Big Ten Basketball: Top 10 impact freshmen for 2024-25 season

No. 4: Derik Queen (Maryland)

One of the many five-star talents introducing themselves to the Big Ten this year, Derik Queen looks to cement himself as a mainstay in the Terrapin front court.

Queen is a six-foot-ten center, who is highly skilled around the rim. Queen displays a wide plethora of moves in the post, and is extremely versatile in his post options. He is comfortable playing in the high or low post, and shows good ball handling in his face ups.

The freshman's versatility could also be a major factor for Maryland in the playmaking department. Queen has shown an ability to handle the ball and space and is a creative and efficient passer, allowing him to initiate offense when needed.

The frontcourt at Maryland besides Queen centers entirely on Julian Reese. Reese is an undersized athletic center, who plays with explosiveness and effort. However, with the lack of depth options, plenty of minutes are available for Queen to be a major contributor.

No. 3: Dylan Harper (Rutgers)

Ranked third in the country by 247 sports, Dylan Harper is the highest-rated guard in the 2024 class. Harper is a six-foot-six point guard out of New Jersey, the son of former NBA guard Ron Harper, and the brother to former Rutgers player Ron Harper Jr.

Harper is one of the more talented players to come into the Big Ten. With great positional size, Harper can do it all when he is on the floor. As a combo guard, Harper can play as the primary initiator or as an off-ball guard and adds a lot of versatility to Rutgers.

Harper projects to get plenty of minutes for the Scarlet Knights. Likely playing next to Jeremiah WIlliams, Harper should start and play a lot in a thin backcourt. While having fellow freshman Ace Bailey next to him, Harper will likely be one of the lead ball handlers for Rutgers.