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5 Breakout College Basketball Freshmen to Watch in 2025
Five college basketball freshmen making immediate impact outside power conferences: Lewis Walker, Alex Wilkins, Larry Johnson and more complete analysis.
open.substack.com
As we are about to roll into the new year, let's look at five outstanding freshman that are flying under-the-radar across the Mid-Major level:
- Lewis Walker
- Alex Wilkins
- Larry Johnson
- Gavin Sykes
- Michael Cooper
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
- Lewis Walker
- Alex Wilkins
- Larry Johnson
- Gavin Sykes
- Michael Cooper
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
The Atlantic-10 has delivered some incredible basketball today.
December 31, 2025 at 9:45 PM
The Atlantic-10 has delivered some incredible basketball today.
The Dayton Flyers put on a defensive clinic as they took down Fordham 63-56 at home!
Jordan Derkack led the team with 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The Flyers racked up 11 steals and held Fordham to just 35% shooting as they move to 10-4!
Jordan Derkack led the team with 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The Flyers racked up 11 steals and held Fordham to just 35% shooting as they move to 10-4!
December 31, 2025 at 9:18 PM
The Dayton Flyers put on a defensive clinic as they took down Fordham 63-56 at home!
Jordan Derkack led the team with 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The Flyers racked up 11 steals and held Fordham to just 35% shooting as they move to 10-4!
Jordan Derkack led the team with 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The Flyers racked up 11 steals and held Fordham to just 35% shooting as they move to 10-4!
VCU defends home court as they take down St. Bonaventure 89-82 in a thrilling back-and-forth game!
Lazar Djokovic led the Rams with 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist as Brandon Jennings followed up with 20 points.
The Rams shot 55% from the floor as they move to 10-4!
Lazar Djokovic led the Rams with 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist as Brandon Jennings followed up with 20 points.
The Rams shot 55% from the floor as they move to 10-4!
December 31, 2025 at 9:14 PM
VCU defends home court as they take down St. Bonaventure 89-82 in a thrilling back-and-forth game!
Lazar Djokovic led the Rams with 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist as Brandon Jennings followed up with 20 points.
The Rams shot 55% from the floor as they move to 10-4!
Lazar Djokovic led the Rams with 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist as Brandon Jennings followed up with 20 points.
The Rams shot 55% from the floor as they move to 10-4!
The George Mason Patriots use a huge second half to pick up their fourth win in a row as they take down La Sale 80-75 on the road!
Kory Mincy led the Patriots with 21 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds.
The Patriots move to 13-1 and 1-0 in the Atlantic-10!
Kory Mincy led the Patriots with 21 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds.
The Patriots move to 13-1 and 1-0 in the Atlantic-10!
December 31, 2025 at 9:10 PM
The George Mason Patriots use a huge second half to pick up their fourth win in a row as they take down La Sale 80-75 on the road!
Kory Mincy led the Patriots with 21 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds.
The Patriots move to 13-1 and 1-0 in the Atlantic-10!
Kory Mincy led the Patriots with 21 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds.
The Patriots move to 13-1 and 1-0 in the Atlantic-10!
We could have a couple of upsets brewing in the Atlantic-10.
Dayton holds just a five point lead over Fordham with 10:47 to go, while La Salles holds a ten point lead over George Mason with 11:17 to go.
Dayton holds just a five point lead over Fordham with 10:47 to go, while La Salles holds a ten point lead over George Mason with 11:17 to go.
December 31, 2025 at 8:31 PM
We could have a couple of upsets brewing in the Atlantic-10.
Dayton holds just a five point lead over Fordham with 10:47 to go, while La Salles holds a ten point lead over George Mason with 11:17 to go.
Dayton holds just a five point lead over Fordham with 10:47 to go, while La Salles holds a ten point lead over George Mason with 11:17 to go.
You couldn't ask for a better first half between St. Bonaventure and VCU!
