25 true freshmen to watch for the 2023-24 college basketball season

One of the more interesting stories from this year's national freshman class. The son of a South Sudanese refugee and named after the Nebraska city in which he was born, Biliew overcame an often rough childhood to put himself in position to be a one-and-done NBA lottery pick if he can live up to the hype this season with the Cyclones. The 6-foot-8, 225-pounder is the third McDonald's All-American to don an Iowa State uniform after averaging 22.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 blocks as a Waukee (Iowa) High School senior.

With the 7-foot-1 Bradshaw, it's a case of wait and see. The New Jersey product is recovering from an injury, so the Wildcats and their fans must bide their time to see when — and just how effectively — all that potential will be unleashed once healthy. Of course, it's wise to proceed with caution when it comes to Bradshaw, who was a McDonald's All-American and named to the watch list for the 2024 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award after he averaged 12.1 points and 9.4 rebounds as a senior at Camden High School.

The 6-10, 215-pound Buchanan comes to UVA from Idaho, where he averaged 15.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.9 blocks as a senior at Coeur d’Alene's Lake City High School. Buchanan's skill level is high at both ends of the court, and he's expected to hit the ground running for the Cavaliers, who have not made it out of the NCAA Tournament's first round since winning the 2019 national title. The ACC, as usual, is filled with a bevy of elite freshman talent. Buchanan might not rate at the top of that list, but he's worthy of his personal hype. 

Armando Bacot could end up being the ACC Player of the Year, and it's very much possible that his Tar Heels teammate Cadeau will nab league Freshman of the Year honors. Cadeau is the kind of true point guard that North Carolina has been eyeing for a while. He's already been named Preseason ACC Rookie of the Year. And why not? Playing for Missouri's Link Academy, Cadeau recorded  29 assists in three games during the GEICO Nationals event. The Tar Heels need to rebound after missing the NCAAs one year removed from finishing as national runner-up, and Cadeau might lead the charge. 

There is genuine excitement in East Lansing about what Carr can achieve this season. Already the star of the Spartans' strong freshman class, the 6-5, 220-pound Carr might have put the nation on notice with his rim-rattling alley-oop dunk against Tennessee in a recent exhibition contest. Carr has thrived at just about every level of competition he's played, and the belief is that he will do the same in college for Michigan State. His immediate role for the Spartans remains uncertain, but the excitement surrounding this young man is high.

After winning the national championship in 2023, UConn sets its sights on a repeat with one of the best freshman prospects in the country. A McDonald's All-American, the 6-6, 215-pound Castle averaged 20.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 3.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks as a senior for Newton High School in Covington, Ga. Not to mention, he's already proved himself beyond the high school game. Castle helped Team USA win the gold medal at the FIBA U18 Americas Championship and averaged a team-high 16.7 points while shooting 60 percent overall and 42.9 percent from 3-point range, during UConn's three-game summer foreign tour.

There is plenty of excitement surrounding the USC program this season. Considered the nation's top recruit, depending on whose rankings one values, the 6-5, 210-pound Collier is a do-it-all player who can pass the ball and score it at an elite level. He also knows how to thrive within the team dynamic. The Naismith Prep Player of the Year, Collier won three state championships at Wheeler High School in Marietta, Ga., where he  averaged 19.6 points, 6.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds as a senior. Collier and Boogie Ellis might make up the best backcourt in America.

A likely latest addition to Kentucky's long line of one-and-done standouts and arguably the most complete and versatile member of the national freshmen class, the 6-8 Philly product and McDonald's All-American averaged 17.9 points and 7.5 rebounds for nationally-ranked Imhotep Charter High school. The belief is that Edwards could lead the Wildcats right out of the gate, especially considering there is a question about those returning and the reliability of others in another stellar freshmen class for the program. 

Foster is a versatile 6-5 combo guard but could very well see time running the point for the Blue Devils, especially if Tyrese Proctor is freelanced more. Foster is a key piece to another top-five recruiting class for Duke, which is the preseason favorite to win the ACC and also looks like a worthy Final Four contender — at least on paper. Where Foster fits in remains to be seen, but there is seemingly endless upside after he averaged 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists during his senior season at California's Notre Dame High School.

A point guard who also happens to be a lights-out shooter: That's apparently what the 6-foot Green will bring to the Xavier table this season. Green probably isn't a household name to casual college hoops fans, but he might be the most underrated freshman on this list. While playing two exhibition games for Xavier in the Bahamas this past summer, Green averaged 12.5 points and showed off his consistently vaunted playmaking skills. Green is also regarded as an above-average, on-ball defender.

Harris-Smith plays bigger than his 6-5 frame might project. He's a talented rebounder who reads the game well and rarely finds himself out of position to grab a board. The Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year out of Paul VI Catholic, Harris-Smith averaged 17.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 2.6 steals as a senior. Harris-Smith might not be a dominant scorer at the college level, but he is expected to be an immediate overall contributor for a Terps squad that hopes to contend for a Big Ten title.

Expectations aren't all that high for Bruce Pearl's Tigers this season, but Holloway has the potential to change that. A versatile guard, Holloway was described by Pearl on the team's website as having "a high basketball IQ and the unique ability to create for himself and others." As a senior at the renowned Prolific Prep in Northern California, Holloway averaged 18.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds on a squad jammed pack with elite pre-college talent. He should be fun to watch, especially if his play leads to consistent winning.

