One year removed from a freshman class in men's college basketball that left quite a bit to be desired, this year's crop of potential one-and-dones is positively riddled with budding greatness.

Just so we're all clear up front, this ranking is not meant to be any sort of way-too-early 2025 NBA mock draft. (We've got Jonathan Wasserman to handle that type of thing.) Rather, these are the first-year phenoms who we feel will shine brightest this season, regardless of how well their game might translate to the next level.

All the same, the majority of our top 25 freshmen to watch likely won't be back as sophomores in 2025-26, so soak them up while you can.

Since we're putting this out a little over a week into the regular season, we'll include some observations from the first couple of games, where applicable. But we're not trying to overreact to a small sample size here, so the rankings are—for the most part—the same as they would have been on opening night.

Nos. 25-21: T. Ivišić, D. Reid, L. Philon, I. Jackson, F. Bidunga

25. Tomislav Ivišić, Illinois

So Far: 43 minutes, 32 points, 21 rebounds, three assists, 3-10 3PT

We won't list the three-point shooting for everyone, but it bears mentioning that this 7'1" center from Croatia has already attempted 10 triples and made three of them—while also averaging a double-double as Illinois ran up blowouts of Eastern Illinois and SIU-Edwardsville. Already, his pick-and-pop/roll potential with fellow freshman Kasparas Jakučionis is looking like a nightmare that will keep the other 17 Big Ten coaches up at night.

24. Derrion Reid, Alabama

So Far: 54 minutes, 23 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, two assists

A bouncy 6'8" combo forward who can do a little bit of everything, Reid has already shown exactly that, with one block, one triple and at least one dunk in each of Alabama's first two games. Granted, highlights against UNC-Asheville and Arkansas State aren't exactly the same as highlights against UNC and Arkansas. But those and more opportunities to shine against top-tier competition will be coming soon, and Reid is poised to be a huge part of Alabama's quest for its first national championship.

23. Labaron Philon, Alabama

So Far: 74 minutes, 30 points, 13 assists, nine rebounds, five steals, two blocks

Most freshman-focused eyes fixated on Tuscaloosa headed into the season were on Reid, but this 6'4" point guard has somewhat stolen the early show. Philon almost had a double-double in the opener against UNC Asheville, and it's looking like he's going to be the key to the Crimson Tide leading the nation in scoring for a second consecutive year.

22. Ian Jackson, North Carolina

So Far: 27 minutes, 15 points, three rebounds

Though he figures to spend the entire season coming off the bench behind R.J. Davis, Elliot Cadeau and Seth Trimble, Jackson is a spark plug of a combo guard when he does take the floor. A microwave scorer who can impact the game with his hustle plays, Jackson had a quick 10 points in that marquee game against Kansas.

21. Flory Bidunga, Kansas

So Far: 40 minutes, 27 points, 17 rebounds, four blocks, two steals

Remember two years ago when freshman-year Donovan Clingan came off the bench in every game for Connecticut, only playing around 13 minutes per contest but wreaking havoc to the tune of 21.1 points, 17.1 rebounds and 5.5 blocks per 40 minutes for the national champs? Early returns suggest Bidunga might be that "no rest for the weary" second-line juggernaut for the Jayhawks, feasting during the stretches when Hunter Dickinson needs a breather.

Nos. 20-16: T. Pettiford, K. Catchings, D. Powell, D. Freeman, J. Bethea

20. Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn

So Far: 43 minutes, 21 points, seven assists, four rebounds, two steals

Last year, it was freshman combo guard Aden Holloway making a big early impression at Auburn. This time around, it's Pettiford, who exploded for 21 points in the colossal victory over Houston. We'll see about consistency, as he was held scoreless before fouling out of the opener against Vermont, but there's already no denying that this explosive southpaw can take over a game at a moment's notice.

