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

Montverde Academy's Dariq Whitehead (0) reacts after forcing a turnover during the second half of the GEICO Nationals quarterfinal between AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) and Montverde Academy (Fla.), Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla.Montverde Academy defeated AZ Compass Prep 72-63.GEICO Nationals 2022: AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) vs. Montverde Academy (Fla.), March 31, 2022 /

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NCAA Basketball Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Illinois Fighting Illini

After losing so many ball-handlers this offseason, Illinois was able to land Skyy Clark, who de-committed from Kentucky months ago. He’s a five-star point guard prospect and quality scorer from the perimeter, while also able to get his teammates involved. Clark, who is 6’3 and known for his athleticism, recently recovered from an ACL injury a year ago so how much he gets to 100% health could determine the Illini’s ceiling but his potential is clear.

Illinois will have Clark as the starting point guard, with Jayden Epps set to back up him. He’s a four-star combo guard that is capable of running an offense and could be a future starter if Clark goes pro early. And while the team is loaded with shooting guards, four-star freshman Sencire Harris may be too good of an individual playmaker not to crack the rotation early.

in the frontcourt, Ty Rodgers is a 6’6 undersized forward but has great defensive and rebounding skills that makes up for his lack of height. He’s a legit role player in how he impacts the game without scoring and can certainly find minutes as a freshman.

And keep an eye on Zacharie Perrin, a 6’10 forward from France who has plenty of skill and offensive talent long-term. He may not be ready to play early on but he’s a potential hidden gem from overseas.

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