The 2024-25 faculty basketball season is approaching shortly and there might be a good handful of new-look groups, as this offseason was probably the most hectic ones in latest reminiscence with the switch portal.

Whereas there was numerous motion with gamers switching groups, there’s nonetheless a robust freshman class coming into faculty that ought to take the highlight this season, with many elite abilities that would contend to go contained in the High 5 of the 2025 NBA Draft.

So who’re a number of the greatest freshmen within the nation forward of the 2024-25 season? We break down 10 names you have to know.

Duke | F | Cooper Flagg

Essentially the most-hyped recruit in latest reminiscence, Cooper Flagg has been projected because the No. 1 choose within the 2025 class ever since he re-classified to affix the Duke Blue Devils as a 17-year-old freshman.

Flagg is probably the most full participant in faculty basketball, as he has the flexibility to deal with the ball at 6’9, whereas being a whole scorer, good passer, and an incredible defender.

The hype has solely intensified for Flagg, who has posted two good video games within the preseason for Duke, going off with 22 factors in a single recreation, whereas exhibiting extra of his different abilities within the Blue Devils win over Arizona State.

Rutgers | F | Ace Bailey

One of many deadliest scorers within the nation, Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey would probably be projected as a No. 1 choose in different courses if not for Flagg stealing the present.

Bailey, a 6’9’’, 205-pound wing, has an incredible knack for scoring the basketball and has unimaginable athleticism that ought to all be on show because the No. 1 choice for Rutgers this season.

Within the staff’s exhibition recreation towards St. John’s, Bailey thrived with 25 factors and confirmed that he can get scorching at any second, which ought to hold Rutgers in video games all season lengthy.

Rutgers | G | Dylan Harper

You possibly can’t speak about one of many Rutgers 5 stars with out mentioning the opposite. The Scarlet Knights have two top-three abilities within the class, and level guard Dylan Harper ought to make a robust impression as a probable one-and-done in 2024.

Harper performs with nice management and tempo, which isn’t quite common for a freshman level guard, as he has an incredible really feel for the sport, whereas clearly having a knack for scoring.

Harper poured in 20 factors within the exhibition recreation as properly, drawing heaps of reward from St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino. He shouldn’t solely be top-of-the-line freshmen in faculty basketball, however top-of-the-line gamers general.

Baylor | G | V.J. Edgecombe

Relating to elite scorers, Baylor’s V.J. Edgecombe instantly involves thoughts, and it’s not loopy to suppose that the freshman may lead the Bears in scoring in 2024.

Edgecombe exploded on the nationwide scene this summer season, taking part in for Group Bahamas, and was not too long ago named to the preseason Jerry West award watchlist, which is for the highest 20 capturing guards within the nation.

There’s quantity of expertise on this Baylor staff, with head coach Scott Drew touchdown marquee transfers Jeremy Roach (Duke) and Norchad Omier (Miami). Edgecombe ought to be a big-time contributor to one of many high groups within the nation.

Duke | F | Kon Knueppel

Arguably the perfect shooter within the 2024 recruiting class, Duke’s Kon Knueppel has been one of many largest risers of the summer season, cementing himself as part of the Blue Devils beginning lineup in each of the staff’s exhibition video games to date.

Knueppel is an elite shooter and general scorer, which has been seen in each of Duke’s video games to date, and ought to be one of many staff’s high gamers in 2025 as an incredible complement to Flagg.

Knueppel has risen to a projected top-10 choose within the 2025 NBA Draft, and he ought to solely proceed to develop his inventory because the season goes alongside.

Duke | C | Khaman Malauch

In case you thought we have been achieved speaking about Duke’s freshman class, suppose once more.

5-star middle Khaman Malauch ought to be one of many staff’s greatest gamers, already seemingly incomes a beginning spot, regardless of being seen as extra of a developmental participant with a excessive ceiling.

Malauch is a superb rebounder, curler and shot-blocker, which might make him a probable one-and-done this season.

Georgia | F | Asa Newell

As one of many high gamers on final 12 months’s No. 1 Montverde highschool staff, Asa Newell may lead the cost for the Georgia Bulldogs this season as head coach Mike White’s highest-rated recruit ever.

Newell took the stage and flashed in a serious means in Georgia’s first exhibition recreation, scoring a team-high 20 factors, exhibiting off his all-around abilities and excessive motor.

Newell might very properly be a first-round choose within the 2025 NBA Draft, and can get the platform to point out off his abilities this 12 months at Georgia.

Arkansas | G | Boogie Fland

5-star guard Boogie Fland was the headliner for head coach John Calipari as he made the transition from Kentucky to Arkansas this 12 months, having to utterly change up his new roster.

Fland, one of many class’ greatest two-way guard, shined in Arkansas’s first exhibition recreation, placing up 22 factors, 5 assists, and a whopping six steals in an 85-69 victory over the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks. Extra notably, Fland performed 35 minutes within the contest, setting himself up for a serious function this 12 months.

It’s unclear how Arkansas’ rotation will form out because the 12 months goes alongside, because the Razorbacks have former five-star guard D.J. Wagner, in addition to marquee switch Johnell Davis within the backcourt. Nonetheless, Fland ought to be a high participant on this staff in 2024.

Texas | G | Tre Johnson

One of many high scoring guards within the class, Tre Johnson ought to be a serious addition to Rodney Terry’s Texas Longhorns in 2024, even with a plethora of proficient gamers on the roster.

Johnson exploded in a closed-door scrimmage towards Colorado final week, scoring 31 factors, exhibiting his fast assimilation to the school stage.

Now, he might be taking part in alongside abilities like Arthur Kaluma, Tramon Mark and Jordan Pope, which might create extra of a variance with shot makes an attempt, however Johnson ought to be one of many high freshmen within the nation this 12 months.

UNC | G | Ian Jackson

A top-10 participant within the Class of 2024, five-star level guard Ian Jackson involves North Carolina seeking to assist anchor what could possibly be top-of-the-line backcourts within the nation this 12 months.

UNC returns star guard R.J. Davis to the fold for a fifth 12 months, whereas sophomore Elliot Cadeau is anticipated to take a serious bounce, resulting in what could possibly be a crowded backcourt. At 6’4’,’ Jackson is anticipated to be a starter as properly, including a flexible offensive weapon to the fold.

Jackson has been clear about his need to be a one-and-done, however his competitiveness ought to be an enormous addition to the Tar Heels this 12 months.