19. Kanon Catchings, BYU

So Far: 53 minutes, 26 points, eight rebounds, five blocks, 5-17 3PT

More like Kanon Catch-n-Shoot, am I right? The 6'9" forward fired up 11 three-point attempts in the opener against Central Arkansas, hoping to make the most of what could be a short-lived run in the starting lineup while Dallin Hall recovers from a foot injury. Whether he remains a starter or becomes the sixth man, though, Catchings should continue to make a big impact on both ends of the floor.

18. Drake Powell, North Carolina

So Far: 37 minutes, seven points, six rebounds, two blocks, two assists

Minimal impact on the offensive end from Powell, including just two points in 20 minutes on the court against Kansas. That's the part of his game that was expected to need some seasoning, though. It's on defense where this 6'6", athletically pesky small forward can really shine. And if he starts to develop a more reliable three-point stroke as the season progresses, look out.

17. Donnie Freeman, Syracuse

So Far: 44 minutes, 16 points, 16 rebounds

As evidenced by the four-point win over Le Moyne on opening night and the two-point win over Colgate on Tuesday, Syracuse might not be worth paying much attention to as a whole. But be sure to carve out some time to watch the Orange's potential lottery-pick freshman, who had a double-double in that first game. It did take Freeman 12 shots to get his 10 points in that one, but he'll usually be more efficient than that once he gets his mid-range jumpers to start falling.

16. Jalil Bethea, Miami

So Far: 29 minutes, 22 points, three assists, three steals

Similar to Ian Jackson at North Carolina, Bethea is (at least initially) coming off the bench for a Miami team that has six seniors who averaged at least 11 points per game in 2023-24. That might be a short-lived experiment, though, as he has already lived up to the hype as an explosive scorer who can get buckets in bunches. Don't be surprised if he's the MVP of the Charleston Classic next week.

Nos. 15-11: J. Quaintance, K. Jakučionis, W. Riley, B. Fland, A. Newell

15. Jayden Quaintance, Arizona State

So Far: 79 minutes, 16 points, 15 rebounds, 12 blocks, five assists

One of the biggest ripple effects of John Calipari changing jobs was Quaintance decommitting from Kentucky. He didn't go to Arkansas, though. Instead, he has become a shot-blocking extraordinaire for Bobby Hurley and the Sun Devils. He's still finding his footing on offense, but his wingspan alone is already making a major impact.

14. Kasparas Jakučionis, Illinois

So Far: 58 minutes, 23 points, 20 assists, 13 rebounds

The other half of Brad Underwood's class of European imports, the Lithuanian Jakučionis has been an incredible facilitator for the Illini, falling just shy of a triple-double (12 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds) in the second game of his collegiate career. In an offense where everyone has three-point range, his ability to drive and dish is already looking—dare we say it?—Jalen Brunson-like.

13. Will Riley, Illinois

So Far: 49 minutes, 45 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, 8-11 3PT

Riley has been a walking bucket, averaging nearly one point per minute played. But that's no surprise, as he's billed as an exceptional scorer who can convert from just about anywhere within the half-court. He could be a jumbo-sized version of what Rob Dillingham was for Kentucky last season, racking up 25-30 points per 40 minutes off the bench.

12. Johnuel "Boogie" Fland, Arkansas

So Far: 75 minutes, 34 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, two steals

Speaking of Dillingham, Calipari has himself another lead guard who can do it all in Fland. Except this time, Cal seems committed to letting his freshman star play as much as possible. (What a novel concept!) Boogie played 39 minutes in the clash with Baylor, going for 17 points, seven assists and five rebounds with nary a turnover.

11. Asa Newell, Georgia

So Far: 83 minutes, 53 points, 23 rebounds, 10 blocks

Similar to Freeman at Syracuse, Newell is a special talent on a team that isn't expected to make the NCAA tournament—so catch him while you can during the regular season. In an opener against Tennessee Tech that was way closer than it should have been, he put on a show with 26 points and 11 rebounds. And while we often talk about players who can score at all three levels, how about one who can block at all three levels? In the second half alone, Newell rejected a layup, a mid-range jumper and a three-point attempt.

