Freshman Fireworks: Cooper Flagg and 5 Top Freshmen Show Out in NCAA debuts

Locked On NBA Big Board - NBA Draft Podcast

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael and James Barlowe dive into the standout performances from opening night of the 2024-25 college basketball season, focusing on some of the top freshmen. They kick things off with Cooper Flagg, who impressed with an 18-point, 7-rebound, 5-assist outing in Duke’s win over Maine. They also discuss Duke teammate Kon Knueppel’s impact, as he dropped 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists.

In the second segment, the Barlowe brothers analyze Will Riley’s efficient 31-point performance for Illinois, followed by Asa Newell’s 26-point, 11-rebound, 3-block showing for Georgia, sparking a debate on Newell’s long-term NBA position as a 4 or a 5.

Attention then shifts to Maryland’s Derik Queen, who dominated with a record-setting 22-point, 20-rebound performance, prompting a discussion on his ranking as a prospect, with James advocating for a top-10 spot.

Finally, they close with Tre Johnson, who impressed with 29 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds against Ohio State, rounding out a promising night for this freshman class.

Cooper Flagg - 2:23

Kon Kneuppel - 7:51

Will Riley - 14:07

Asa Newell - 16:50

Derik Queen - 24:09

Tre Johnson - 30:38