Welcome to another edition of Tristan’s Top Ten. Today we are going to take a look at some of the nation’s top freshmen coming into the 2024-25 season. You already know about the leading first-year players on everyone’s radar – Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey and the like. My job today is to let you know about some of the top players you haven’t yet heard much about.
Today we are going under the radar to shine a light on young players whom you might not know a lot about now – but will soon. I’m using the composite rankings from 247Sports as my guide. Here you go:
10. Thomas Sorber, 6-10 forward, Georgetown (No. 45)
Frontcourt play was an issue in Coach Ed Cooley’s first year at Georgetown, but the hope is that Sorber can balance the Hoyas’ lineup. Sorber is a physical big man and good rebounder who can protect the interior. I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts early on.
9. Mikey Lewis, 6-3 guard, Saint Mary’s (No. 126)
This combo guard is one of the higher-rated commits in the Coach Randy Bennett era. Lewis is a capable scorer who has the chance to slide into the perimeter and replace former starting guard Aidan Mahaney, who transferred to UConn. Whatever scoring issues the Gaels could have, Lewis has the potential to fill the void.
8. Karter Knox, 6-6 forward, Arkansas (No. 25)
The Razorbacks’ other star freshman, Boogie Fland, has a chance to be a star, but he’s not the only highly rated first-year player to the program set to have a large role. Knox is a dynamic wing who can shoot the ball at a high level and has had solid performances in the exhibitions the past few weeks. The Hogs have little depth, so they will need Knox to be a consistent contributor.
7. Jase Richardson, 6-3 guard, Michigan State (No. 37)
The Spartans lost guards Tyson Walker and AJ Hoggard in the offseason. That created a huge opportunity for Richardson, a four-star combo guard who has been one of the most impressive players for the Spartans this preseason. His shooting alone will warrant minutes. If Jaden Akins’ preseason struggles continue, Richardson’s role will grow even more.
6. Gicarri Harris, 6-3 guard, Purdue (No. 74)
The main question with Purdue’s roster is how they’ll replace star center Zach Edey’s production. (Lance Jones isn’t an easy act to follow, either.) Harris just might be up to the task. In the Boilermakers’ two exhibition games, Harris started as the third guard and fared well, including scoring 12 points in the win over Grand Valley State. Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer are locked into their roles, but if Harris can play his and become a tenacious defender, it will be hard for Matt Painter to keep him on the bench.
5. Cam Scott, 6-6 guard, South Carolina (No. 50)
Not too long ago, Scott was not only a five-star prospect but also a Texas commit. His profile has quieted down in the past few months, but he still has high potential as a scorer. He had 16 points off the bench in the Gamecocks’ exhibition win over Wooster. Collin Murray-Boyles is the main professional candidate on this team, but don’t overlook Scott, who is NBA-ready in size and scoring ability.
4. Tahaad Pettiford, 6-1 guard, Auburn (No. 29)
Auburn fans got their first glimpse of star freshman Tahaad Pettiford against Furman.🔥
— GREENLIGHT MEDIA (@atlgreenlight) October 29, 2024
The lefty PG is must-see TV every time he steps on the court.🎥
Stats- 13PTS, 5-9FG, 2-5 3PT, 3AST@tahaadpettiford @AuburnMBB pic.twitter.com/rKvr69PSBR
The entire backcourt has been revamped at Auburn, where Bruce Pearl has brought in transfers JP Pegues and Miles Kelly. But the one true ball-handler on the team is Pettiford, a whiz of a point guard from New Jersey. He was the best guard in the team’s exhibition win over Furman, producing 13 points and three assists, and he made two of the team’s four three-pointers. Pearl would be wise to hand the keys to the Tigers’ offense to Pettiford and let him cook.
3. Carter Bryant, 6-8 forward, Arizona (No. 28)
Bryant is a combo forward with tremendous offensive potential as a three-level scorer. He scored 16 points off the bench in Arizona’s exhibition win over Point Loma, and he gives coach Tommy Lloyd the option of playing a bigger lineup.
2. Labaron Philon, 6-4 guard. Alabama (No. 34)
Alabama may have the most quality depth of any team in the country, so it was a mild surprise to see Philon start in the team’s exhibition game against Wake Forest. He proved that he deserved that opportunity by scoring 13 points and dishing out five assists. There’s a chance that the former Kansas commit may start for the preseason No. 2 team.
- Asa Newell, 6-11 forward, Georgia (No. 19)
I tried to stay away from five-star recruits, but since Newell landed at a program that hasn’t won much of anything lately, he has managed to stay under the radar. But not for long. He’s an incredibly skilled offensive talent and already had a 19-point performance in an exhibition win over UCF. Georgia needs star power to move up the SEC ladder, and Newell could be the young star that helps lead the Dawgs back to postseason contention.
