Top Ranked High School Freshman Basketball Players to Watch
The 2029 recruiting class is brimming with talent, showcasing potential future professionals even at this early stage. Identifying the absolute top player is challenging, but the high school basketball season will provide clarity in the coming months and years as these athletes establish themselves. This article highlights some of the most promising freshmen in high school basketball.
One notable aspect of this list is the presence of familiar names, including younger siblings of renowned players and the sons of former NBA stars. While these athletes cannot enter the NBA Draft until 2030, they have ample time to develop their skills. The rankings will undoubtedly evolve as new prospects emerge and challenge for these coveted spots over the next four years. It will be captivating to revisit this list in four years and assess how many of these players have maintained their top-15 status by the end of their high school careers.
Standout Freshmen
Here's a look at some of the top freshmen making waves in high school basketball:
Cayden Gaskins (PF, Florida): Cayden is a smooth, well-built forward with a versatile game. As the younger brother of Caleb Gaskins, Cayden boasts exceptional size for his age and displays natural power forward abilities complemented by perimeter skills. He is adept at rebounding, scoring both inside and outside, and demonstrates promising handles and playmaking ability.
JJ Crawford (SG, Washington): The son of Jamal Crawford, JJ is a talented and flashy scorer who makes the game look effortless. Standing at approximately 6-3 or 6-4, he is expected to grow further. Crawford is a skillful ball handler with impressive agility and the ability to create scoring opportunities at will. He is a threat from all three levels, possessing deep range on his jumper and a knack for putting the ball in the basket.
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Draydne McDaniels (SF, Broward, Florida): McDaniels is a powerfully built 6-7 wing who immediately catches the eye. He excels at driving to the basket, finishing through contact, and playing above the rim. While not the most agile athlete, McDaniels relies on his strength and power. He shows some potential as a floor spacer, but his strength lies in attacking the basket and utilizing his exceptional physical attributes.
Quali Giran (PG, California): Giran is a dynamic lead guard with impressive athleticism and a high level of skill. He can score from all three levels and is a shifty ball handler, capable of getting to his desired spots on the court. While not the tallest guard at around 6 feet, he is one of the most skilled players in the 2029 class, reminiscent of a young Brandon Jennings.
Josiah Brooks (PG/SG, Florida): Brooks is an explosive athlete who excels in the open court. He is a highlight-reel dunker with the potential to posterize many defenders throughout his high school career. While his game is still developing, he possesses immense talent and will need to refine his playmaking and decision-making skills. His outside shot is inconsistent, but he has time to improve his shooting touch.
King Bacot (PG/SG, Virginia): The younger brother of Armando Bacot, King is a powerfully built guard who can dominate the game. He is highly skilled with the ball in his hands, capable of hitting shots off the dribble and making plays for others. Initially a point guard, he is developing into a shooting guard or small forward, standing at approximately 6-3 or 6-4 with the potential to grow further.
Mamadou Issa Sow (PF/C, Arizona (Senegal)): Sow is a dominant force in the paint with exceptional physical tools and a promising future. He is a power player who relies on his size and athleticism to make plays in the lane. He moves well up and down the court and possesses the characteristics of a future NBA big man.
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Flory Kuminga (SF, New York): Flory is a big, powerful, and athletic wing built in a similar mold to his older brother, Jonathan Kuminga. He is a force in the open court and a capable finisher above the rim. While his physical tools are present, his ball skills and shooting touch are still works in progress. Despite his raw game, he has immense potential.
Chudier Diew Yak (C, Florida): Yak is an imposing physical presence with special tools and the potential to become a very good player. He moves well for a 6-9 player, demonstrating good bounce, agility, and overall quickness. He possesses natural shot-blocking instincts and a good feel for the defensive end. While his offensive game is raw, he shows flashes of finesse and is more than just a dunker. He is another high-upside talent to watch develop.
Isaiah Rider IV (PG/SG, Arizona): The son of the legendary Isaiah Rider, the younger Rider is an extremely skilled guard with excellent handles, court vision, feel for the game, and natural scoring ability. He has a strong frame and impressive quickness. If he grows a few more inches, his potential will reach a new level.
David Johnson (SF/PF, New York): Johnson is a lanky and mobile forward who is growing into his frame and developing his game. His size, length, and athleticism give him significant potential. At 6-8 and likely still growing, Johnson has the opportunity to become a versatile combo forward as he continues to develop. He is a fluid mover in the open court and possesses athleticism beyond his height. Adding strength and filling out his frame will be priorities throughout his high school career.
Grant Duggins (PF/C, North Carolina): Duggins is a highly skilled big man with a solid 6-9+ frame and a wealth of offensive talent. He can score both inside and out and possesses a good-looking shot. He is a major talent who is both powerful and smooth with the ball in his hands.
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Wekem Agamba (C, Florida (Ghana)): Agamba is a well-built power forward/center with broad shoulders, good strength, and a solid all-around game. He sets good screens, scores in the lane, and rebounds effectively, excelling in all the fundamental aspects of a big man's game.
Jayden Davis (SF, Ohio): Davis is an athletic wing who plays with high energy and aggression. He excels at attacking the rim and finishing with both finesse and power.
William Phillips (SF, California): Phillips is a long and wiry wing who can handle the ball in the open court, hit the three-pointer, and possesses the tools to become a standout defender.
Other Notable Freshmen
Beyond the aforementioned players, several other freshmen are making significant contributions to their respective teams:
Ace Glass III (Washington State): A lead guard with a standout 40-point performance in the Maui Invitational.
Tomislav Buljan (New Mexico): A potential star big man with multiple double-doubles.
Joel Foxwell (Portland): A point guard with a high assist rate.
Larry Johnson (McNeese): A borderline top-50 recruit making an impact.
Kevair Kennedy (Merrimack): A guard who excels at getting to the paint and drawing fouls.
Alex Wilkins (Furman): A point guard who is central to his team's offense.
Hannes Steinbach (Washington): Nearly leading the nation in rebounds per game.
Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor): Showing flashes of brilliance against weaker competition.
Ebuka Okorie (Stanford): Exploding onto the scene with impressive scoring performances.
Brayden Burries (Arizona): Emerging as a key player after a slow start.
Keaton Wagler (Illinois): A breakout star with impressive all-around skills.
Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas): A dynamic scorer and playmaker.
Dillon Dorrough (St. Bernard): Averaging a near triple-double.
Brandon McCoy (St. John Bosco): A talented player expected to shine.
Jaxon Weaver (Folsom): A sharpshooter contributing to a strong team.
Charlie Adams (St. Luke): Showing promise early in his high school career.
Paulus (St.): Another freshman to watch in the coming years.
Freshmen Impacting College Basketball
While the focus here is on high school freshmen, it's worth noting the impact that freshmen are having on college basketball. Players like Cameron Boozer (Duke) and AJ Dybantsa (BYU) have quickly become stars, leading their teams in scoring and earning national recognition. Other notable college freshmen include:
Darryn Peterson (Kansas): A lottery pick talent hampered by injuries.
Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville): Another lottery pick prospect dealing with injuries.
Braylon Mullins (Connecticut): Showing potential after recovering from an injury.
Koa Peat (Arizona): A valuable freshman on a talented team.
Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston): Taking a backseat to older players.
Meleek Thomas (Arkansas): Contributing but not the primary star.
Nate Ament (Tennessee): A top prospect who needs to perform better in big games.
Johann Grünloh (Virginia): A force in the paint.
Chance Mallory (Virginia): An elite defender and solid offensive weapon.
Thijs de Ridder (Virginia): A go-to scorer and rebounder.
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