College basketball has plunged headfirst into the conference play part of the season.

 

Isaiah Collier, Ja’Kobe Walter and Reed Sheppard headline CBB’s top-ranked freshmen

College basketball has enthusiastically entered the conference play phase of the season, and as we approach the midpoint, this year’s batch of freshmen is beginning to hit their stride. While some, such as Isaiah Collier, the highest-ranked player from the class of 2023 to join college, have lived up to their impressive high school reputations, others have failed to meet expectations. On the other hand, freshmen like Reed Sheppard from Kentucky have exceeded their 247Sports high school rankings.

Given the advancing age of college basketball and the relatively average high school class of 2023, the overall impact of freshmen players seems to be less significant compared to previous years. However, as we move forward into conference play and approach the NCAA tournament, there are still ample opportunities for the class of 2023 to leave a lasting impression.

Today, we are examining the individuals from the 2023 class who have had the most significant influence up to this point.

1. ISAIAH COLLIER, G, USC TROJANS

Final rank by 247Sports: No. 2.

Stats for 2023-24 season: Averaging 15.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.

Reasons for impression: Despite USC’s underwhelming 8-7 start to the season, Isaiah Collier, the highest-ranked freshman in college basketball this season, has lived up to expectations. As a muscular guard, he has displayed exceptional scoring abilities at the basket and has consistently achieved double-digit scores in nearly all of his games.

The primary question prior to his anticipated single season in college was his proficiency in shooting jump shots. Although he initially performed well from beyond the arc, his three-point shooting percentage has now decreased to 31.9%. While turnovers remain a concern, he only committed a total of two turnovers in USC’s last two victories against Stanford and Cal. It is evident to observers that he possesses exceptional court vision, and his assist numbers could be higher and turnovers lower if his teammates capitalized more on his passes.

2. JA’KOBE WALTER, G, BAYLOR BEARS

Final ranking by 247Sports: No. 8.

Stats for 2023-24 season: Averaging 15.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

Reasons for admiration: Ja’Kobe Walter, a former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, came to Baylor with a strong reputation as a formidable long-range shooter possessing an impressive physique. He has certainly lived up to that billing and more under the guidance of Scott Drew and the Bears. Following a stellar debut in which he scored 28 points against Auburn, Walter has exceeded the 20-point mark on five occasions. Notably, he has made four or more three-pointers in an impressive six out of 14 games.

Aside from his 40% shooting from beyond the arc, Walter has been a significant contributor on the boards and effectively utilizes his robust frame to navigate contact and drive to the basket. While his shot selection may not always be optimal and there is room for improvement in terms of efficiency, overall, he has had an outstanding beginning and appears poised for just a single season in Waco before being selected in the NBA lottery.

3. REED SHEPPARD, G, KENTUCKY WILDCATS

Final 247Sports ranking: No. 79

Stats for 2023-24 season: Averaging 12.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game

Reasons for admiration: First and foremost, it’s clear that we overlooked the impact of Kentucky freshman Reed Sheppard in our final rankings. Putting that aside, let’s shift our attention to the remarkable performance he has delivered for the Wildcats. There’s no denying that the son of former Wildcats has been exceptional thus far.

Sheppard was anticipated to be a formidable long-range shooter, but his astonishing 54.7% shooting from beyond the arc has exceeded all expectations. While he displayed good passing skills in high school, his performance as a facilitator has surpassed all predictions. However, his most impressive aspect has been his defensive prowess, currently ranking second among all freshmen in steals. He has emerged as one of the prominent figures in the freshman class, and every bit of praise he has received is well-deserved.

4. ROB DILLINGHAM, G, KENTUCKY WILDCATS

Final 247Sports ranking: No. 21

Stats for 2023-24 season: Averaging 13.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game

Reasons for admiration: When Rob Dillingham graduated from high school, there was no doubt about his scoring ability off the dribble. His quick first step and inventive ball-handling skills were undeniable. However, there were concerns about how well he could adapt to playing alongside other skilled guards and whether he could handle rigorous coaching. At Kentucky, he is demonstrating his ability to tackle these challenges.

In the current season, Dillingham has only been a starter in one game, but he has maximized his playing time, surpassing the efficiency that many anticipated. He is shooting over 40% from beyond the arc, his assist-to-turnover ratio is nearly 2.5 to 1, and he has been a valuable teammate. His performance is significantly boosting his NBA draft prospects, placing him among the top members of the class of 2023. He is a major factor in Kentucky’s emergence as a genuine contender for the national championship.