VCU leads the Bonnies 46-45 as Lazar Djokovic is 6-8 from the floor with 15 points and three rebounds.
Frank Mitchell leads the Bonnies with 13 points and three rebounds.
Fun second half coming up!
VCU leads the Bonnies 46-45 as Lazar Djokovic is 6-8 from the floor with 15 points and three rebounds.
Frank Mitchell leads the Bonnies with 13 points and three rebounds.
Fun second half coming up!
December 31, 2025 at 7:54 PM
You couldn't ask for a better first half between St. Bonaventure and VCU!
VCU leads the Bonnies 46-45 as Lazar Djokovic is 6-8 from the floor with 15 points and three rebounds.
Frank Mitchell leads the Bonnies with 13 points and three rebounds.
Fun second half coming up!
VCU leads the Bonnies 46-45 as Lazar Djokovic is 6-8 from the floor with 15 points and three rebounds.
Frank Mitchell leads the Bonnies with 13 points and three rebounds.
Fun second half coming up!
The Furman Paladins have taken down Mercer 74-72 off a game winning shot from star freshman Alex Wilkins!
Wilkins finished with 20 points, 7 assists, and 1 rebound to lead the team.
Furman racked up 41 rebounds as they move to 10-4 on the season and 1-0 in the SoCon!
Wilkins finished with 20 points, 7 assists, and 1 rebound to lead the team.
Furman racked up 41 rebounds as they move to 10-4 on the season and 1-0 in the SoCon!
December 31, 2025 at 7:12 PM
The Furman Paladins have taken down Mercer 74-72 off a game winning shot from star freshman Alex Wilkins!
Wilkins finished with 20 points, 7 assists, and 1 rebound to lead the team.
Furman racked up 41 rebounds as they move to 10-4 on the season and 1-0 in the SoCon!
Wilkins finished with 20 points, 7 assists, and 1 rebound to lead the team.
Furman racked up 41 rebounds as they move to 10-4 on the season and 1-0 in the SoCon!
The Tulane Green Wave move to 10-4 on the season and 1-0 in the American as they take down East Carolina 79-70 on the road!
Rowan Brumbaugh led the team with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists while Asher Woods also had 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists!
Rowan Brumbaugh led the team with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists while Asher Woods also had 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists!
December 31, 2025 at 7:07 PM
The Tulane Green Wave move to 10-4 on the season and 1-0 in the American as they take down East Carolina 79-70 on the road!
Rowan Brumbaugh led the team with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists while Asher Woods also had 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists!
Rowan Brumbaugh led the team with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists while Asher Woods also had 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists!
Loyola Chicago has taken down Rhode Island on the road 61-57 to start off 1-0 in the Atlantic 10!
Justin Moore led the Ramblers with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
The Ramblers shot 46% overall and held Rhode Island to just 19% from three-point!
Justin Moore led the Ramblers with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
The Ramblers shot 46% overall and held Rhode Island to just 19% from three-point!
December 31, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Loyola Chicago has taken down Rhode Island on the road 61-57 to start off 1-0 in the Atlantic 10!
Justin Moore led the Ramblers with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
The Ramblers shot 46% overall and held Rhode Island to just 19% from three-point!
Justin Moore led the Ramblers with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
The Ramblers shot 46% overall and held Rhode Island to just 19% from three-point!
Loyola Chicago was a hot topic coming into the season, with many projecting a high finish.
We got a glimpse of what the Ramblers could do against Santa Clara, now they are up on 9-4 Rhode Island 40-29 with 16 to go.
The Ramblers could be a problem in conference.
We got a glimpse of what the Ramblers could do against Santa Clara, now they are up on 9-4 Rhode Island 40-29 with 16 to go.
The Ramblers could be a problem in conference.
December 31, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Loyola Chicago was a hot topic coming into the season, with many projecting a high finish.
