NCAA Basketball: Top 25 impact freshmen classes for 2022-23 season

14. Houston Cougars

For this article, I’m including four-star shooting guard Emanuel Sharp in this, even though he joined the program midway through last season but was redshirted. It ultimately doesn’t matter, as the Cougars have arguably the most backcourt depth in the country next season. But look for Sharp to have a sizeable impact long-term.

As for the guys that are going to have an impact, look for Jarace Walker to be that guy. He’s the highest-ever ranked incoming freshman in program history and is a 6’8 true power forward. His versatility and offensive skills make him a great complement to the guards. Houston’s bigs recently have been more about defense and rebounding so Walker gives them something completely different, in a good way.

Walker is the historic gem of the class but Terrance Arceneaux also is one of the highest-ranked players in the class too. The 6’7 small forward is ranked in the top-40 overall and gives the team extra size in the backcourt and is a strong defender. Arceneaux is a quality “3 and D” playmaker and will find a way to make the rotation and presents different lineup options for Houston.

The Cougars’ recruiting has taken a giant leap, with the Final Four appearance in 2021 certainly helping matters. They’re already off to a strong start in the 2023 class and while Walker is a likely “one and done”, both Sharp and Arceneaux will be around to be focal points of the next group of Cougars.