Over the years, some top freshmen have chosen to continue their education and basketball career at ACC universities. Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero dominated at Duke on their way to the number one overall pick in the NBA draft. Don’t forget about NBA stars Jayson Tatum and Kyrie Irving. Even Carlton “Bub” Carrington was drafted from Pittsburgh in the lottery in 2024 after his freshman season. Year after year, some top talent in the NBA draft comes in the form of ACC freshmen. So, who are the top five ACC freshmen so far this season?
Top 5 ACC Freshmen: Potential First Pick Tops List
5. Ian Jackson – North Carolina (11.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.5 APG)
Ian Jackson has earned his spot among the top five ACC freshmen because of his recent performances. The Tar Heels have struggled to win games, opening the door for Jackson to increase his playing time rapidly. His scoring ability was on full display against Alabama when he scored 23 points in the loss. He has been more consistent from the field than some of his freshmen counterparts but provides almost no playmaking. North Carolina has their playmakers, so there is nothing wrong with being a true scorer. His movement up this list relies on his ability to take that step forward or become one of the most prolific scorers in the ACC.
Jackson is a potential one-and-done player for North Carolina. He has ridiculous athleticism and has shown that killer instinct on the offensive end. Only time will tell, but don’t be surprised if Ian Jackson has his name called in the first round of the NBA draft.
4. Kon Knueppel – Duke (12.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.2 APG)
Kon Knueppel came out in the first game and dominated Maine, scoring 22 points. Since then, however, he has failed to top 15 points and has struggled to shoot efficiently. Nevertheless, he still ranks third in points and seventh in rebounds per game among ACC freshmen. Duke has a lot of mouths to feed on the offensive side of the ball, so he probably won’t improve his scoring by much more. However, in their two losses, Knueppel has shot only 9/34 from the field. He resorted to some solid playmaking in one of those games, but they will need him to shoot better when his number is called.
Knueppel could be a lottery pick as well. He has good size for a wing, along with a lot of composure on and off the ball. Duke teaches sound defense, so scouts will certainly appreciate the defensive value he can add. He certainly could move up in these rankings, but not until he improves his scoring efficiency from 41%.
3. Samet Yigitoglu – SMU (11.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.4 APG)
Samet Yigitoglu is probably a player who will get swept under the rug quite a bit, but he continues to put up solid performances for the Mustangs. His worst performance of the season saw him post nine points, three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. That’s not a bad game at all. However, he hasn’t scored more than 16 points in a game and only has one double-double. Every team in the ACC would love to have a center like Yigitoglu at 7-foot-2, who just scores easy points and grabs rebounds. His style of play is sustainable, and he has shown no signs of lowering his level of play against better competition. He may have hit his ceiling already for his freshman campaign, but he is a good player in the ACC.
2. Donnie Freeman – Syracuse (14.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.1 APG)
Donnie Freeman‘s stellar start to his freshman campaign would be getting more attention if Syracuse was performing better on the court. Through nine games, Freeman has four double-doubles and three games, scoring 20 points or more. His performances against better opponents have left room for improvement, but he still has cemented himself as a quality second option for the Orange behind JJ Starling when he returns from injury. Freeman isn’t getting the same love for the NBA as some others on this list, but he’s still only 19. He still has time to work himself into the discussion as Carrington did for Pitt last season.
1. Cooper Flagg – Duke (15.9 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 3.6 APG)
Ever since his stellar debut, Cooper Flagg has been in debates for the best player in the ACC. It should come as no surprise that he ranks first among the top five ACC freshmen. His scoring numbers aren’t gaudy, but his impact on the floor is limitless. Flagg can score from any part of the court he wants to, as his 6-foot-9 frame allows him to shoot over virtually any opponent. His athleticism makes him the opposition’s worst nightmare, often opening up his opponents for easy baskets. It’s not common for young stars like Flagg to be so unselfish, but that doesn’t mean he can’t take over a game. He has already topped 20 points four times this season.
Flagg’s NBA prospects appear to be limitless as well. People spend more time debating who could compete with Flagg for the first pick in the NBA than who will be taken. Writers even discuss whether teams should start tanking for Cooper Flagg. Through the first month of the season, Flagg is the clear leader in the ACC Freshman of the Year award race. One question remains: can somebody make it a contest?
