ACC Basketball: 5 impact freshman to know entering 2022-23 season
By Matt Melton
2. Dariq Whitehead – Duke Blue Devils
The second Duke freshman on this list, Whitehead you could argue is the top guard in the entire 2022 class. A five-star and top-five national player, you could also make an argument as well that Whitehead is also the most talented scoring wing in the 2022 class, something that he is likely to do for the Blue Devils this season.
A talented two-way wing at 6-foot-6, Whitehead is the likely favorite to lead Duke in scoring this season, as well as make a key impact on the defensive end where he is a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. Whitehead should easily be one of ACC Basketball’s top overall freshmen in 2022-23, as well as the nation overall.
1. Dereck Lively II – Duke Blue Devils
Well, you didn’t think that both Filipowski and Whitehead would make the list and Lively wouldn’t did you? The headline name from the Blue Devils’ top-ranked 2022 class, Lively is 100% the name to know in ACC Basketball entering the 2022-23 season when it comes to incoming freshmen making a significant impact.
One of the highest-rated recruits in Blue Devils program history, Lively comes to Durham as not only a five-star prospect but arguably the No. 1 overall player in the 2022 class. A talented center with exciting physical tools at 7-foot-1, Lively, alongside Filipowski, will be a massive piece of the Duke frontcourt in 2022-23, one who should be one of the top shot blockers and overall players in the ACC.