You’re probably wondering which college basketball players could become must-have additions for collectors in 2025.
Among the emerging talents, freshman star Cooper Flagg stands out at Duke with his striking scoring abilities. Meanwhile, veteran guards Braden Smith and Dajuan Harris Jr. offer a blend of experience and dexterity in assists and defense. Rising sophomores like Josh Hubbard and JT Toppin are also promising with their notable stats. But what about those underrated choices that might surprise everyone?

There’s a lot at play in the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball collecting.
Key Takeaways
- Cooper Flagg from Duke is a standout freshman with a promising future for collectors in 2025.
- Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin enhance Michigan’s Big Ten stats and are noteworthy players to collect.
- Braden Smith from Purdue is a must-select veteran guard known for his impressive all-around statistics.
- Caleb Foster from Duke is a rising sophomore with notable three-point shooting skills, making him a player to watch.
- Tyson Degenhart at Boise State is an underrated gem known for his consistent performance and scoring ability.
Top Freshmen to Watch
Each college basketball season brings a fresh influx of talent, and this year is no different. If you’re tracking top freshmen, don’t miss Cooper Flagg from Duke, who’s making waves with 16.3 PPG and standout performances.
Rutgers boasts Dylan Harper, possessing a well-rounded game, especially in tandem with Ace Bailey.
Jeremiah Fears at Oklahoma is clutch, already making headlines with vital plays against top teams.
Ian Jackson electrifies UNC with his scoring prowess, while Jalil Bethea aids Miami’s NCAA ambitions with his efficient scoring ability. Freshmen display a range of scoring averages and statistics, with high rebounding numbers noted among standout players.
These freshmen guards command attention and could potentially shift the dynamics of their respective teams. Keep your eye on these players, as they may surprise you with their game-changing capabilities throughout the season.
Dominant Centers to Collect
As the college basketball season intensifies, the spotlight turns to dominant centers who could become game-changers.
- At Michigan, Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin bolster the team’s impressive Big Ten stats after transferring from Yale and FAU.
- Purdue’s Cam Heide is poised for a bigger role following his NCAA Tournament experience.
- At Alabama, Cliff Omoruyi enhances their defense, while rising star Labaron Philon could be a future lottery pick.
- Tomislav Ivisic plays a pivotal role for Illinois, contributing to their top-20 ranking.
- The Kansas Jayhawks have a formidable presence in senior center Hunter Dickinson, who has been instrumental in their strong performance this season.
- Keep an eye on Kadary Richmond’s replacement at Seton Hall, where opportunity knocks for a new dominant center.
These players will be essential in shaping their teams’ successes, making them prime candidates for collectors’ attention.
Must-Select Veteran Guards
Highlighting the importance of experience, veteran guards bring invaluable leadership to college basketball.
FanDuel NCAAB player insights emphasize seasoned players who make a significant impact. Keep an eye on the performance of these players to up your betting game:
- Braden Smith stands out at Purdue, contributing 12 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game.
- At Kansas, Dajuan Harris Jr. excels, leading his team in assists and steals.
- Don’t overlook Jeremy Roach from Baylor, whose experience makes him a key contributor.
- For lead guards, RJ Davis from North Carolina and Mark Sears of Alabama are stars, both First Team All-Americans.
- In shooting guards, Texas A&M’s Wade Taylor IV and Arizona’s Caleb Love are notable.
These players have proven their scoring prowess and are favorites for future accolades.
Promising Rising Sophomores
Rising sophomores in college basketball are like hidden gems waiting to shine, packed with potential to reshape the upcoming season.
- JT Toppin at Texas Tech stands out with his rebounding and blocking skills, averaging 9.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.
- Josh Hubbard from Mississippi State dazzled fans with his scoring ability, notching 17.1 points per game and draining 108 3-pointers.
- Mackenzie Mgbako in Indiana’s lineup and Aden Holloway at Alabama are set for impactful sophomore runs.
- Jackson Shelstad is another name to watch for an explosive breakout.
- Caleb Foster’s 40.6% from three-point range at Duke shows his scoring promise.
- Trey Kaufman-Renn at Purdue is poised for more responsibility, and Terrance Arceneaux returns to Houston with first-round pick potential.
Underrated Gems in Basketball
Underrated gems in basketball often capture the heart of the game with their remarkable skills and contributions that don’t always make headlines.
- Take Angela Dugalic from UCLA, a versatile playmaker with defensive prowess and impressive shooting statistics.
- At Tennessee, Talaysia Cooper is a masterful scorer and defender, leading in steals.
- Tonie Morgan from Georgia Tech displays maturity and refined gameplay, making significant impacts on both ends.
- Serena Sundell is Kansas State’s assist queen, pivotal in their offense.
- Washington’s Sayvia Sellers excels in a new system with efficient playmaking.
- In men’s basketball, Tyson Degenhart of Boise State and Shane Thomas of UNLV shine brightly, with scoring prowess and consistency.
- Caden Pierce contributes heavily to Princeton’s success, standing out as a dominant scorer and rebounder.
An Embarrassment of Riches
As the 2025 season unfolds, you’re on the brink of discovering the next big stars in college basketball. Will Cooper Flagg’s scoring prowess make him the one to watch, or will Braden Smith’s playmaking skills turn heads? Don’t overlook the fast-rising sophomores like Josh Hubbard and JT Toppin—you might find unexpected gems in their games. So, who will you bet on to shine the brightest and leave a lasting legacy? Stay tuned, and don’t miss out!