2024-25 CBS Sports Preseason Freshman of the Year: Duke’s Cooper Flagg leads frosh All-America team

The next generation of college basketball stars has arrived. The 2024-25 college basketball season begins in less than three weeks, and incoming freshmen stars such as Duke forward Cooper Flagg, Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe and Rutgers duo of Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey are ready to leave their mark on their respective programs.

Flagg enters as one of the most highly touted high school recruits in the last decade. The projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is the clear-cut favorite to capture Freshman of the Year honors. Flagg is also one of the top contenders to win the Wooden Award — given annually to the most outstanding player in men’s basketball — and could become the first freshman to win it since Zion Williamson in 2019.

Last year’s freshman class had its share of standout talent, but the uncertainty surrounding the group’s NBA potential at the next level was evident from the jump. Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard — the No. 79 player in his recruiting class in the 247Sports Rankings — defied expectations by becoming the best freshman in college basketball and the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

This class will be different — in a good way. Flagg may be the headliner, but he isn’t the only future star in his class. UConn forward Liam McNeeley is expected to play a key role for the two-time reigning national champions and could rise up draft boards similar to former UConn guard Stephon Castle — the No. 4 pick from the 2024 NBA Draft.

CBS Sports 2024-25 Preseason Freshman of the Year

Cooper Flagg | Duke | G/F | 6-9

Flagg, the only freshman on the CBS Sports 2024-25 Preseason All-America First Team, is one of the most highly anticipated NBA Draft prospects of the 21st century, and for good reason. He is a two-way, three-level scorer capable of wrecking the game on both ends. Flagg can shoot, get to the rim, defend, facilitate and block shots. He possesses a killer-like instinct that will allow him to thrive in a high-pressure environment at Duke. Flagg was unanimously named preseason Freshman of the Year by our panel of voters. He might not only be the best freshman in the sport but possibly the best player in the country by the end of the season. 

Flagg has generated the hype of being the top-ranked prospect in his respective recruiting class because of his unique skill set that will translate to the college level and make him one of the most dominant players at just 17 years old. Flagg will be surrounded by a veteran Duke squad with national championship expectations in Year 3 of the Jon Scheyer era. No pressure, kid.

CBS Sports 2024-25 Preseason Freshman All-America Team

Cooper Flagg | Duke | G/F | 6-9

It’s hard to find anyone who genuinely believes Flagg will not be a terror defensively from the jump. The 17-year-old phenom has incredible length, motor, timing and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win. Flagg has made significant strides as a shooter, and his jumbo playmaking is such a cheat code. 

Ace Bailey | Rutgers | G/F | 6-10

Bailey, a sprouting wing, has a ridiculous wingspan and a bonkers vertical. He will put on aerial displays that defy gravity. An athlete like Bailey could be weaponized in Steve Pikiell’s defense. There might be some growing pains as Bailey figures out smart Big Ten defenses who want to bait him into taking tough shots, but the “wow” moments will be special. Bailey’s ceiling is as high as anybody in this class, maybe even Flagg.

Dylan Harper | Rutgers | G | 6-6

Remember how Cade Cunningham tore it up for Oklahoma State? Harper could have a similar impact at Rutgers. The combo guard is armed with elite positional size and every tool in the shed. He can dish it, score it, rebound it and everything else in between. Harper is built for stardom.

Liam McNeeley | UConn | F | 6-7

Four starting spots are up for grabs for the defending National Champions, but McNeeley, a five-star Montverde Academy product, has the inside track to step into Dan Hurley’s headache-to-guard scheme. McNeeley’s off-movement shooting will be essential, but he owns a sky-high IQ and his keen feel should only be magnified in Storrs. Hurley will cover up his flaws and magnify his strengths.

VJ Edgecombe | Baylor | G | 6-4

Edgecombe seemingly plays with an almost insatiable desire to embarrass whoever has the audacity to jump with him at the rim. The 6-foot-5 guard owns an electric first step, and he is a threat to score from every single level. Five-star freshmen exceed expectations at Baylor year after year, and this five-out roster construction should give Edgecombe all he needs to dominate. He might be a sneaky Big 12 Player of the Year contender. — Isaac Trotter