Big Ten Basketball: Top 10 biggest impact freshmen from the 2023-24 season

2. Cam Christie, Minnesota

Stats: 28.7 MPG, 11.2 PPG, 2.3 APG, 41% 3-Point

The younger brother of former Michigan State star Max Christie, Cam has been a difference-maker for the surprising Minnesota Golden Gophers all season long. He's started 19 games for the Gophers and been one of their main offensive weapons, averaging 11.2 PPG on quality shooting numbers (43% from the field and 41% from three). That three-point percentage is particularly impressive when you consider just how much he shoots from downtown, over 5 times per game.

Christie's play against his brother's former school in early February was the type of performance that not only likely earned him real consideration for Big Ten Freshman of the Year, but had to have NBA scouts salivating. Christie finished with 19 points on 5-7 shooting from three and had his best all-around game, playing quality defense and grabbing six boards. He wasn't considered a likely one-and-done when he enrolled at Minnesota, but after such a stellar freshman season and with the type of game built for the pros, it wouldn' t be a shock if he at leasts tests the waters in the offseason.

1. Owen Freeman, Iowa

Stats: 22.4 MPG, 10.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 64% FG

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the top three on this list for the top spot, but I'd argue Iowa's Owen Freeman has been the most impactful freshmen in the league this winter. He's been a consistent force on offense all year long, despite playing much more experienced and battle-hardened bigs in the conference, and is remarkably efficient, with a 64% field goal percentage. Freeman has also proven to be a force on both ends of the court, consistently blocking or altering shots, and making his presence felt on the boards.

The way Freeman plays reminds me so much of Luka Garza, and I have the feeling he's going to be tormenting opposing Big Ten for years much the way Garza did in Iowa City. His ability to impact the game in so many different ways not only gives him the edge on this ranking but will be crucial for Iowa over the next few weeks as they sit on the outside looking in when it comes to the NCAA Tournament.

With just over two weeks until the start of the Big Ten Tournament, we are reaching the most exciting time of the year in the league, and the world of college basketball more broadly. That gives plenty of opportunity for the young talent in the conference to shine, and although this year's crop may not be quite as loaded as last year's, you never know who is going to step into the spotlight and make all the difference come March.