Quiet Risers: Five Freshmen You Need to Know
Not every star comes with fanfare—meet the freshmen proving their worth this season.
While household names like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey and Tre Johnson have dominated the conversation around the 2025 NBA Draft, a quieter group of freshmen has emerged as legitimate prospects, adding intrigue and depth to an already loaded class.
These players may not have entered the season with the same level of hype, but their early performances have turned heads, showcasing skillsets and upside that warrant a closer look.
Whether they declare in 2025 or take another year to develop, these under-the-radar freshmen have the potential to carve out significant roles at the next level—and perhaps even force their way into the first round conversation with continued growth.
Let’s dive into the names that are beginning to separate themselves from the pack.
Magoon Gwath
San Diego State
Freshman (Redshirt)
Forward/Center
7’0” | 205
Magoon Gwath has quickly emerged as one of the most intriguing under-the-radar freshmen in college basketball, making an immediate impact with his defensive presence and flashes of offensive versatility. Listed at 7 feet, Gwath currently ranks second in the nation in blocks at 3.7 per game, highlighted by three five-block performances against top-tier programs like Gonzaga, Oregon, and Houston.