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Top 5 college basketball freshmen looking to impact the Big 12 out of high school ft. VJ Edgecombe
The stage is set for the 2024–25 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The new season tips off on Nov. 5 as the Purdue Boilermakers take on Texas A&M-CC. With the NBA taking the cream of the crop in the 2024 draft, it's time for the freshmen to make an impact. According to a study, only 1.2% of college basketball players make it to the NBA.
The Big 12 consists of teams like the Arizona Wildcats, Baylor Bears, Cincinnati Bearcats, Houston Cougars, Kansas Jayhawks and West Virginia Mountaineers.
Here's a look at the five best freshmen who will start their collegiate careers in the Big 12.
Top 5 college basketball freshmen looking to impact the Big 12 out of high school ft. VJ Edgecombe
#5, Rob Wright, Baylor
Ranked No. 27 nationally, Rob Wright was a four-star recruit, according to ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals and On3. The 6-foot-1 point guard committed to Baylor in the Big 12 after rejecting offers from La Salle, Temple and Delaware State. The Montverde (Florida) Academy player was ranked second-best at his position.
The MVP of the 2023 Iolani Classic, Hawaii and the Spalding Hoophall Classic, Massachusetts played 33 games, averaging 12.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.1 steals per contest in his senior year.
#4, Egor Demin, BYU
The Moscow, Russia, native committed to the BYU Cougars on May 28. The 6-8 combo guard displayed dominant performances for Russia at the 2021 FIBA U16 European Challengers. The five-star recruit (according to 247Sports) was also a member of the Forbes 30 Under 30 list this year.
Playing for Real Madrid in the 2024 Adidas Next Generation Tournament, he led the team to its second back-to-back title while averaging 16.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.8 apg and 1.6 spg.
#3, Flory Bidunga, Kansas
Another international player to look out for in the Big 12 is the Congolese Flory Bidunga. With offers from Auburn, Michigan, Duke and more, Bidunga chose to play for the Kansas Jayhawks and Bill Self. The 6-9 power forward was ranked 17th nationally and third at his position.
The 2024 Indiana Mr. Basketball averaged 19.0 ppg, 12.9 rpb, 4.4 bpg and 3.2 apg and became the 51st McDonald’s All-American to land with the Jayhawks.
#2 Jayden Quaintance, Arizona
Cleveland, Ohio, native Jayden Quaintance ranks first at center and seventh nationally. Quaintance was selected for USA Team Select and the Nike Hoop Summit. He helped Team USA win the gold medal at the 2023 FIBA Americas Under-16 championship game against Mexico.
For the USA Team Select, the 2024 McDonald's All-American averaged a double-double with 15.4 ppg and 10.9 rpg along with 1.3 spg and 3.5 bpg.
#1 VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
One of the best players in the Big 12 is 6-4 combo guard VJ Edgecombe. Ranked No. 4 nationally and as the No. 1 shooting guard, Edgecombe committed to Baylor on Jan. 14. He had offers from top programs including St. John's, Kentucky and Duke.
The New York Gatorade Player of the Year averaged 17.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.0 apg and 2.3 spg for the Long Island Lutheran Crusaders, leading them to a 21-4 record.
Which of these players are you most excited to see in the Big 12?
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