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Big Ten Basketball: Top 10 impact freshmen of 2022-23 season

By Tommy McGowan

Jan 15, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Dug McDaniel (0) dribbles in the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Dug McDaniel (0) dribbles in the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Big Ten Basketball Michigan Wolverines guard Dug McDaniel Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Dug McDaniel, Michigan

Stats: 26.4 MPG, 7.0 PPG, 3.5 APG, 36% FG

The season-ending injury to former Princeton transfer Jaelin Llewellyn has forced Dug McDaniel into a much larger role than expected, but the freshman has responded. He’s played big minutes throughout the month of January and has demonstrated real playmaking ability. The shot selection and decision-making can be a source of frustration for Michigan fans, but McDaniel has cleaned it up in recent action and seems to be filling out into his new role.

9. Pharrel Payne, Minnesota

Stats: 21.8 MPG, 7.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 68% FG

Life in the Big Ten as a true freshman center is a different type of challenge, but Pharrel Payne has answered the call. The powerful 6’9″ big has nice touch around the rim and is a capable rebounder on both ends. The defense is a work in progress; he’ll make a great defensive play one moment before a questionable foul the next, but all the tools are there for him to be an effective two-way force in the long-term. Like just about every player on the Gopher roster, the turnovers have to be cut down, but that should come with more game action under his belt.

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