The best freshman class in NCAA men's basketball history? 1981 immediately leaps to mind: Jordan, Ewing, Hakeem, Barkley and Chris Mullin. Hall of Famers all. And they were all really good college freshmen. In his first year at UNC, Jordan memorably hit the shot to win the national title. But he only averaged 13 points a game as a freshman. It wasn't until his sophomore (and junior!) campaigns that we saw signs that he might become the GOAT. [Editor's Note: UNC coach Dean Smith had Jordan for three seasons and didn't even make the Final Four in the two seasons after they won it all. Smith's coaching innovation? The abominable slow-down "four corners" offense. I'll never understand why anyone thinks he's among the best coaches ever. Roy Williams was the best to coach at UNC and it's not even close. Back to the Notes.] In their first seasons, Barkley averaged 12 and 10, Ewing 12 and 7 and Hakeem 8 and 6. Mullin was the most productive of the bunch, going for 16 a game (and in 1981 there was no 3-pointer).

I'm about to make the argument that the 2025-2026 freshman class is the best ever. I think there are nine can't miss pros playing in this version of the Madness, but we are judging them based on the season that just ended. And the kids weren't alright, they were spectacular.

[Editor's Note: None of these guys played for my team, if there was any question that the Calipari era was over.]

May as well start with the 6 million dollar man.

Not that 6 Million Dollar Man, played by Lee Majors (the pride of Middlesboro, Kentucky). [Editor's Note: Check it out Gen Y and Z. This is was passed for televised entertainment in 1973. We had an oil crisis back then too. And bongos. Way more bongos. Back to the Notes.]

The 2026 version of the 6 million dollar man is BYU's AJ Dybantsa, who signed the most lucrative deal in all of college sports reportedly for about the same amount it took to make Steve Austin better...stronger...faster.

I'm not sure that much money was well spent. BYU finished the season 23-11, 9-9 in the Big 12. This team is AJ and the seven dwarfs, none of whom can play defense. Spreading the cash around in Provo might have been a better idea from a team perspective, but AJ solidified his spot as the top NBA draft pick this season. The 6'9" 210 pound wing poured in 25 a game (!) while shooting 55% from the floor. His long-range shooting needs to improve (34% from 3-point range) but his form is solid. He is unstoppable with the ball in his hands, getting whatever shot he wants whenever he wants it and finishing through contact. Did I mention that he has a 7'1" wingspan? We'll learn if he can pass when he gets a teammate to pass to. If a comparison to Kobe makes you cringe, how about Tracy McGrady? He's that good and would be my pick at the top of the NBA draft.

The third can't miss NBA talent in this freshman class is Kansas' Darryn Peterson, a pure scorer who averaged 20 points a contest this season. Good size (6'5"), smooth with the ball, good first step, can score from anywhere and does. Great feel for the game and that includes finding his teammates when he has the ball. He may be the most talented of this outstanding trio.

But this has been a weird freshman campaign. He subs himself out of games with frequency and has missed several games entirely due to injuries and illnesses that may not be real (he didn't play in 11 games this season). With AJ and Boozer in this class, why take a chance? That's the main reason I put Peterson third. It's entirely possible, however, that Peterson blows up this month and leads his team on a deep tourney run. That could change things. Stay tuned.

UNC's Caleb Wilson is fun to watch. The definition of bouncy, the energetic 6'10" wing makes his living in the lane on dunks and mid-range jumpers. He keeps the ball alive on the glass, with put-backs contributing significantly to his point and rebound averages of nearly 20 and 10. He's a lock for top-5 in the draft even though is game is raw and he hasn't proven that he has an outside shot. His season was derailed by a broken  bone in his left hand on February 10. Apparently, his recovery was going great and there was optimism that Wilson could re-join the Heels for a March run. He returned to limited practice where, last week, he broke the thumb on his right hand while (inexplicably) dunking the ball. He is officially out for the season. A lot of debate about Boozer vs Wilson in the draft. It basically comes down to Boozer is NBA ready right now. However, even though he is only 18, his game is perceived to have less upside than Wilson's. I see the argument, but Boozer is awfully good and a pretty safe pick in my opinion.

Houston's Kingston Flemings has made the most of his college career. He was the Texas high school player of the year last season but he was not a McDonald's All-American. And thus not really considered a one-and-done. He sure is now, after leading the Cougars with over 16 points and 5 assist per game. No one doubted his ability to run the point; he may be the best playmaker in the NCAA. His outside shot was a whole other question. His mechanics are a little awkward, but he managed a respectable 40% from deep this year. Some have compared him to Derrick Rose, but he's not nearly as athletic as Rose. I prefer the comparison to another Cal point: De'Aaron Fox. Impossible to stay in front of him, finishes at the rim with ease, can hit from the outside when he has to. With Flemings running the show, I expect another deep run from the Cougars.

There are three elite point guards in this class. Flemings is the smallest at 6'4" 190, but you can't teach instinct. If you are open, Flemings will find you.

I am an avowed Louisville hater, but they found a great one in Mikel Brown, Jr. He absolutely torched my team back in December, scoring from all three levels and distributing the rock with ease. He's nursed a bad back this season, which kept him on the bench for most of January. Brown re-aggrevated the injury in late February and was held out of the ACC tourney. The Cards hope to have Brown back for the Big Dance. They are not getting very far without Brown (7-5 this season without him), assuming he's healthy. A stellar run in the tourney and Brown might remind the scouts that he may be the best point guard in the college game. Until that happens, I'm happy with Brown right here.