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 /

2 of 25

NCAA Basketball Gabe Brown Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

24. Michigan State Spartans

The Spartans coaching staff opted not to add any transfers this offseason, which provides a great opportunity for the freshmen class to get plenty of minutes. It’s not likely for Carson Cooper, who was getting mid-major offers before committing to the Big Ten program but as it stands, he’s the third center in the rotation and is an injury away from seeing meaningful minutes.

The guy he’s behind is another freshman in Jaxon Kohler, a top-50 center prospect that is one of the more skilled freshmen bigs in the class. The 6’9 center can score inside and out and is comfortable with the ball in his hands to make plays. There’s a real chance that he overtakes Mady Sissoko as the starting center next season and is a focal point of the offense.

Tre Hollomon likely isn’t starting, as both Tyson Carter and AJ Hoggard are back. But with the small forward position effectively open after the departure of Max Christie, the backcourt for the Spartans will be more spread out minutes-wise, allowing for Hollomon to be the first point guard off the bench. The 6’2 playmaker and solid defender certainly won’t hurt the Spartans when he’s on the court and could carve out a big role in three-guard lineups for them.

Home/NCAA Basketball News