Best College Basketball Players To Look Out For In 2024

• Age: 20
• Team: Kentucky Wildcats (2023-present)
• Position: Small forward
• High School: Imhotep Institute Charter, Philadelphia

Ranked No. 1 in the 2024 NBA Draft prospect by CBS Sports Justin Edwards is a Kentucky Wildcats freshman who agreed to play for the team in June 2022.

Edwards emerged as a widely agreed-upon five-star recruit, standing out as one of the premier players in the 2023 class, as recognized by prominent recruiting services. In January 2023, ESPN ranked him as the top recruit nationwide.

Moreover, he possesses an impressive 6-foot-8 physique, a graceful left-handed shooting technique, and a finesse in his gameplay that suggests he could excel as a versatile guard.

• Age: 22
• Team: Texas Longhorns (2023-present)
• Position:  Point guard | shooting guard
• High School: Jesuit Dallas, Texas

Max Abmas gained widespread attention on the national scene in 2021 when the two-time Summit League Player of the Year guided Oral Roberts to victory in the Summit League tournament title.

Abmas achieved the milestone of being the first player to record a minimum of 25 points in every one of the initial three rounds within a tournament since Stephen Curry accomplished this feat in the 2008 NCAA tournament.

He stayed at ORU for four years from 2019 to 2023 before transferring to Texas.

• Age: 19
• Team: Duke Blue Devils (2022-present)
• Position: Point guard | shooting guard
• High School: Lake Ginninderra, Australia

The 2023 ACC All-Freshman team Tyrese Proctor is an Australian-born basketball player.

The 19-year-old prospect pledged to enroll at Duke University ahead of the commencement of the 2022-23 college basketball season. In his debut season, Proctor managed 9.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game for the Blue Devils.

Tyrese went to Trinity Grammar School during his childhood in Sydney and subsequently enrolled at Lake Ginninderra in Canberra.

• Age: 18
• Team: Kentucky Wildcats (2023-present)
• Position: Point guard | shooting guard
• High School: Camden High, New Jersey

DJ Wagner was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2023 class.

Wagner scored an average of 18.5 points while playing for his high school team, Camden, leading to him receiving MaxPreps Freshman All-American honors. Additionally, he achieved recognition in the Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit.

On November 14, 2022, Wagner made the decision to join the college basketball team at Kentucky instead of accepting an offer from Louisville.

• Age: 20
• Team: Texas A&M Aggies (2021-present)
• Position: Point guard
• High School: Lancaster High, Texas

Wade Taylor spent his formative years in Dallas, Texas, and completed his education at Lancaster High School. Following his high school graduation, the highly regarded four-star recruit committed to join the college basketball team at Texas A&M.

Throughout his freshman season, Taylor played in all 40 of Texas A&M's games, achieving an average of 8.2 points, 2.2 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per game.

Taylor's secured a spot on the 2023 SEC men's basketball tournament All-Tournament team. Furthermore, in October 2023, he was honored with the title of SEC Preseason Player of the Year.

• Age: 19
• Team: USC Trojans (2023-present)
• Position: Point guard
• High School:  Wheeler High, Georgia

Isaiah Collier achieved the top ranking as the overall prospect in the 2023 class according to ESPN and Rivals.

In June 2023, he began his academic journey at the University of Southern California. Before this, Collier participated in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) and earned the 2023 McDonald's All-American Boys Game selection during his senior year.

Additionally, he represented Team USA in the Nike Hoops Summit. Collier's outstanding performance led to him winning the 2023 Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award and earning the title of Mr. Georgia Basketball.

• Age: 20
• Team: Duke Blue Devils (2022-present)
• Position: Center
• High School: Wilbraham & Monson Academy, Massachusetts

Kyle Filipowski, the 20-year-old native of Middletown, New York was named the 2023 ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC tournament MVP in his debut season.