We got a glimpse of what the Ramblers could do against Santa Clara, now they are up on 9-4 Rhode Island 40-29 with 16 to go.
The Ramblers could be a problem in conference.
We got a glimpse of what the Ramblers could do against Santa Clara, now they are up on 9-4 Rhode Island 40-29 with 16 to go.
The Ramblers could be a problem in conference.
The St. Bonaventure Bonnies are 11-2 on the season and budding star Frank Mitchell is leading the charge.
He's averaging 16.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1 block, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 54.4% from the floor.
(1/2)
He's averaging 16.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1 block, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 54.4% from the floor.
(1/2)
December 31, 2025 at 5:29 PM
The St. Bonaventure Bonnies are 11-2 on the season and budding star Frank Mitchell is leading the charge.
He's averaging 16.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1 block, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 54.4% from the floor.
(1/2)
He's averaging 16.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1 block, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 54.4% from the floor.
(1/2)
Games of the day (12/31):
- Mercer vs Furman ~ 11am CST
- St. Bonaventure vs VCU ~ 1pm CST
- Fordham vs Dayton ~ 1pm CST
- Rice vs Tulsa ~ 1pm CST
- Charleston vs Elon ~ 1pm CST
- Stony Brook vs William & Mary ~ 1pm CST
- Texas St vs Troy ~ 1pm CST
- Towson vs Hampton ~ 1:30pm CST
- Mercer vs Furman ~ 11am CST
- St. Bonaventure vs VCU ~ 1pm CST
- Fordham vs Dayton ~ 1pm CST
- Rice vs Tulsa ~ 1pm CST
- Charleston vs Elon ~ 1pm CST
- Stony Brook vs William & Mary ~ 1pm CST
- Texas St vs Troy ~ 1pm CST
- Towson vs Hampton ~ 1:30pm CST
December 31, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Games of the day (12/31):
- Mercer vs Furman ~ 11am CST
- St. Bonaventure vs VCU ~ 1pm CST
- Fordham vs Dayton ~ 1pm CST
- Rice vs Tulsa ~ 1pm CST
- Charleston vs Elon ~ 1pm CST
- Stony Brook vs William & Mary ~ 1pm CST
- Texas St vs Troy ~ 1pm CST
- Towson vs Hampton ~ 1:30pm CST
- Mercer vs Furman ~ 11am CST
- St. Bonaventure vs VCU ~ 1pm CST
- Fordham vs Dayton ~ 1pm CST
- Rice vs Tulsa ~ 1pm CST
- Charleston vs Elon ~ 1pm CST
- Stony Brook vs William & Mary ~ 1pm CST
- Texas St vs Troy ~ 1pm CST
- Towson vs Hampton ~ 1:30pm CST
Miami Ohio heads into halftime with a 54-28 lead over Bowling Green in a dominating first half performance.
Antwone Woolfolk already had 14 points on 4-4 shooting and the RedHawks are shooting 63% overall.
They are well positioned to move to 14-0 on the season.
Antwone Woolfolk already had 14 points on 4-4 shooting and the RedHawks are shooting 63% overall.
They are well positioned to move to 14-0 on the season.
December 31, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Miami Ohio heads into halftime with a 54-28 lead over Bowling Green in a dominating first half performance.
Antwone Woolfolk already had 14 points on 4-4 shooting and the RedHawks are shooting 63% overall.
They are well positioned to move to 14-0 on the season.
Antwone Woolfolk already had 14 points on 4-4 shooting and the RedHawks are shooting 63% overall.
They are well positioned to move to 14-0 on the season.
Miami Ohio has exploded on a 28-6 run over Bowling Green as they take a 21 point lead with 5:10 to go.
This team is insanely good.
Miami Ohio 36 - Bowling Green 15
This team is insanely good.
Miami Ohio 36 - Bowling Green 15
December 31, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Miami Ohio has exploded on a 28-6 run over Bowling Green as they take a 21 point lead with 5:10 to go.
This team is insanely good.
