5 hidden gems players ready to shock the college hoops world ft. Bryce Hopkins
Thanks to improving spotlights on high school basketball, college basketball sees an increase in incoming talent across the world. However, as the transfer portal makes Division I a more uneven affair, several players naturally fall out of fans' radars.
Here's a closer look at five underrated players on the college circuit who could make a significant impact in the 2024-25 season.
5 underrated players in 2024-25 college basketball season
#5. Joseph Tugler – Houston Cougars
Even though Tugler’s first college season was short-lived, his athleticism and ability to utilize his 6-foot-7 frame have already garnered interest from NBA scouts. He averaged 3.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks last season while playing 16 minutes per game.
However, his help could play a huge factor in determining Houston’s position for the Big 12 title and NCAA tournament contention. Nevertheless, Joseph Tugler will be sharing responsibilities with Oklahoma transfer Milos Uzan and freshmen Chase McCarty and Mercy Miller.
#4. KJ Windham – Northwestern Wildcats
The 6-foot-3 guard chose Northwestern over 17 other Division I programs. Windham is coming off averaging 15.4 ppg in his senior high school year while being the second-best shot blocker. Moreover, with over 40% 3-point shooting, KJ Windham could immediately impact the NU roster in his first year.
However, this year, the underrated lefty combo guard might see a backup role. Nevertheless, there will be plenty of playmaking opportunities for him to climb the ranks.
#3. Zvonimir Ivisic – Arkansas Razorbacks
7-foot-2 Ivisic shows signs of becoming a modern-day stretch big behind his 37.5% 3-point efficiency. Moreover, due to his existing connection with John Calipari, he is slated to receive more than 12 minutes per game this season.
With that, Zvonimir Ivisic has the potential to become one of the most sought-after big men in the Division I circuit.
#2. Bryce Hopkins – Providence Friars
Hopkins was en route to one of the best seasons of his college career when he suffered a season-ending injury. Just 14 games in, the junior tore his left knee ACL in 2024’s first game against Seton Hall.
At the time, he was averaging 15.5 ppg and 8.6 rpg on 42.9% shooting. Hopkins had 12 games with double-digit scoring, four of which touched the 20-point mark.
#1. Ansley Almonor – Kentucky Wildcats
The absence of talks around Almonor could be situational. Mark Pope had to craft a team purely through the portal and recruiting cycle. Almonor, the Fairleigh Dickinson transfer, led the program with 16.4 ppg and 5.1 rpg while shooting nearly 40% from 3.
Moreover, the 6-foot-7 wing could utilize his size to body opponents on both ends of the floor, giving him the experience of playing multiple front-court positions. Pope may utilize Almonor to create Kentucky’s most threatening 3-point shooting lineup or to bring a spark off the bench.