The Jayhawks open the season as The Associated Press ' No. 1 team. Adding former Michigan star Hunter Dickinson is a major get for the program, and Jackson is poised to be an immediate contributor and among the Big 12's top players. As a senior at South Kent School (Connecticut), Jackson averaged 19 points and 6.0 assists. He'll start his career as the Jayhawks' off-guard, but he's a combination player who also can be an elite defender in the open court. If the Jayhawks are to live up to their preseason hype, Jackson must also play to his own high expectations.

Perhaps no other freshman in the country will be followed more than the son of LeBron James. And simply to see if he makes it onto the court after going into cardiac arrest in July. Though he continues to rehab and is with the team, it remains uncertain what to expect from James and his freshman season with a talented Trojans group. When healthy, James is an electrifying guard who brings a strong sense of game intelligence and his obvious elite talent. Basketball fans of any allegiance should be rooting for James to triumph on the court once again.

Mara might be the most intriguing big man in this national freshman class. The 7-3 Spaniard is built to succeed at the college level, but that will depend on how well he adapts to the increased level of competition he'll face this season. The Bruins are a young team filled with raw potential, and Mara, who averaged 14.0 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 2.3 assists for Spain in seven games at the FIBA U18 European Championships this past summer, appears to have the most upside of that youthful lot.

The aforementioned Caleb Foster is a gem for another elite Blue Devils freshman class, but McCain is the undisputed star of the group. That said, there's a distinct possibility McCain will not be a regular starter for the Blue Devils, with Tyrese Proctor and Jeremy Roach still in the backcourt. Aside from being an internet star and NIL darling, McCain can play a little basketball. The McDonald's All-American and two-time Gatorade California Player of the Year, McCain averaged 18.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals as a senior at Sacramento's Centennial High School. 

Mgbako enters his college career having made quite the name for himself — and that's just off the court. First, he decommitted from Duke to join up with the Hoosiers. Then, he was arrested for criminal trespassing and resisting law enforcement outside a Bloomington, Ind., Taco Bell in late October. Mgbako was not charged for the incident and remains a focal point of Indiana's cause this season. Obviously, coach Mike Woodson would like the attention directed at the McDonald's All-American to come from his play on the court — not off. We'll see how that works out. 

Staying in the Big Ten, the Buckeyes are not regarded as Big Ten contenders to begin the season, but they have some noteworthy young talent led by sophomore Roddy Gayle Jr. In terms of Ohio State freshmen, the 6-7 Middleton tops the heap. At the moment, his biggest value to the Buckeyes could be his stellar defensive abilities. However, if his shooting can improve, combined with some already strong slashing skills, Middleton can be an instant overall contributor for the Buckeyes this season.

With the likes of Gonzaga, Arizona, USC, Colorado, and Saint Mary's all expecting big seasons and UCLA still trying to continue its recent success, West Coast basketball is at the forefront of the national college scene this season. While not much is expected from Oregon, it could have a potential star on the college level — and perhaps beyond — in this dynamic point guard. The pride of West Linn, Ore., Shelstad might not be as highly touted as others on this list, but could end up being one of the Pac-12's best players in 2023-24.

Sheppard seemed destined to be a Wildcat since his parents, Jeff and Stacey, each starred for the school. He might not have the overall NBA-ready talent that the other Kentucky freshmen possess, but some NBA scouts believe that Sheppard has the potential to be a lottery pick. Why don't we just see how things play out for Sheppard this season? He might be the most intriguing prospect on this list.

OK, one more from the Blue Devils. We said this is arguably the best freshman class in the country. While the aforementioned Caleb Foster likely needs to find his role, and Jared McCain is going to contribute immediately, whether as a starter or off the bench, Stewart has the potential to power his way to stardom. At 6-8, 227 pounds, Stewart is a physical force. His father, Michael, played eight years in the NBA, and he was neighbors with Duke legend Grant Hill. The McDonald's All-American spent his senior season at famed Montverde Academy after averaging 20.5 points and 13.6 rebounds as a high school junior in Windermere, Fla.

The son of longtime NBA star Peja Stojaković. To no real surprise, Andrej inherited his father's ability to make shots from just about anywhere on the floor. However, his mid-range game is what has drawn raves. At 6-7, Stojaković seems best served to succeed as a wing player with the potential to refine his ball-handling skills if there's any chance he can become an NBA lottery pick soon. His defensive versatility might be the most underappreciated aspect of his overall game. 

No, we're not done highlighting potentially impactful Wildcats freshmen. Wagner certainly has the college basketball pedigree to succeed at this level. He's the son of Dajuan Wagner, who played for Kentucky coach John Calipari at Memphis, and grandson of Louisville legend Milt Wagner. The Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year three years running, Wagner is slated to step in as the Wildcats' starting point guard and team with fifth-year senior Antonio Reeves (14.4 ppg in 2022-23) to make up one potentially potent backcourt.

Bears fans might think they're watching a clone of recent Baylor star Keyonte George. In terms of body type (Walter checks in at 6-5 and roughly 195 pounds), they share the same vitals. A physical guard, Walter averaged 23.3 points and 7.6 rebounds as a junior for McKinney (Texas) High School before attending Link Academy in Branson, Mo. Walter is not afraid to shoot the basketball, for better or worse. Bears coach Scott Drew might be able to live with that, especially considering Walter could be the squad's best offensive option this season.

The brother of breakout Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams. The 6-8 Cody Williams is a big reason the Buffaloes have high hopes for the 2023-24 season. He's the fourth player ever committed to Colorado to earn McDonald's All-American honors and was named honorable mention preseason All-Pac-12 Team by the media. At 6-8, 190 pounds, Williams is a fluid player who runs the floor well and is likely to be utilized as an off-guard. Thus, he relies on his ability to drive to hoop while looking to fine-tune a jump shoot. Williams might also be Colorado's best overall defender.