Miami Ohio 36 - Bowling Green 15
This team is insanely good.
Miami Ohio 36 - Bowling Green 15
Pretty good crowd for the huge matchup between Miami Ohio and Bowling Green!
December 31, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Pretty good crowd for the huge matchup between Miami Ohio and Bowling Green!
The Wyoming Cowboys have taken down Air Force 68-56 as they move to 10-3 on the season and 1-1 in the Mountain West!
Nasir Meyer finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists to lead the team.
Wyoming continues their quietly strong season as a team to watch in the MWC!
Nasir Meyer finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists to lead the team.
Wyoming continues their quietly strong season as a team to watch in the MWC!
December 30, 2025 at 11:15 PM
The Wyoming Cowboys have taken down Air Force 68-56 as they move to 10-3 on the season and 1-1 in the Mountain West!
Nasir Meyer finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists to lead the team.
Wyoming continues their quietly strong season as a team to watch in the MWC!
Nasir Meyer finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists to lead the team.
Wyoming continues their quietly strong season as a team to watch in the MWC!
Games of the day (12/30):
- Vermont vs Princeton ~ 12pm CST
- Howard vs Northwestern ~ 4pm CST
- Duquesne vs Davison ~ 6pm CST
- Miami Ohio vs Bowling Green ~ 6pm CST
- Nevada vs Colorado St ~ 8pm CST
- Saint Mary's vs Pepperdine ~ 8pm CST
- Utah St vs Fresno St ~ 8pm CST
- Vermont vs Princeton ~ 12pm CST
- Howard vs Northwestern ~ 4pm CST
- Duquesne vs Davison ~ 6pm CST
- Miami Ohio vs Bowling Green ~ 6pm CST
- Nevada vs Colorado St ~ 8pm CST
- Saint Mary's vs Pepperdine ~ 8pm CST
- Utah St vs Fresno St ~ 8pm CST
December 30, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Games of the day (12/30):
- Vermont vs Princeton ~ 12pm CST
- Howard vs Northwestern ~ 4pm CST
- Duquesne vs Davison ~ 6pm CST
- Miami Ohio vs Bowling Green ~ 6pm CST
- Nevada vs Colorado St ~ 8pm CST
- Saint Mary's vs Pepperdine ~ 8pm CST
- Utah St vs Fresno St ~ 8pm CST
- Vermont vs Princeton ~ 12pm CST
- Howard vs Northwestern ~ 4pm CST
- Duquesne vs Davison ~ 6pm CST
- Miami Ohio vs Bowling Green ~ 6pm CST
- Nevada vs Colorado St ~ 8pm CST
- Saint Mary's vs Pepperdine ~ 8pm CST
- Utah St vs Fresno St ~ 8pm CST
The Bradley Braves pick up their seventh win in the row as they take down Evansville at home 76-68!
Jaquan Johnson led the Braves with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal.
The Braves racked up 41 rebounds as they move to 10-4 on the season and 3-0 in the MVC!
Jaquan Johnson led the Braves with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal.
The Braves racked up 41 rebounds as they move to 10-4 on the season and 3-0 in the MVC!
December 30, 2025 at 3:05 AM
The Bradley Braves pick up their seventh win in the row as they take down Evansville at home 76-68!
Jaquan Johnson led the Braves with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal.
The Braves racked up 41 rebounds as they move to 10-4 on the season and 3-0 in the MVC!
Jaquan Johnson led the Braves with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal.
The Braves racked up 41 rebounds as they move to 10-4 on the season and 3-0 in the MVC!
The Northern Kentucky Norse went on the road and took down Robert Morris 79-77!
Donovan Oday led the team off the bench with 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.
The Norse shot 54% from the floor as they move to 10-5 on the season and 2-2 in conference!
Donovan Oday led the team off the bench with 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.
The Norse shot 54% from the floor as they move to 10-5 on the season and 2-2 in conference!
