ACC: Best of the freshman class

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has long been known for producing some of college basketball's brightest stars, and the 2024-2025 season is no exception.

With a fresh crop of talented freshmen entering the league, fans and analysts alike have been eager to see what this class has to offer. From electrifying scorers to game-changing playmakers, this season’s freshman class is packed with potential, with one player in particular defining this season for the ACC.

5. Jalil Bethea (Miami)

Miami guard Jalil Bethea has started his collegiate career strong. A former five-star recruit from the Philadelphia area and McDonald's All-American, Bethea has shown excellent potential with his limited time on the court. Throughout his limited time in the game, Bethea has shown off his ability as a shooter and a defensive presence around the perimeter.

4. Ian Jackson (UNC)

UNC basketball is currently on a hot streak. Winning their last four games, the team's momentum and confidence have never looked better. When looking at the secret to the Tarheels' success, Ian Jackson is the answer.

He's averaging 15.7 points per game on 51% from the field and 42% from three, which is impressive for a freshman. However his most impressive feat is in just in the last seven games, he's scored 159 points. Jackson has slated himself as a force to be reckoned with.

3. Donovan Freeman (Syracuse)

Now many may argue that the Syracuse Orange standout freshman starter, Donnie Freeman, deserves to be higher on this list. However, his current status as an injured player has put him at a disadvantage. Playing well in the first 14 games of the season.

He leads the Orange in rebounding. He has recorded six double-doubles, including a 16-point, 10-rebound game in SU’s loss at Florida State. Hopefully, a healthy recovery will lead to more impressive stats, as Freeman looks to define himself in the ACC.

2. Khaman Maluach (Duke)

An absolute powerhouse in the ACC and AP Poll alike, the Duke Blue Devils have ruled this season. Sitting at No. 1 in the ACC and No. 3 in the AP Poll, the talent at Duke is unstoppable. 18-year-old, 7-foot-2 center, Khaman Maluach has already experienced an extreme amount in his early career, in the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Now with his limited minutes on the floor for the Blue Devils, Maluach has their resident in the paint standout. His height makes him perfect for the dunker position as well as excelling in rebounds. Maluach is just one massive key to Duke's major success this season.

1. Cooper Flag (Duke)

Sitting at the top of this ACC ranking is the infamous Cooper Flag. The starting guard for Duke, Flag has made a case to be at the top of any ranking list this season, freshman or not. Dropping a Duke and ACC freshman record-breaking 42 points in a blowout win against Notre Dame, Cooper Flagg’s presence in college basketball has changed the game in just his debut season.

Flagg capped off his performance with seven assists and six rebounds, marking his first collegiate game with over 30 points. He also made history, becoming the first Duke player since Jon Scheyer in 2009 to record 35+ points, five-plus rebounds, and five-plus assists in a single game. This is just the beginning of a long and successful career.

Brooke Casey is a third-year broadcast journalism major. To contact her, email bec5457@psu.edu.