5. MALIK MACK, G, HARVARD CRIMSON

Final 247Sports rating: Three-star

Stats for 2023-24 season: Averaging 19.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game

Reasons for admiration: When Malik Mack decided to attend Harvard, it seemed like the Crimson were acquiring a player who would develop into a strong competitor in the Ivy League. However, no one could have predicted the impressive statistics he would produce as a freshman.

Mack demonstrates swift agility on the court, has been exceptionally accurate from long range (shooting 44.6% from three-point range), and displays unparalleled creativity on the offensive end. Although he still has a slender build, he has recently returned from a bout of mononucleosis, so it remains to be seen if this will have a notable impact on his performance going forward. Nonetheless, at this stage, he stands out as one of the most unexpected successes from the 2023 class.

6. CARLTON CARRINGTON, G, PITTSBURGH PANTHERS

Final 247Sports ranking: No. 91

Stats for 2023-24 season: Averaging 14.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game

Reasons for admiration: Jeff Capel and the University of Pittsburgh have truly landed a talented player in Carlton Carrington! Although Carrington was recognized for his scoring abilities in high school, he has exceeded even the loftiest expectations for a first-year player. Remarkably, Carrington has maintained an impressive level of play since securing a triple-double in his very first college game.

Standing at 6-foot-5, Carrington possesses excellent size for a primary ball handler, and his passing vision has been the most unexpectedly impressive aspect of his game. While his three-point shooting (31.6%) is an area that could use improvement, and he needs to enhance his physical strength, overall, his performance has been outstanding. Together with fellow four-star freshman Jaland Lowe, who has also displayed flashes of brilliance, they form a promising future for the Panthers. The only caveat is the possibility of Carrington being lured to the NBA after just one year.

7. JACKSON SHELSTAD, G, OREGON DUCKS

Final 247Sports ranking: 26th

Stats for 2023-24 season: Averaging 14.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game

Reasons for admiration: Oregon’s recent success, winning eight of their last nine games, owes much to the contributions of Jackson Shelstad. As he has adapted to the college level, Shelstad has evolved into a reliable and effective scorer under the guidance of Dana Altman and his coaching staff. With the exception of his debut game, Shelstad has consistently scored in double figures, notching 14 or more points in his last seven appearances.

Shooting at nearly 52% from the field and over 43% from beyond the three-point line, Shelstad has lived up to the hype of being hailed as “The next Payton Pritchard,” despite not being a perfect comparison.

8. JARED MCCAIN, G, DUKE BLUE DEVILS

Final 247Sports ranking: 14th

Stats for 2023-24 season: Averaging 12.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game

Reasons for admiration: As the top recruit of Duke’s highly ranked 2023 recruiting class, Jared McCain had a slow start but has recently found his stride. While initially reaching double digits in scoring in just two of his first eight games, McCain has since averaged 18 points per game over his last six, all resulting in victories for the Blue Devils.

McCain was anticipated to be a significant threat as a jump shooter, and he has lived up to expectations by shooting just under 44% from beyond the three-point line. Additionally, he excels at rebounding for a guard and demonstrates exceptional ball control for a freshman. His maturity and readiness to contribute immediately at the college level, key factors in his high school ranking, have proven to be accurate assessments.

9. YVES MISSI, C, BAYLOR BEARS

Final 247Sports ranking: 42nd

Stats for 2023-24 season: Averaging 10.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game

Reasons for admiration: Originally slated to graduate in the class of 2024, Yves Missi made the decision to reclassify last spring in order to join Baylor for the current season. Despite the potential challenges of producing as a freshman after reclassifying, Missi has thrived. His age, turning 20 in May, sets him apart as an older presence on the team, yet his success is not solely attributed to his maturity.

Missi is a natural fit for the center position, possessing mobility, prowess as a lob finisher, physicality, and standout shot-blocking abilities, embodying the qualities desired by the Bears. With four double-doubles already this season, Missi is hitting his stride and proving to be an invaluable defensive anchor for Scott Drew’s team.

10. JOSH HUBBARD, G, MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS

Final 247Sports ranking: 145th

Stats for 2023-24 season: Averaging 14.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game

Reasons for admiration: Since his arrival at Mississippi State, Chris Jans has made Josh Hubbard a key focus. Despite Hubbard originally committing to Ole Miss, Jans successfully recruited him last spring when Hubbard reopened his options.