Filipowski maintained an average of 15.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while securing the lead among Division I freshmen with 16 double-doubles. Although anticipated to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Filipowski chose to come back for his second college season.

Kyle Filipowski Career Awards

• ACC Rookie of the Year (2023)
• Second-team All-ACC (2023)
• ACC tournament MVP (2023)
• Jordan Brand Classic (2022)
• Nike Hoop Summit (2022)

• Age: 21
• Team: Providence Friars (2022-present)
• Position: Power forward | small forward
• High School: Fenwick High, Oak Park

Bryce Hopkins made an impressive impact as a sophomore following his transfer to Providence from Kentucky.

His performance underwent a remarkable transformation, with his scoring average skyrocketing from just 2.1 ppg as a Wildcat to an impressive 15.8 points at Providence.

In addition, Hopkins substantially increased his rebounding and assist numbers to 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists respectively. His versatile skill set positions him as the quintessential 3-and-D player poised for success at the next level of competition.

• Age: 19
• Team: Kansas Jayhawks (2023-present)
• Position: Point guard | shooting guard
• High School: South Kent School, Connecticut

Elmarko Jackson joined the University of Kansas in June 2023 and participated in the Jayhawks' exhibition series in Puerto Rico.

Before his university enrollment, Jackson initially attended St. Augustine Preparatory School. Following his sophomore year, he relocated to the Academy of the New Church in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania.

During his time in high school, he earned first-team honors in the All-Friends School League and secured a spot on the non-PIAA All-State team. For his senior year, Jackson transferred to the South Kent School in South Kent, where he was chosen to participate in the 2023 McDonald's All-American Boys Game.

• Age: 23
• Team: Villanova Wildcats (2019-present)
• Position: Shooting guard
• High School: DeMatha Catholic, Maryland

Justin Moore, the sharpshooting guard from Villanova, has carved his name into Wildcats lore.

A unanimous All-Freshman selection in 2020, he averaged over 11 points per game, leading all Big East freshmen in scoring. Now a senior, Moore is leading the charge, showcasing his veteran presence and clutch play.

As a sophomore, Moore achieved an average of 12.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. In February 2022, he reached the milestone of scoring 1,000 points, albeit in a game where his team suffered an 83–73 defeat against Marquette.

• Age: 20
• Team: Kentucky Wildcats (2023-present)
• Position: Center
• High School: Camden High, New Jersey

Aaron Bradshaw, the highly-touted freshman center for the Kentucky Wildcats, is just starting his NCAA career.

Though it's early, he's showcasing his potential, averaging 10 points and 6.5 rebounds in limited minutes. His efficient shooting (61.5% FG) and strong rebounding are already making an impact.

While it's too early to predict his entire career, Bradshaw's talent and work ethic suggest he could blossom into a star for the Wildcats and maybe even beyond.

• Age: 20
• Team: Duke Blue Devils (2022-present)
• Position: Small forward | power forward
• High School: Sunrise Christian Academy, Kansas

Mark Mitchell Jr. is a rising sophomore forward currently making waves for the Duke Blue Devils.

In his first year, he participated in 35 games, maintaining an average of 9.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, with a shooting accuracy of 46.9%.

He has displayed efficient shooting, particularly close to the basket, and showcased glimpses of a developing three-point shot. While yet to crack the starting lineup consistently, Mitchell's contributions have been crucial.

• Age: 23
• Team: North Carolina Tar Heels (2019-present)
• Position:  Center | power forward
• High School: IMG Academy, Florida

Armando Bacot, a 6-foot-11 powerhouse forward for the North Carolina Tar Heels, has carved his name into the program's record books.

A McDonald's All-American coming out of high school, Bacot has consistently delivered double-doubles, already holding the school record for most in his career.

Bacot's accolades extend beyond Carolina. He's a three-time All-ACC selection, including two First-Team honors, and was named a Third-Team All-American in 2023.

