NCAA Basketball: Top 25 impact true freshmen entering 2023-24 season

We’re so close to the start of the 2023-24 NCAA Basketball season and now we can analyze respective rosters. That includes all of the newcomers, both via the transfer portal and the incoming freshmen. These days, it’s hard to know which first-year players will get meaningful minutes, as the combination of the explosion of the portal and the extra year of eligibility from the NCAA makes it harder than ever to get them on the court.

Still, expect there to be a lot of new faces that could have an impact on their teams next season. Looking at the top freshmen from the 2023 recruiting class, here’s a look at the top projected impact performers.

Honorable Mention: Miro Little – Baylor Bears

The four-star prospect from Finland is part of a new group of guards replacing last year’s crop. Little, a 6’4 ball-handler, is more of a distributor than a pure scorer at this point but has a high ceiling compared to other international prospects. He’ll be competing against Toledo transfer Rayj Dennis for minutes at the point but expect him to be in the rotation mix.

HM: Jared McCain – Duke Blue Devils

With both starting guards returning, it could be a struggle for both McCain and the other five-star freshman (Caleb Foster) to get a lot of minutes. But McCain has the size to potentially play at the three-spot if needed and he’s a great scoring option.

HM: Carey Booth – Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The 6’10 forward is the son of a former NBA player and is viewed as a legit long-term development prospect for the Irish. The program is rebuilding and it is a brand-new frontcourt so there’s a good chance Booth will get minutes.

HM: Blake Buchanan – Virginia Cavaliers

The four-star center prospect joins a brand-new frontcourt for the Cavaliers that lost Kadin Shedrick and Jayden Gardner. Look for Merrimack transfer and former NEC Player of the Year Jordan Minor to be the focal point of the frontcourt but if he struggles at the ACC level, look for the 6’11 Buchanan to benefit from a minutes standpoint.