Even though he hasn’t started a game this season, Hubbard has emerged as a fearless go-to scorer. He’s unafraid to take deep shots, displays explosive dribbling skills, and plays in an entertaining style. As the all-time high school scoring leader in Mississippi, Hubbard is making a significant impact for his home state school. His development promises exciting prospects for the future.

11. MILAN MOMCILOVIC, F, IOWA STATE CYCLONES

Final 247Sports ranking: 37th

Stats for 2023-24 season: Averaging 13.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game

Reasons for admiration: Iowa State brought in a highly ranked recruiting class this year, but Milan Momcilovic has stood out as the most impressive so far. Hailed for his offensive skills in high school, Momcilovic has lived up to the hype.

In the first 14 games, he has scored in double figures 10 times and is shooting an impressive 43.5% from three-point range, attempting nearly five shots per game. His ability to spread the floor creates opportunities for the Cyclones’ guards, and he can be relied upon to capitalize on open looks. While he has excelled as a scorer, improving his rebounding will be crucial for Iowa State to maximize its potential.

12. DEDAN THOMAS JR., G, UNLV REBELS

Final 247Sports ranking: 34th

Stats for 2023-24 season: Averaging 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game

Reasons for admiration: Dedan Thomas, a legacy recruit and local talent who chose to forgo his senior year of high school to join UNLV early, has met the high expectations placed upon him. As the most prolific freshman playmaker in the country, Thomas possesses exceptional ball-handling skills and a natural ability to set up teammates for scoring opportunities.

While still adapting to the physicality of college basketball and experiencing ups and downs with the Rebels this season, his overall performance is undeniably impressive. Thomas has demonstrated a remarkable balance between scoring and facilitating, showcasing adaptability to the college game. It’s highly likely that he will further elevate his scoring prowess as he becomes more acclimated to the demands of this level of competition.

13. CODY WILLIAMS, F, COLORADO BUFFALOES

Final 247Sports ranking: 4th

Stats for 2023-24 season: Averaging 14.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game

Reasons for admiration: Tad Boyle has secured the highest-rated recruit of his coaching tenure in Cody Williams, who has proven his worth as a five-star prospect from high school. Showing promise as a potential NBA lottery pick, Williams possesses the skills to make Colorado a formidable opponent. Unfortunately, he has been sidelined since his impressive 21-point performance over Pepperdine more than a month ago, leaving Boyle and the Buffs without his contributions.

Had Williams been available in recent games, he likely would have ranked among the top 5 freshmen. Standing at 6-foot-8, he has demonstrated his ball-handling, playmaking, and scoring abilities, along with impressive efficiency. While his playing time has been limited to an average of 8.7 shots per game, his stellar shooting percentages of 62.3% from the field and 60% from three-point range suggest that he should receive more opportunities once he returns from injury. Hopefully, his return will be sooner rather than later.

FIVE TO KEEP AN EYE ON

Vasean Allette, Guard, Old Dominion: Averaging 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Despite Old Dominion’s limited success with only four wins this season, the impressive statistics put up by this Canadian guard in his first year cannot be overlooked. In just 15 games, he has already scored 24 points or more four times, with a season-high of 30.

Markus Burton, Guard, Notre Dame: Posting averages of 16.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Notre Dame has struggled, losing seven of their last 10 games, but Burton’s noteworthy numbers demand attention. With an average of 14.9 shot attempts per game, he is taking nearly one more field goal attempt per game than any other freshman in the country, indicating his strong scoring potential. It’s clear that this talented player is poised to make a significant impact.

Sebastian Mack, Guard, UCLA: Recording 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Hailing from Las Vegas as a four-star prospect, Mack has shone brightly for a struggling Bruins team, leading the team in scoring in eight of his first 15 games. He demonstrates a strong ability to convert tough shots around the rim and is expected to pose a significant challenge for opponents as he becomes more consistent with his jump shot.

Baye Ndongo, Forward, Georgia Tech: Averaging 12.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Initially committed to Rutgers, Ndongo has been an outstanding addition to the Georgia Tech team. Leading all freshmen in rebounding and ranking fourth overall in the ACC—a conference known for its experienced rebounders—he has made a significant impact.

DJ Wagner, Guard, Kentucky: Averaging 12.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Wagner held the top ranking in the class of 2023 for much of his high school career before finishing at No. 6 overall. While experiencing both notable performances, such as scoring 28 points and five assists against Marshall, and challenging moments, like a four-point game on 1-12 shooting against Kansas, he appears to be adapting well to sharing the ball with other talented guards, which bodes positively for the Wildcats.