Nos. 10-6: D. Queen, K. Knueppel, K. Maluach, E. Demin, A. Bailey

10. Derik Queen, Maryland

So Far: 64 minutes, 41 points, 23 rebounds, seven assists, five steals, four blocks

Can't imagine there have been many college debuts more impressive than what Queen did to Manhattan. Not only did he have a double-double by halftime, but he ended up with 22 points, 20 rebounds and a pair of blocks...all in 27 minutes. In fairness, the Jaspers have basically no frontcourt, but it was a remarkable opening statement by the Terps' young big man all the same.

9. Kon Knueppel, Duke

So Far: 97 minutes, 51 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, four steals, 8-22 3PT

Reminiscent of six years ago when the Blue Devils had RJ Barrett, Cam Reddish and Zion Williamson all in the same class, Knueppel is the first of three Duke freshmen in the top nine—and he might even be a bit too low at that. This particular, almost-certainly-single-year Dukie is a certified sniper who racked up 13 points a whole seven minutes into his debut. (Though, he couldn't find the mark in Tuesday's loss to Kentucky, shooting 5-for-20 from the field.)

8. Khaman Maluach, Duke

So Far: 63 minutes, 27 points, 27 rebounds, five blocks

Last year was the first time in nearly a decade that Duke averaged fewer than four blocks per game. Between Cooper Flagg and this 7'2" force in the paint, though, the Blue Devils may well lead the nation in that department this season. Most of Maluach's scoring will come at the rim on put-backs and lobs, but he could stockpile rebounds and blocks at a rate similar to what Shelden Williams used to do in Durham.

7. Egor Demin, BYU

So Far: 63 minutes, 38 points, 18 assists, nine rebounds, four steals, 6-12 3PT

Seemingly every year, there's a "5-star, but not quite top-10 overall" recruit who ends up taking the college basketball world by storm before Thanksgiving even arrives. Sure looks like Demin is going to be that dude this season. A 6'9" point guard with impeccable court vision/awareness who can drive in either direction, finish above the rim and hit triples, Demin opened the season with a points-assists double-double and already has a highlight reel about a mile long.

6. Airious "Ace" Bailey, Rutgers

So Far: N/A

Bailey would have been No. 2 on this list two weeks ago, but he drops a few spots after missing Rutgers' first two games of the season with an intentionally vague "basketball injury." Here's hoping he's back and at full strength in time for the Players Era Festival (Nov. 26-30), because this playmaking wing-forward has the talent to completely take over that star-studded event.

5. Liam McNeeley, Connecticut

Stats Thus Far: 56 minutes, 28 points, 21 rebounds, 4-9 3PT

Connecticut lost a pair of lottery picks to this past summer's NBA draft, yet a three-peat feels possible thanks in part to this potential 2025 lottery pick.

As was the case last year, UConn sure is easing its way into a title defense with a steady diet of early cream puffs. The Huskies will go through Sacred Heart, New Hampshire, Le Moyne and Texas A&M Commerce before jetting off to the Maui Invitational.

But at least Liam McNeeley is making the most of these tune-up games with a double-double in each of the first two.

The double-digit average in rebounds almost certainly won't continue once the level of difficulty increases, but his ability to score in bunches was never in doubt. The 6'7" McNeeley is one of the better pure shooters in this year's class, and he's more than just a spot-up three-point machine. He's also a capable driver who isn't afraid of contact, which should result in a decent number of threes "the old-fashioned way."

By and large, though, the three ball is where he can make a name for himself. Cam Spencer finished with 99 triples last year. Jordan Hawkins went for 109 the year before that. But McNeeley could make a run at Ray Allen's program record of 115 made threes in a single season.

4. V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor

Stats Thus Far: 94 minutes, 28 points, 25 rebounds, 13 assists, five steals, four blocks

It's not often that the best highlight in a 101-63 blowout comes courtesy of the team that put up the 63, but that was the case in Baylor's opening loss to Gonzaga, in which V.J. Edgecombe put poor Joe Few on a poster with an unbelievable dunk near the end of that rout.

Edgecombe followed that up with both a soaring breakaway dunk and a vicious rejection of an Adou Thiero dunk attempt in the subsequent victory over Arkansas.

