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

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