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

By Tristan Freeman

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
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
NCAA Basketball Reece Beekman Virginia Cavaliers (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

22. Virginia Cavaliers

It’s hard to judge this group for Virginia because on paper, it’s extremely talented and has great potential long-term. However, the team not only essentially brings back its entire rotation from last season but also adds a solid transfer in Ben Vander Plas from Ohio. So there’s a legit chance that none of these freshmen will get meaningful minutes next season. However, UVA missed the NCAA Tournament last season so there do need to be changes to make that jump back up.

One player that has a good shot at making the rotation is Isaac McKneely, a 6’4 combo guard that could already be the best pure shooter on the Cavaliers’ roster. He can be the third guard behind Reece Beekman and Kihei Clark in the backcourt and with his shooting ability can play off-ball more next season.

Four-stars Leon Bond and Ryan Dunn are true wings and could push Armaan Franklin for more playing time at the three-spot if either can be a more consistent shooter. And Isaac Traudt may actually be the best player out of the four but with leading scorer Jayden Gardner back and with Vander Plas in the mix, it’ll be hard to see him get minutes at the four. He could play some at the 3 but that would be a tough transition early on.

This is a class that I have to rank downwards due to how much is returning. But don’t be surprised if a year from now a couple of these guys make those “breakout sophomore list” and lead Virginia to a top-tier spot in the ACC.

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