• Age: 19
• Team: UConn Huskies (2022-present)
• Position: Center
• High School: Bristol Central, Connecticut

At just 19 years of age, Donovan Clingan is emerging as a notable player in college basketball. As a member of the UConn Huskies, the 7-foot-2 center is one of the tallest college basketball players.

Despite being in the early stages of his career, Clingan has already received recognition, earning the title of Big East All-Freshman last season and contributing to UConn's triumph in securing the NCAA Championship.

With his combination of size, skill, and a promising start, Clingan's future in the sport appears highly promising and is certainly worth keeping a close watch on in the years ahead.

• Age: 19
• Team: UConn Huskies (2023-present)
• Position: Point guard | shooting guard
• High School:  Newton High, Georgia

Stephon Castle, the 6'6" freshman phenom of the UConn Huskies, is just beginning his NCAA career.

Hailing from Covington, Georgia and a product of Newton High School, he brings with him an impressive high school record.

Averaging 20.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, three steals and two blocks per game in his senior year showcases his exceptional skillset on the court; no wonder he was chosen to play in the prestigious 2023 McDonald's All-American Boys Game.

• Age: 19
• Team: Baylor Bears (2023-present)
• Position: Shooting guard
• High School: ink Academy, Missouri

Ja'Kobe Walter, a 19-year-old shooting guard for the Baylor Bears, is just starting his NCAA career but already making waves.

Born with basketball in his blood, he dominated high school, averaging 23 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.3 steals a game while leading McKinney to a state championship. This earned him a five-star recruit ranking and a spot as a McDonald's All-American.

In June 2023, Walter joined Baylor University to participate in summer practices. During his first college game against Auburn, Walter set a new Baylor school record for points scored by a freshman in a debut with an impressive total of 28 points on that night.

• Age: 21
• Team: Purdue Boilermakers (2020-present)
• Position: Center
• High School: IMG Academy, Florida

Zach Edey is a twoering Canadian center for the Purdue Boilermakers. In his junior year at Purdue, Edey made history by securing major National Player of the Year awards, a feat never achieved by any Purdue player before him.

Additionally, he led the nation in double-doubles, emphasizing his all-around impact on the game. Edey's exceptional combination of size, footwork, and post moves rendered him a virtually unstoppable force, earning him consensus First-Team All-American honors.

• Age: 22
• Team: Marquette Golden Eagles (2021-present)
• Position: Point Guard
• High School: St. George's School, Rhode Island

Tyler Kolek initiated his university journey at George Mason, where, as a freshman, he earned the title of Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Year.

This accolade came in recognition of his impressive performance, averaging 10.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. After the season's conclusion, Kolek made the decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal.

Eventually, he transitioned to Marquette, where he gained recognition as the preseason Big East Player of the Year.

• Age: 23
• Team: Illinois Fighting Illini (2022-present)
• Position: Shooting guard | small forward
• High School: IMG Academy, Florida

Terrence Shannon carved his niche as a scoring guard, blossoming from an overlooked high schooler to an NCAA tournament hero.

After a freshman year on the rise at Texas Tech, he averaged 12.9 points as a sophomore, earning All-Big 12 honors. He flirted with the NBA draft but returned, leading the Red Raiders to the Sweet Sixteen in 2022.

Known for his athleticism and efficient scoring, Shannon capped his Texas Tech career with a Big 12 All-Tournament nod and a First-Team Academic All-Big 12 selection. Now at Illinois, his sights are set on another NCAA run and showcasing his skills for the pros.

• Age: 22
• Team: Miami Hurricanes (2022-present)
• Position: Point Guard
• High School: Lawrence Central, Indiana

Nijel Pack, the lightning-quick guard currently scorching the court for the Miami Hurricanes, boasts a dynamic NCAA career marked by impressive scoring and steady growth.

After starting at Kansas State, where he racked up over 800 points and earned freshman All-Big 12 honors, Pack transferred to Miami. There, he has become a key offensive weapon.