Rising Stars: The Top 10 Freshmen to Watch in March Madness 2024
As the 2024 NCAA Tournament approaches, there’s another talented crop of freshmen ready to make their marks on the big dance, potentially influencing March Madness betting predictions. Here’s a look at 10 first-year players to keep an eye on when the Madness begins, each with the potential to not only elevate their team’s performance but also impact the betting landscape with their breakthrough performances.
Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
Carrying on the family legacy as a Wildcat, Sheppard has lived up to lofty expectations throughout his first college season. The skilled guard paces Kentucky at 4.3 assists per game while ranking second in scoring (12.4 ppg) and rebounding (4.4 rpg).
Additionally, Sheppard shoots efficiently (51.7% on three-pointers), defends relentlessly (SEC-best 2.7 steals per game) and rarely turns it over (1.5 per game). His outstanding all-around play makes the Wildcats go.
Cody Williams, Colorado
Despite battling multiple injuries along the way, Williams has displayed intriguing tools that explain why he’s a projected lottery pick this summer. The springy 6-foot-8 wing averages 13.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game for the Buffaloes.
In addition to high-level defense and rebounding, Williams has flashed a reliable three-point stroke by hitting 45.7% of his attempts. Colorado is still battling for an NCAA bid, but Williams offers prototypical tools of an NBA wing. March could serve as his national coming out party.
Jared McCain, Duke
The son of former NBA veteran Jeff McCain, offensive fireworks run in this freshman’s genes. A dangerous three-point shooter (41% on 6.6 attempts per game), McCain enters March as Duke’s third-leading scorer at 13.3 ppg.
When McCain heats up from outside, he’s capable of monster numbers. Just ask Florida State, who watched him drop 8 three-pointers and 35 points on February 17. For a Duke team lacking consistent perimeter scoring, McCain’s sharpshooting adds an important dimension.
Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor
One of the highest rated players Baylor has ever signed, Walter leads the Bears in scoring (14.7 ppg) as a true freshman. The 6-foot-5 wing struggled at times with efficiency and decision making early on, but has settled into a nice rhythm recently.
With seven straight double-figure scoring efforts under his belt, Walter’s confidence seems to be growing. And that’s bad news for Baylor opponents with the calendar flipping to March.
Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
Playing alongside fellow blue-chipper Reed Sheppard, Dillingham hasn’t gotten quite as much fanfare in Lexington. But the crafty scoring guard has been remarkably efficient, averaging 14.8 points on 50% overall shooting in just 23.1 minutes per game.
Dillingham has reached double-figures in each of his last 10 contests, proving he can provide buckets in a variety of ways. On a team featuring lots of freshman talent, his steadying presence in crunch time could pay dividends.
PJ Haggerty, Tulsa
While his team sits below .500, Haggerty has turned heads by leading the nation’s freshmen in scoring at 20.6 per game. The versatile 6-foot-7 wing has shown a refined all-around game by chipping in 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals as well.
Though Tulsa faces long odds to make the NCAA Tournament, Haggerty has a chance to make his own name in March. NBA scouts are surely keeping an eye on his development as well.
Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State
Just a three-star prospect out of high school, Hubbard has been one of the biggest freshman surprises in the country. The 5-foot-10 blur of a guard has gone on an absolute tear to close the regular season for the NCAA bubble-dwelling Bulldogs.
Over his last three contests, Hubbard has set nets ablaze to the tune of 89 combined points while sinking 19-of-37 three-point attempts. For the season he’s averaging 16.2 points on 45.2% shooting from deep to go along with 4.4 assists. If Hubbard stays hot, Mississippi State could play Cinderella in March.
Yves Missi, Baylor
An athletic big man from Cameroon, Missi brings physicality and rim protection to the Bears. He’s averaging 11.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while shooting an efficient 63.7% from the floor.
After 16-point efforts against Kansas State and Iowa State recently, Missi seems to be hitting his stride at the right time. His interior presence gives perimeter weapons like Keyonte George space to operate.
Stephon Castle, UConn
Playing alongside upperclassmen like Adama Sanogo and Jordan Hawkins, Castle hasn’t put up massive numbers for the loaded Huskies. But the crafty combo guard has carved out an important role, averaging 10.9 points, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
Castle has scored double figures in four of his last five contests, proving he can shoulder more of the load when needed. With UConn’s eyes on reaching the Final Four, the Philly native’s playmaking could prove vital.
Justin Edwards, Kentucky
A highly touted recruit, Edwards entered the season with sky-high expectations at Kentucky. Though his numbers (8.7 ppg on 41% shooting) don’t jump off the page, Edwards has shown promising flashes lately. After scoring 28 points in an upset over Alabama on February 20, Edwards poured in 10 points in just 13 minutes in a revenge win against Arkansas on March 2.
As Kentucky looks to make noise in March, Edwards seems ready for his breakout moment. With his athleticism and scoring ability, he could take the Wildcats on a deep tournament run.
College basketball has seen some all-time legendary performances by freshmen when the NCAA Tournament rolls around. The 10 names above have a chance to write their own unforgettable stories over the next few weeks. With the Madness almost here, enthusiasts looking to engage with the action in real-time will find ample opportunities on the best live betting websites, ensuring every dribble, pass, and shot is met with unmatched excitement.
