman sixth man, Tahaad Pettiford.

Pettiford is the quickest player in the nation. He’s shifty, crafty, a pest on defense, and an outstanding finisher at just 6’1. He can knock down threes, get to the rim, and drive and kick. I tune into every Auburn game for many reasons, but my #1 reason is that Tahaad Pettiford is so damn fun to watch.

14. Robert Wright III – G, Baylor

NBA Comparison: Darius Garland

Rob Wright III is a true Baylor Bear. He’s a great ball handler and a tenacious defender that feeds off the awesome home court advantage in Waco. Wright pairs up nicely with VJ Edgecombe in the Baylor backcourt as the Bears’ pass-first point guard. He’s a great slasher that can find the open man and finish when necessary. 

There’s nothing more valuable in college basketball than a trusty veteran point guard, which is what I see in Wright’s future with the Bears. Because he’s already getting valuable starting experience, Wright can become the long-time primary ball handler for Scott Drew, similar to Dajuan Harris Jr.’s run with Bill Self at KU. 

15. Will Riley – F, Illinois

NBA Comparison: Brandon Ingram

Will Riley is the definition of a matchup nightmare. The wiry small forward is the perfect spark off the bench for Brad Underwood. He’s a capable three-point shooter with a hand in his face and a quick slasher that creates his own offense. Because he comes off the bench, Riley sometimes struggles to get going offensively, but other times he can provide the Illini with some great firepower if their offense starts slow. Riley impressive talent that will make him a valuable NBA draft prospect this summer.

Honorable Mentions:

Of course, there are far more than 15 freshmen making great impacts for their colleges in the quest to play on the weekends in March. A few more names worth knowing for the NBA draft and the future of CBB are…

1. Labaron Philon – G, Alabama
2. Thomas Sorber – C, Georgetown
3. Jase Richardson – G, Michigan State
4. Khaman Maluach – C, Duke
5. Egor Demin – G, BYU
6. John Mobley Jr. – G, Ohio State
7. Jayden Quaintance – C, Arizona State
8. Flory Bidunga – C, Kansas
9. Vyctorius Miller – G, LSU
10. Isaiah Evans – G/F, Duke