It’s never too early to start looking ahead to next season!
Check below for our list of 20 under-the-radar freshmen for the 20-21 college basketball season.
In no particular order:
Tramon Mark, Houston: Houston returns a loaded perimeter, but it would be foolish to dismiss Mark from having a major impact for the Cougars this season. The 6-6 guard could be the most talented freshman that Kelvin Sampson had landed since he took his current post in 2014.
Cliff Omoruyi, Rutgers: Landing elite local recruits has always been an important component of being the head coach of Rutgers and that’s why landing Omoruyi was so important for Steve Pikiell. A consensus top-50 recruit, the 6-10 big man will be a major force in the Big Ten and gives the Scarlet Knights another impactful interior presence to go alongside Myles Johnson.
Caleb Murphy, South Florida: A gifted scorer at 6-3, Murphy had interest from several power conference programs before committing to the Bulls. If South Florida is going to be a contender for the NCAA Tournament in 2021, Murphy will be a major reason why.
Samuel Mennenga, Davidson: Bob McKillop has frequently gone to his international ties to fill Davidson’s roster and he went to New Zealand to pluck Mennenga. The 6-8 lefty should be one of the top freshmen in the Atlantic 10 this season and could emerge as an X-Factor for the Wildcats.
Ace Baldwin, VCU: Many college basketball fans aren’t completely familiar with Baldwin yet, but that will change. The 6-foot freshman should have an immediate impact for VCU this season, as he looks to form a potentially potent back court combination with sophomore Bones Hyland.
Jaelyn Withers, Louisville: Well embedded moles in Louisville raved about Withers last season during his redshirt year. Chris Mack needs mileage out of this 6-8 power forward, who could drastically help the Cardinals’ depth in reserve.
Mark Williams, Duke: Williams’ importance to Duke next season can’t be understated because of the Blue Devils’ lack of proven size in the pivot. If Duke competes for an ACC regular season title in 2021, the 7-foot Williams will be a major reason why.
Dermarr Langford, Boston College: This was a signature recruit for Jim Christian and Boston College. If Langford performs like one of the top freshmen in the ACC and the rest of Boston College’s roster stays healthy, the Eagles have a chance to be better than many anticipate in 20-21.
Hassan Diarra, Texas A&M: Buzz Williams — not to anyone’s surprise — did yeoman’s work last season in his first year in College Station. His second act could be even better if he gets quality production out of Diarra. The 6-2 point guard has a chance to be an anchor for Williams at the most important position on the floor just like Justin Robinson and Junior Cadougan were at Virginia Tech and Marquette respectively.
Nick Blake, UNLV: Blake opted for Las Vegas over several power conference programs and that’s a good sign for the trajectory of the Runnin Rebels’ program under T.J. Otzelberger. If UNLV is going to be one of the top teams in the Mountain West this season, it needs Blake to be one of the top newcomers in the conference.
A.J. Hoggard, Michigan State: If Tom Izzo doesn’t feel comfortable with Rocket Watts as Michigan State’s primary point guard, Hoggard could get a long look for extended minutes. The 6-3 floor general has good size and a great feel. Remember the name.
Ethan Morton, Purdue: No player on the Boilermakers’ roster averaged more than 2.7 assists last season. Expect that to change with the 6-6 Morton now in the fold. Matt Painter has repeatedly said that Morton is the best passer that he’s ever recruited.
Jaylen Clark, UCLA: Tenacity is a requisite needed if you’re going to play for Mick Cronin and that’s something that Clark instantly boasts. The 6-5 wing is tough minded and likes to defend. He should fit in seamlessly in Westwood.
Andre Curbelo, Illinois: Adam Miller may be getting the sizzle when it comes to Illinois’ newcomers next season, but Curbelo will definitely get his taste of the steak. A table setting point guard, this floor general should be the perfect complement to Brad Underwood’s strong returning nucleus.
Keeshawn Barthelemy, Colorado: After redshirting last season, Barthelemy should be more than prepared to have a significant role for the Buffaloes. Don’t be shocked if Tad Boyle opts to use Barthelemy and McKinley Wright together in the back court for stretches this season.
Kerr Kriisa, Arizona: Sean Miller signed several foreign players in Arizona’s 2020 recruiting class and Kriisa is an important piece to that puzzle. A native of Estonia, Kriisa was one of the top players professionally in Lithuania last season while shooting an impressive 39 percent from 3-point range.
Jamal Mashburn Jr., Minnesota: The son of former NBA star Jamal Mashburn, Richard Pitino should have an immediate contributor in this 6-2 guard. With Marcus Carr and Gabe Kalscheur already cemented in the back court, the addition of Mashburn should help the Gophers possess one of the deeper perimeters in the Big Ten.
Szymon Zapala, Utah State: Two years after landing Neemias Queta, Craig Smith will bring this 6-11 prospect from Poland to Logan. Armed with good size at 240 pounds, Zapala helped the Polish national team reach the finals of the 2019 FIBA U18 European Championships.
Ian Martinez, Utah: Utah has a void on the wing following Both Gach’s decision to transfer to Minnesota and Martinez figures to be first in line to pick up the pieces. The 6-3 guard was a consensus top-100 prospect and should have a chance to be one of the more productive freshmen in the Pac-12.
Jabe Mullins, Saint Mary’s: The Gaels have been known for unearthing hidden gems under Randy Bennett and Mullins could be next in line. The four-star guard has the requisites to be a star in the WCC and should be terrific in Saint Mary’s guard heavy style that always allows for the perfect blend of autonomy and discipline.
