The 11 most important men's college basketball freshmen
These are my rankings for the freshmen who can have the biggest impact in DI men's college basketball for the 2022-23 season. This is not necessarily a best-of list, instead these are the most vital first-year players.
- Dereck Lively II, Duke: Lively will have an immediate impact for the Blue Devils. He may lack experience but he’s a power player who doesn’t mind/wants to do all the little things around the basket.
- Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas: He’s the next superstar in Fayetteville. Eric Musselman will make sure Smith has the appropriate number of touches for the Hogs/Smith to be successful.
- Gradey Dick, Kansas: The Jayhawks needed shooting. Dick will deliver in this category from game one. He has a role and he will fill it well.
sheeeesh @gradey_dick 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/oujtOGBPz4
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) September 8, 2022 - GG Jackson, South Carolina: Lamont Paris got a one-and-done recruit that will help the Gamecocks stay relevant in his first season in Columbia.
- Keyonte George, Baylor: The Bears needed another influx of talent and they’ve got one in George.
- Jalen Hood-Schifino, Indiana: The loaded Hoosiers needed a true playmaker and Hood-Schifino will step into the role next to Xavier Johnson. He doesn’t have to be the go-to guy so the pressure is all about being a distributor.
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- Jarace Walker, Houston: The Cougars are ready made for a Final Four run. Walker gives them that extra boost to possibly make it happen.
- Cason Wallace, Kentucky: Wallace is the latest in line of impact Kentucky freshmen. John Calipari has done a masterful job of ensuring high-profile freshmen get their moments early and often.
- JJ Starling, Notre Dame: Mike Brey could have his second-straight one-and-done on the roster. He will need that kind of production from Starling, who should help the Irish get back to the NCAA Tournament.
- Skyy Clark, Illinois: The Illini had a glaring hole at point guard with the departures of Trent Frazier and Andre Curbelo. Here comes Clark to deliver for a team that could challenge for the Big Ten title.
- Cam Whitmore, Villanova: Whitmore comes with the hype. But a thumb injury has slowed his possible impact in the preseason. There is no timetable for his return but once he does then Kyle Neptune will use him often.