Lather, rinse, repeat in Tuesday's destruction of Sam Houston State, as Edgecombe's impeccable leaping ability was on display once again with three more dunks and another laughable swat of a shot attempt en route to 13 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

You've probably already heard a thousand times this season that Cooper Flagg is the most talented player in this year's class, but Edgecombe has ascended to the throne of most explosive freshman—and arguably the most enjoyable to watch.

Baylor will get St. John's and possibly Tennessee in the Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship next week before a big showdown with Connecticut on Dec. 4. Buckle up for that showdown between Edgecombe and McNeeley.

3. Tre Johnson, Texas

Stats Thus Far: 91 minutes, 76 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, three steals, 14-24 3PT

People get all sorts of annoyed when college basketball analysts lazily call a star freshman the "Next Kevin Durant."

But for a Longhorns newcomer averaging better than 25 points per game, that comp is simply begging to be made.

Size-wise, no, it doesn't make any sense. Tre Johnson is a few inches shorter than Durant was in college, and he isn't going to even remotely sniff the 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game that the Slim Reaper averaged back in 2006-07.

This freshman phenom is a SG/SF hybrid as opposed to a power forward with legitimate range.

Durant's mark of 25.8 points per game, however, could be well within reach for this electric bucket-getter, as Johnson has already made at least four three-pointers in each contest to date.

His effort wasn't enough in the season-opening loss to Ohio State, as the rest of the team shot 2-for-18 from distance and had no answer for the Buckeyes' perimeter game. Yet, he made quite the initial impression in that losing effort and has continued to build upon it with repeated efficient performances.

2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Stats Thus Far: 64 minutes, 44 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals

With Ace Bailey sidelined by his undisclosed injury, the promised dynamic duo of Rutgers freshmen has thus far been a one-man show courtesy of Dylan Harper.

So far so good, though, as Harper led all scorers in each of the Scarlet Knights' first two games, going for 20 points in the easy win over Wagner and for 24 in the considerably closer victory over Saint Peter's.

In both games, the 6'6" lefty lead guard got to the rim pretty much whenever he wanted, going for a combined 11 layups and two dunks among his 17 made buckets. He also routinely drew contact on his drives, resulting in 14 free-throw attempts. (Only eight makes, though, which was a concern before he arrived in Piscataway.)

Harper is just 2-for-10 from distance in the early going, but he definitely can stroke it from downtown. And while this ball-dominant freshman only has five assists to date, he is a skilled passer. The assists numbers might just need to wait until Bailey gets onto the court, giving Harper more/better options for sharing the rock.

Get your popcorn ready for Nov. 27. That's when Harper and the Scarlet Knights will face Alabama in Las Vegas, giving us a battle between this potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft and what could be the National Player of the Year in Mark Sears.

1. Cooper Flagg, Duke

Stats Thus Far: 87 minutes, 57 points, 30 rebounds, 10 assists, five steals, five blocks

It is already indisputable that Cooper Flagg is a phenomenal freshman. And in the Champions Classic loss to Kentucky, he showcased his limitless potential—while also providing reminders that he's only 17 and still has plenty of developing to do.

Flagg led all players in both points and rebounds with 26 and 12, respectively. He also had a pair of blocks, which is going to be a big part of his nightly impact.

Along the way, there were several 'wow' moments. He deftly got into the lane with handles that shouldn't be possible from a 6'9" teenager. He had some flawless drop step/spin maneuvers. He finished through contact. And he at least attempted to put the team on his back when they needed him down the stretch.

Unfortunately, his last two minutes were sloppy, forcing a bit too much and coughing the ball up three times at crucial junctures. There were also a few possessions even before the endgame where it looked like he had already made up his mind that he would be taking a shot, come hell or high water.

On the one hand, it's hard to blame him, given how talented he is. (Especially in that game, with Kon Knueppel struggling to find his shot.) But this already scary-good player is poised to unlock another level of greatness once the game slows down a bit for him.