Freshman Tracker: November 15th

November 15, 2023 by Travis Graf

The season is young, but there's some newcomers having big impacts already. Some are familiar faces, but there's some that have been showing out that have flown under the radar until now. This season, we'll be updating the Freshman Tracker weekly with players fluctuating up and down based on performance, impact, and production. Here's the first set of ten.

1. Ja'Kobe Walter (Baylor)

Stats: 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.8 steals

Analysis: Walter was named Big 12 Player of the Week on Monday after an incredible showing against Auburn in his college debut. He did a little bit of everything in that matchup, but his scoring output was impressive. He finished with an efficient 28 points and knocked down 4 of 7 from behind the arc. He got to his spots at a high level and did a good job of getting to the free throw line where he went 10 for 10.

2. Isaiah Collier (USC)

Stats: 20.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists

Analysis: Collier has transitioned to the college game nicely in early showings. He's been efficient at getting downhill and getting to his spots. When he's gotten to the rim, he's scored at a high rate and has finished with craft quite often. His combination of handle, burst, and strength has really stood out, as well as his defensive play. He had a rough showing from the floor on Tuesday in a loss, but was able to get to the line at a high rate.

3. Carlton Carrington (Pittsburgh)

Stats: 18.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists

Analysis: Carrington received the ACC's Rookie of the Week Award on Monday afternoon. Through three games, the freshman is shooting 56% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc. He's had some electric moments early on for the Panthers and is looking like the most underrated 2023 recruit so far in early action. Oh, and by the way, Carrington recorded a triple double in his first ever collegiate game, going for 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists against North Carolina A&T.

4. Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State)

Stats: 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists

Analysis: Momcilovic has been a standout during the early season for the Cyclones. In their three wins, he's averaging over 15 points per game and shooting a staggering 63% from the outside on over five attempts per game. In the first game of the season against Green Bay, he accounted for 18 points and seven boards while knocking down 6 of 7 from beyond the arc.

5. Rob Dillingham (Kentucky)

Stats: 15.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists

Analysis: The weight and muscle gain for Dillingham has played a big part in his early season success for the Wildcats. He's more efficient at getting to his spots and has improved his defensive output. Ball security was a big concern before the season, and he's currently boasting over a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. He scored 18 points on 50% shooting against No. 1 Kansas on Tuesday. 

6. Markus Burton (Notre Dame)

Stats: 23.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists

Analysis: Burton scored 29 points in his debut last Monday against Niagara. Through the first week of action, he's leading all freshmen scorers nationally with 23 points per contest. He's done most of his work in the scoring column by getting downhill into paint touches where he's finished at a high rate around the basket. His craftiness and IQ have stood out early. 

7. Stephon Castle (UConn)

Stats: 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists

Analysis: The defending champions are off to a hot start this season with two blowout wins. Freshman Stephon Castle has played a big role early on for the team and has had a two-way impact, making plays on both ends of the court. In the second game of the season against Stonehill, he finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block. He took home Big East Freshman of the Week honors in week one. Castle didn't play in the third game of the season. 

8. Aden Holloway (Auburn)

Stats: 15.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists

Analysis: Through two games, the freshman guard is second on the team in scoring at 15 points per game. He looked like he belonged and didn't have any freshman jitters in the first game of the season in a marquee matchup with Baylor. In this contest, he scored 19 points and shot 4 of 8 from behind the arc. He also dished out six assists and looked comfortable with the ball in his hands.

9. Malik Mack (Harvard)

Stats: 18.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists

Analysis: Mack leads the 3-0 Crimson in scoring at just over 18 points per game. He posted impressive shooting splits so far this season at 51/41/89 on high volume. He's scored 20 points or more in the last two contests and had quality stat lines in those games with 20 points and eight assists against Rice and 22 points and six rebounds against Northeastern. His three point shot was falling more in the last game, where he went 4 of 5 from the outside.

10. Jayden Reid (USF)

Stats: 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 10.0 assists

Analysis: Reid and USF have only played one game so far, but it was quite the impressive one for the freshman guard. He recorded a double-double with points and assists while also attacking the glass at a high rate. He was efficient on low volume in every scoring column and only recorded one turnover while constantly working as a playmaker for the Bulls.

Honorable Mentions:

Yves Missi (Baylor)

Ahmad Henderson II (Niagara)

Daily Swain (Xavier)

Ryan Forrest (Northwestern State)

Carey Booth (Notre Dame)

Gavin Griffiths (Rutgers)

Kevin Patton Jr. (San Diego)

Tyler Harris (Portland)

Tyler Perkins (Penn)

Ryan Curry (Army)