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 Sierra Canyon School guard Amari Bailey Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

7. UCLA Bruins

The Bruins have a three-man group, led by top-10 overall freshman, Amari Bailey. He’s a 6’5 combo guard, capable of playing both on and off the ball in NCAA Basketball. Bailey is an elite playmaker, facilitator, and decision-maker with the ball. Off the ball, the freshman is an above-average shooter and is explosive enough to cause damage in transition.

With Tyger Campbell coming back for another season, Bailey will be playing off-the-ball a lot. But since Campbell is coming off a 41% shooting season from three-point range, these two can co-exist and take turns running the offense for UCLA.

And a potential backup is Dylan Andrews, a 6’3 point guard and top-50 prospect that is a long-term player for the program, set to be around for a few seasons. He’s a true point guard and could be the next starter for them once Campbell and Bailey depart after next season.

The likely starter at center will be Adem Bona, a five-star prospect ranked in the top-20 overall. He’s one of the best frontcourt newcomers in terms of overall potential, thanks to his physical frame and athleticism. Bona is a good rim protector and rebounder and has an improving offensive game. But as long as the guards score well and Bona simply excels on the interior, his impact will have UCLA as a contender in the Pac-12 and in March again.

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