December 30, 2025 at 2:30 AM
The Northern Kentucky Norse went on the road and took down Robert Morris 79-77!
Donovan Oday led the team off the bench with 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.
The Norse shot 54% from the floor as they move to 10-5 on the season and 2-2 in conference!
Donovan Oday led the team off the bench with 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.
The Norse shot 54% from the floor as they move to 10-5 on the season and 2-2 in conference!
Indiana State hands Belmont their second loss of the season after a thrilling 81-80 victory in overtime!
Camp Wagner led the Sycamores with 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
The Sycamores finished the game with 24 assists as they move to 8-6 on the season!
Camp Wagner led the Sycamores with 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
The Sycamores finished the game with 24 assists as they move to 8-6 on the season!
December 30, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Indiana State hands Belmont their second loss of the season after a thrilling 81-80 victory in overtime!
Camp Wagner led the Sycamores with 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
The Sycamores finished the game with 24 assists as they move to 8-6 on the season!
Camp Wagner led the Sycamores with 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
The Sycamores finished the game with 24 assists as they move to 8-6 on the season!
The Murray State Racers stay undefeated in the Valley after taking down SIU 84-81 at home!
JJ Traynor finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Javon Jackson led the team with 19 points.
The Racers dished out 16 assists on their way to moving to 11-3 on the season!
JJ Traynor finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Javon Jackson led the team with 19 points.
The Racers dished out 16 assists on their way to moving to 11-3 on the season!
December 30, 2025 at 2:19 AM
The Murray State Racers stay undefeated in the Valley after taking down SIU 84-81 at home!
JJ Traynor finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Javon Jackson led the team with 19 points.
The Racers dished out 16 assists on their way to moving to 11-3 on the season!
JJ Traynor finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Javon Jackson led the team with 19 points.
The Racers dished out 16 assists on their way to moving to 11-3 on the season!
Saint Peter's has taken down Fairfield on the road 70-66 to move to 3-0 in the MAAC!
Bryce Eaton led the Peacocks with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal.
Saint Peter's racked up 18 offensive rebounds on their way to moving to 6-5 on the season!
Bryce Eaton led the Peacocks with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal.
Saint Peter's racked up 18 offensive rebounds on their way to moving to 6-5 on the season!
December 30, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Saint Peter's has taken down Fairfield on the road 70-66 to move to 3-0 in the MAAC!
Bryce Eaton led the Peacocks with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal.
Saint Peter's racked up 18 offensive rebounds on their way to moving to 6-5 on the season!
Bryce Eaton led the Peacocks with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal.
Saint Peter's racked up 18 offensive rebounds on their way to moving to 6-5 on the season!
BELMONT HAS TIED THE GAME AGAINST INDIANA STATE WITH 11 SECONDS TO GO
WIN MILLER WITH ICE IN HIS VEINS
WIN MILLER WITH ICE IN HIS VEINS
December 30, 2025 at 1:57 AM
BELMONT HAS TIED THE GAME AGAINST INDIANA STATE WITH 11 SECONDS TO GO
WIN MILLER WITH ICE IN HIS VEINS
WIN MILLER WITH ICE IN HIS VEINS
Detroit Mercy picked up their third win in the Horizon League to move to 3-1 after taking down Youngstown State on the road 73-68!
Orlando Lovejoy finished with 22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals to lead the team.
The Titans shot 47% from three-point!
Orlando Lovejoy finished with 22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals to lead the team.
The Titans shot 47% from three-point!
December 30, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Detroit Mercy picked up their third win in the Horizon League to move to 3-1 after taking down Youngstown State on the road 73-68!
Orlando Lovejoy finished with 22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals to lead the team.
The Titans shot 47% from three-point!
Orlando Lovejoy finished with 22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals to lead the team.
The Titans shot 47% from three-point!
Long Island may be the best 6-6 team in the country
December 30, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Long Island may be the best 6-6 team in the country