Quiet Risers Part II: Five Freshmen You Need to Know
Spotlighting five under-the-radar freshmen making their case as future NBA draft prospects.
Back in December, Quiet Risers Part 1 introduced readers to five under-the-radar freshmen making waves in their first college season. Since then, the freshman class has only grown deeper, with even more players showing flashes of NBA potential. In a group headlined by stars like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey, it's easy for lesser-known names to be overlooked. But there’s no shortage of talent beyond the marquee names, and these five freshmen have quietly built compelling cases as legitimate NBA draft prospects.
These players might not crack the 2025 NBA draft just yet, but their tools and upside make them worth tracking. From steady production to flashes of game-changing ability, these Quiet Risers have the potential to make a lasting impact—not just for the rest of this season, but in the professional ranks down the road. It’s time to give these under-the-radar talents the recognition they deserve.
Here’s a look at five freshmen flying under the radar who deserve a closer look.
Kam Williams
Tulane
Freshman
Wing
6’8” | 190
Tulane’s Green Wave has found a fitting representative in freshman Kam Williams, who has quietly made waves among NBA draft circles with his impressive play this season. A four-star prospect and the second-ranked player in Louisiana out of Lafayette, Williams has more than lived up to his billing. While his rise has been somewhat under the radar, he’s put together a strong freshman campaign that has caught the attention of NBA scouts. His raw numbers—9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game—might not jump off the page, but his size, length, positional versatility, and shooting efficiency make him an intriguing prospect.