Andy Katz released his top 12 freshmen hoopers ahead of the 2024-25 men’s college basketball season. Here’s a rundown on each prospect that fans should look out for:
1. Cooper Flagg, Duke
Ranked atop of Katz’ 16 best wings list, there was no question that Flagg would do the same here. Ranked the No. 1 recruit in the nation — before and after reclassifying up — by every major recruiting site, the 6-8 17-year-old has continually backed up the hype he’s garnered.
This includes the viral videos of Flagg competing at the Team USA Olympic training camp this past summer and carrying his own weight — the only teenager and collegiate player on the roster.
The Maine native’s name has already entered the conversation as a top pick for the 2025 NBA Draft. And it’s almost too fitting that Flagg is headed to Duke, a hotbed for one-and-done, generational talent.
Cooper Flagg looking as good as advertised
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald)
(Via 🎥)
2. Ace Bailey, Rutgers
When it comes to potential, Bailey’s proven to have one of the highest ceilings in the 2024 class. A 6-8 frame mixed in with athleticism and a high-level scoring ability, Bailey could take the Big Ten and college basketball world by storm.
Like Flagg, NBA teams will keep a close eye on Bailey’s freshman season, who’s also projected as a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. And paired with five-star freshman guard Dylan Harper at Rutgers, the two could take the Scarlet Knights to another level.
More Katz: Ranking the top 16 wings in men's hoops for the 2024-25 season
First look at Ace Bailey at Rutgers practice 👀🔥
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops)
3. Dylan Harper, Rutgers
A 6-6 combo guard, Harper’s skillset on both sides of the floor makes him one of the most dangerous, and exciting, freshmen to watch this season.
The 18-year-old’s well-rounded profile alongside No. 2 recruit Ace Bailey gives Rutgers the best freshmen duo in the country. Harper’s another projected top pick in next year’s draft.
4. Liam McNeeley, UConn
McNeeley was the No. 9 recruit in ESPN's top 100 ranking and UConn’s highest-ranked prospect since 2011. The 6-7 small forward shot 45 percent from three during his senior season on more than five three-point attempts per game.
The sharpshooter’s ranking may hold a lot of weight, but he could thrive in Dan Hurley’s rotation and be a key asset in the Huskies’ campaign for a three-peat.
UConn 6’8” freshman wing Liam Mcneeley doing a little bit of everything in practice 🔥
— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA)
BIG name to watch out for this season as the Huskies try to go for a 3-peat 👀 |
5. Derik Queen, Maryland
Ranked the top center in the freshman class, Queen is ranked the No. 8 recruit in ESPN’s top 100 ranking. Although just 6-10, Queen’s skillset helps him stand out unlike other bigs.
The big man isn’t new to the spotlight, playing with both Flagg and McNeeley at prep powerhouse Montverde Academy in Florida, where they went 33-0 last season. And now headed to College Park, not even an hour away from his hometown in Baltimore, the 19-year-old can help get the Terrapins back on track.
6. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
Baylor’s highest-ranked recruit in over a decade, Edgecombe heads to Waco, Texas with high expectations. However, the 6-4 guard ran toward that, picking the Bears over Duke and Kentucky, who were also in his final three.
Edgecombe gave Bears fans a glimpse at the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers for the Bahamas, averaging 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
18 Year old VJ Edgecombe ( ) cooking and talking spicy at Bahamas national team practice 😂🎤 projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft 🎥
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_)
7. Khaman Maluach, Duke
Listed at 7-2 and 250 pounds, Maluach is a walking matchup problem for college basketball opponents — not to mention his 7-5 wingspan.
Maluach hasn’t played basketball as long as most Duke prospects. Yet, with his frame and entrance into a historic program like Duke, expect the South Sudan native to make an impact and develop quickly.
8. Tre Johnson, Texas
The Longhorns lost its top four leading scores this past offseason to either eligibility, the transfer portal or the NBA draft. That leaves room for the five-star recruit Johnson to step into a major role.
The 6-6 bucket-getter helped lead Lake Highlands High School in Dallas to a Texas state championship in 2023. Now, he has the chance to resolidify the Longhorns as a top team in the SEC.
9. Donavan Freeman, Syracuse
The No. 1 ranked power forward according to ESPN's top 100 ranking, Freeman is Syracuse’s highest-ranked incoming freshman since DaJuan Coleman in 2012. And there isn’t much to not like about the Washington, D.C. native.
At 6-9, the five-star forward showed off his two-way bag at IMG Academy in Florida, and has the opportunity to do the same for the Orange who haven’t made the NCAA tournament the past three years.
HISTORY: Every men's basketball champion since 1939
10. Ian Jackson, North Carolina
The 6-4 guard lit up Overtime Elite during his senior season, averaging the second-most points per game (23.1) and tied for fourth-most steals (1.9). Now headed to UNC, Jackson can take his talents to another level under coach Hubert Davis.
The Tar Heels already have a solidified backcourt in sophomore Elliot Cadeau and fifth-year RJ Davis, but the five-star recruit brings even more electricity to the lineup.
Summer Work: Ian Jackson
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball)
11. Jalil Bethea, Miami (Fla.)
The No. 10 prospect in ESPN 100’s rankings, Miami (Fla.) gets a proven three-level scorer and shot-maker in Bethea.
After the Hurricanes finished at the bottom of the ACC last season, the 6-4 shooting guard could help Miami make it back to the NCAA tournament in a huge way.
12. Will Riley, Illinois
A top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class, Riley reclassified up to 2024 after committing to Illinois. The 6-9 prospect showed off his ability to handle the rock and score, averaging 21.4 points and 2.6 assists in 10 Nike EYBL games.
The Fighting Illini lost its top three leaders in points and minutes from the last season, opening up a spot for Riley to make a name for himself. This especially holds true in coach Brad Underwood’s rotation, where the shortest player in the starting lineup last year was listed at 6-6.
Meet the Newcomer ➡️ Will Riley | |
— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB)
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