By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 1st, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In the era of the NCAA transfer portal, discussions around high school basketball stars seem increasingly rare. Yet, with the arrival of the 2024 high school class on the collegiate stage, these star athletes are making waves, showing everyone their outstanding NBA potential.

This year's crop of talent is arguably one of the best in recent memory, featuring players with real NBA futures. The abundance of skill on display has caught the attention of scouts and general managers attending college practices and games daily.

While Cooper Flagg entered the season as the consensus No. 1 prospect, that may have shifted in recent weeks. I went deep into the season that reveals the freshman field is far more competitive than anticipated, with Flagg no longer the indisputable top player.

After analyzing performances and potential, here’s my breakdown of the top five freshman players in college basketball this season, in order:

1. Dylan Harper – Rutgers

At 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, Harper has been electrifying. A three-level scorer, Harper leads the group with his offensive versatility and competitive edge. He has already recorded impressive performances, including 37- and 36-point games against Alabama and Notre Dame, respectively. Harper’s ability to defend with the same intensity he brings to scoring sets him apart, making him a complete player.

2. Cooper Flagg – Duke

Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 205 pounds, Flagg is a dynamic guard/wing with elite athleticism. His potential is undeniable, and NBA teams will likely build around him in the future. Despite late-game turnovers in matchups against Kentucky and Kansas, Flagg has shown maturity by stepping into big moments and asking to take the big shot win or lose. A three-level scorer with the ability to shoot over any defender, Flagg’s size and skill combination make him worthy of a top-two pick. He could win a college dunk-contest right now.

3. Ace Bailey – Rutgers

Bailey, a 6-foot-10, 205-pound wing with guard-like skills, may have the highest long-term upside of anyone in this group. His unique combination of size, speed, and finesse draws comparisons to Magic Johnson and Kevin Durant. Bailey’s pure shooting and ability to slide through defenses make him a nightmare matchup. In marquee games against Texas A&M and Alabama, he tallied 24 and 22 points, respectively, showcasing his upside.

4. Will Riley – Illinois

Hailing from Kitchener, Ontario, the 6-foot-8, 195-pound guard/wing has already etched his name in the Illinois record books. In his debut, Riley scored the most points by a freshman in school history, shooting 10-for-13 from the field, including 5-for-6 from three-point range. Riley’s skills and age make him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams, with some reportedly ready to draft him now after seven games. His versatility is evident, particularly when stepping into point-guard duties when teammates Kylan Boswell and Kasparas Jakucionis on the bench.

5. Jeremiah Fears – Oklahoma

The 6-foot-4, 180-pound guard made an immediate impact at the Battle for Atlantis, earning All-Tournament honors despite missing most of the championship game due to foul trouble. Once an Illinois commit, Fears has become the centerpiece of Oklahoma’s offense. His comparisons to Trae Young are well-earned, with standout performances like a 26-point, five-assist game against Arizona in an 82-77 win. Although turnovers remain a concern, Fears’ playmaking and offensive explosiveness have elevated Oklahoma's program again.

NBA Draft Buzz

Ben Pfeifer’s updated 2025 NBA draft rankings, released December 1st., reflect the growing numbers of these freshmen with some ranking higher than my top five, for example. Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis ranks third overall, with teammate Will Riley at 13th. Former Illinois recruit Egor Demin (BYU) at number 18, Jeremiah Fears checked in at 16.

As the season progresses, these freshmen will continue to shape college basketball’s narrative while performing for future NBA teams.

Follow me on Twitter @KedPrince4 

email: KedIlliniGuys@gmail.com