The 2024 March Madness Tournament is fast approaching, and there is no shortage of exciting freshmen to keep an eye on as teams make their final push towards the Big Dance.
These talented first-year players have made an immediate impact for their teams this season, catching the attention of fans and NBA scouts alike with their explosive offensive skills, lockdown defense, and veteran-like composure.
Here is our list of the top 5 freshmen who could shape March Madness 2024 with breakout performances.
5. Isaiah Collier – USC
Smooth combo guard Isaiah Collier served early notice that USC will remain a force to be reckoned with despite losing standouts Drew Peterson and Boogie Ellis from last year’s squad.
The 6’3″ (1.90m) Collier plays with advanced polish for a freshman, scoring from all three levels with creativity off the bounce.
Before a mid-season hand injury, Collier poured in over 17 points per game while also distributing 4.1 assists and snatching 1.6 steals a night. Since returning he has quickly regained form, including a 27 point outbreak in a crucial win over Arizona State.
If Collier continues ascending down the stretch, his two-way brilliance and clutch shot-making could guide USC on another March run.
4. Ja’Kobe Walter – Baylor
While backcourt mate Keyonte George garners more headlines for the Bears, forward Ja’Kobe Walter has proven just as integral for Baylor with his staunch defense, rebounding and ever-improving offense.
The springy 6’6″ (1.98m) Walter averages nearly 15 points and 4.5 rebounds per game as an essential two-way cog.
He can stroke the three at a 33.5% clip but also attacks the basket relentlessly. Meanwhile, Walter is likely Baylor‘s most versatile defender, often drawing the opponent’s top wing threat.
If Walter continues his rapid development for the Bears, he could emerge as a March Madness revelation and catapult Baylor on a deep Tournament run.
3. Josh Hubbard – Mississippi State
An early season transfer to Mississippi State is paying huge dividends for sweet-shooting guard Josh Hubbard and the rising Bulldogs.
The 6’5″ (1.95) marksman has ignited State‘s offense by pouring in over 16 points per game fueled by sizzling 37.2% three-point shooting.
Hubbard has been especially prolific down the stretch, catching fire to the tune of over 19 points per game his last seven contests, including three straight with over 20. His elite floor spacing, shot creation and microwave scoring ability gives Mississippi State a dynamic offensive centerpiece.
Led by an emergent star in Josh Hubbard, the Bulldogs have played their way into fringe Bubble territory, and their lethal freshman shooting guard makes them a dangerous Tournament upset threat.
2. Rob Dillingham – Kentucky
On a Kentucky team brimming with five-star freshmen, undersized combo guard Rob Dillingham has become the Wildcats offensive engine and most tenacious playmaker.
At just 6’2″ (1.88m), Dillingham relentlessly attacks larger defenders with an advanced one-on-one scoring arsenal, utilizing deceptive crossovers, hesitations, and lightning bursts towards the rim. He also unleashes pull-up and spot-up triples with equal prowess.
Nightly highlight reel plays have made Dillingham a fan favorite at Rupp Arena.
While Kentucky has underachieved as a team for long stretches, electrifying freshmen like Dillingham still make them a threat to catch fire come March Madness time.
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1. Reed Sheppard – Kentucky
The most complete and NBA-ready freshman resides in Lexington in the form of versatile wing Reed Sheppard.
With jaw-dropping defensive activity fueling smooth offensive polish, Sheppard makes game-changing contributions across the board that belie his youth.
Sheppard unleashes chaos defensively via on-ball pressure and anticipation skills that produce a stunning 2.8 blocks and 2.6 steals per game from his guard spot.
Offensively, he serves as an essential floor spacer and secondary ball-handler, shooting 51.7% on threes and keeping the offense flowing with timely passing.
While other freshmen may boast flashier individual highlights, Sheppard‘s comprehensive excellence and two-way impact make him the most indispensable first year player for a National Championship contender like Kentucky.
Sources:
www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2024/3/5/24090495/march-madness-heroes-in-waiting-2024-mens-ncaa-tournament
bleacherreport.com/articles/10111789-2023-24-mens-college-basketball-freshman-of-the-year-rankings
sports.yahoo.com/10-best-players-to-watch-this-college-basketball-season-010044296.html
