The 10 best men’s college basketball seasons by a freshman highlight remarkable achievements that have shaped the sport. Freshman forward Cooper Flagg, a leading candidate for the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is set to showcase his talents Saturday night (8 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app) as the No. 3 Duke Blue Devils face off against Illinois at Madison Square Garden.
In his inaugural collegiate season, Flagg has made a significant impact, averaging 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. His shooting splits of 48.6% from the field, 36.6% from three-point range, and 81.3% from the free-throw line underscore his versatility and scoring ability as he approaches this pivotal matchup.
With Flagg’s impressive performance in mind, it’s essential to reflect on the standout freshman seasons in men’s college basketball history. Here are the top ten seasons that have left an indelible mark on the game.
10 Best College Basketball Seasons by a Freshman
Michael Beasley, known as “your favorite player’s favorite player,” dominated his freshman year at Kansas State. Averaging 26.2 points per game, which led the Big 12 and ranked third nationally, along with 12.4 rebounds, Beasley was instrumental in leading the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament’s second round. He declared for the NBA Draft after the season, where he was selected as the second overall pick in 2008.
Kevin Love made an immediate impact with the UCLA Bruins, averaging a double-double with 17.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. His shooting percentages of 55.9% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range helped propel the Bruins to a remarkable 35-4 record, a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and a trip to the Final Four. Love was later selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Magic Johnson showcased his all-around skills at Michigan State, averaging 17.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. His ability to facilitate and score contributed to the Spartans’ national championship victory the following season, solidifying his status as the first overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft.
Zion Williamson electrified college basketball during the 2018-19 season at Duke, averaging 22.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. His remarkable shooting percentage of 68.0% from the field, combined with his ability to make highlight-reel plays, led Duke to the Elite Eight and earned him the title of first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Derrick Rose led the Memphis Tigers to an unforgettable season, averaging 14.9 points and 4.7 assists per game. His explosive style of play helped the team achieve a remarkable 38-2 record and reach the national championship game, where he showcased his talents further by averaging 20.8 points in the tournament. Rose was the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Kevin Durant’s freshman season at Texas was one for the ages. He averaged 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, leading the Longhorns to a 25-10 record. His scoring prowess and efficiency earned him the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, marking him as a player to watch in the years to come.
4. Chris Jackson/Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, LSU (1988-89)
Chris Jackson, who later changed his name to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, made headlines during his freshman year at LSU. He averaged an SEC-high 30.2 points per game, shooting 48.6% from the field and leading the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament. Abdul-Rauf continued to excel in his sophomore year, eventually becoming the third overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft.
3. Michael Jordan, North Carolina (1981-82)
Michael Jordan’s freshman year at North Carolina was a pivotal moment in college basketball history. He averaged 13.5 points per game and made the game-winning shot in the 1982 national championship game. This performance not only secured the title for the Tar Heels but also set the stage for Jordan’s legendary career, leading to him being selected as the third overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft.
Anthony Davis was a game-changer for Kentucky during the 2011-12 season. He averaged 14.2 points and a remarkable 4.7 blocks per game, leading the Wildcats to a national championship. Davis’s defensive prowess and ability to score efficiently earned him the first overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Honorable mentions:
- Trae Young
- Greg Oden
- Patrick Ewing
- Jahlil Okafor
- John Wall
- Kenny Anderson
- Wayman Tisdale
- Jared Sullinger
- Chet Holmgren
- Shaquille O’Neal
- Demarcus Cousins
- Pervis Ellison
- Cooper Flagg
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