Best freshmen in men's college hoops right now other than Cooper Flagg ft. Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper and more
It might be easier than you think to find the best freshmen players who aren't named Cooper Flagg this season. While Flagg has deservedly garnered the bulk of the attention, several freshmen are knocking on the door ready to challenge Flagg for No. 1.
Rutgers stars Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, for example, are tearing the roof off for the Scarlet Knights, while Derik Queen and Boogie Fland are also impressing at their respective schools.
Here's a closer look at the best freshmen in men's basketball NOT named Cooper Flagg.
Best freshman men's basketball players other than Cooper Flagg
#1. Dylan Harper, Rutgers Scarlet Knights Guard
Harper has been a standout at Rutgers, solidifying his position as one of the best freshmen in college ball. His impressive performance at the Players Era Festival, scoring 73 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing eight assists, showcased his ability to dominate.
He's currently averaging 23.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists.
#2. Derik Queen, Maryland Terrapins Center
The 6-foot-10 big man from Baltimore is averaging 17.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg and 2.4 apg while also contributing over one steal and one block per game. His impressive start includes a 22-point, 20-rebound performance against Manhattan, and he's maintained a high level of play since then.
#3. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois Fighting Illini Guard
The Lithuanian native has lived up to the hype surrounding him and is one of the best freshmen out there, currently averaging 15.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 6.0 apg. Jakucionis has also scored 20+ points in his last four games.
#4. Ace Bailey, Rutgers Scarlet Knights Forward
Bailey entered college as a strong contender for the No. 1 pick in the draft, alongside Flagg. While Harper has outperformed him early in the season, Bailey has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in his ability to make tough shots.
The 6-foot-10 forward is averaging 17.5 ppg and 7.1 rpg and has impressed in games against Alabama and Texas A&M, scoring a combined 46 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
#5. Tre Johnson, Texas Longhorns Guard
Johnson's reputation as one of the best pure scorers in the 2025 class, with his ability to score at all three levels and his deep range, has proven accurate in Austin. He's averaging 21.1 ppg and shooting nearly 44% from beyond the arc.
He's also been the Longhorns' leading scorer in seven of their nine games and is guaranteed a spot as one of the best freshmen.
#6. Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma Sooners Guard
The reclassified guard is averaging 16.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 4.7 apg and has been instrumental in some of the Sooners' biggest wins. He scored 26 points and five assists against Arizona, and 20 points and seven assists against Providence.
#7. Egor Demin, BYU Cougars Guard
Demin's 6-foot-9 frame, combined with his shooting, passing and ball-handling skills make him an intriguing prospect for the NBA. He's a specially talented player, as shown by his 18-point, 11-assist debut against Central Arkansas.
He's averaging 13.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 5.8 apg.
#8. Boogie Fland, Arkansas Razorbacks Guard
Fland has been the standout guard on an Arkansas team that has struggled offensively. The New York native is averaging 15.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 5.4 assists. His 20-point, seven-assist performance against Michigan, along with his other 20-point outings against Baylor, Miami, and Michigan, highlight his impact.
Who makes your list of the best freshmen not named Cooper Flagg? Let us know your picks in the comments section below.