College Basketball: The Rising Stars to Watch

13 July 2025

Ah yes, college basketball—the beautiful chaos where teenagers become household names overnight and grown adults scream at their TVs over 19-year-olds missing free throws (we’ve all been there, don’t lie). But let’s be real, college hoops isn't just about March Madness and busted brackets. It's also the breeding ground for the future legends of the NBA. And boy, do we have some rising stars worth texting the group chat about.

If you’ve been sleeping on college hoops this season, consider this your personalized wake-up call (cue blaring alarm and a splash of cold water). These up-and-comers are cooking on the hardwood, and if you blink, you’ll miss a highlight that’ll be all over your TikTok in 3...2...1.

The Fabulous Freshmen: Baby-Faced Ballers Taking Over

1. DJ Wagner – Kentucky

First up, DJ Wagner. Yep, that name sounds familiar because it is. Son of Dajuan Wagner and grandson of Milt Wagner—basketball basically flows through this dude’s DNA like caffeine through your bloodstream during Finals Week.

He’s got that swagger, that killer step-back, and the kind of court vision that makes defenders question their life choices. DJ isn't just trying to follow in the family footsteps; he’s lacing up to torch his own path. He’s already putting defenders in spin cycles like a rogue washing machine on turbo.

2. Isaiah Collier – USC

If you like your point guards with a side of flash and a sprinkle of “Did-he-just-do-that?!”, allow me to introduce Isaiah Collier. This guy plays like someone downloaded all the best attributes from NBA 2K and dumped them into one overpowered freshman.

Collier brings not just scoring power, but leadership that makes you forget he was literally attending high school like ten minutes ago. His handles? Tighter than your jeans after Thanksgiving.

3. Justin Edwards – Kentucky

Yes, we’re going back to Kentucky, because apparently they’re hoarding talent like it’s toilet paper in 2020. Justin Edwards is the kind of wing player who makes scouts salivate. He’s bouncy, smooth, and more versatile than a Swiss army knife on a camping trip.

He can shoot, he can defend, he can even charm the media with that humble swagger. Let’s just say if you’re building a prototype of a modern NBA small forward—just use this dude as the blueprint.

The Sophomore Surge: Not a Freshman Anymore, Kid

4. Kyle Filipowski – Duke

Filipowski came back for a second season at Duke—because why not steadily improve your draft stock while living like royalty in Durham, right? Last year, he was all raw potential. This year? He's a walking bucket with a side of rim protection.

He’s got the size, the footwork, and that chip-on-the-shoulder energy that makes coaches drool and rivals shake in their Jordans. Don’t be surprised if he averages a double-double and earns himself a comfy spot in the lottery picks.

5. Kel’el Ware – Indiana

Transferred from Oregon to Indiana like he was upgrading Wi-Fi providers—except now, he’s the connection everyone wants. Ware is a 7-footer who can stretch the floor and swat shots into the fifth row like he’s auditioning for Space Jam 3.

He’s showing way more consistency and aggression this season, and if he keeps trending up, NBA GMs will be lining up like it’s Black Friday at Best Buy.

International Intrigue: Stars from Across the Pond (and Beyond)

6. Aday Mara – UCLA

Spain’s basketball export game is just unfair at this point. Aday Mara stands at a towering 7'3" (nope, that’s not a typo), and somehow moves like a guard. His game? Think Pau Gasol with a Snapchat filter.

He’s not just tall for decoration—he legit knows how to play. Soft touch around the rim, smart passing, and intimidation levels off the charts. Watching Mara play is like watching a skyscraper hit a fadeaway jumper.

7. Alex Toohey – Gonzaga

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie—Toohey, Toohey, Toohey? Okay, so that chant might not catch on, but this guy’s game definitely will. From down under to the Pacific Northwest, Toohey’s bringing hustle, heart, and some serious bounce to the Bulldogs’ lineup.

He’s the type of player who doesn’t always fill the stat sheet but does everything coaches love: diving for loose balls, locking down on defense, and always being in the right place at the right time. Basically, your favorite coach's favorite player.

Underdog Energy: Players Who Might Just Steal the Show

8. Tyrese Proctor – Duke

Okay yes, another Blue Devil, but Proctor is that dude no one’s talking about enough (yet), and that’s a crime punishable by ten push-ups. He plays with poise, maturity, and enough finesse to make you forget he’s still too young to rent a car.

He’s crafty, he has great size for a guard, and his decision-making is smoother than your best pickup line (the one that actually works, not the weird one).

9. Hunter Dickinson – Kansas

Dickinson is the classic "super senior" who transferred from Michigan to Kansas and instantly became the most experienced player at every game. He plays like a 45-year-old man at the YMCA—smart, tough, can’t be moved.

He’s already a double-double machine, and his leadership is just what a championship-contending team like Kansas needs. He’s the guy you hate to play against but would totally buy a beer for after the game (if he weren’t still in college, obviously).

What Makes These Rising Stars So Dangerous?

Good question. It’s not just about scoring 20 a night or putting up viral dunks (though that helps). These rising stars bring something extra. Whether it’s an elite feel for the game, outlandish athleticism, or a chip on their shoulder the size of Texas, they’ve got that unteachable “it” factor.

They’re changing the way college basketball is played. Faster, flashier, smarter. They’re blending old-school grit with new-school skill, all while having the time of their lives. And we’re lucky enough to watch it happen.

Coaching Helps, Too (Yes, the Adults Matter)

Let’s not ignore the Gandalf-like role of the coaches here. John Calipari at Kentucky continues to be the freshmen whisperer, while Coach K may be gone, but Duke’s talent development hasn’t missed a beat under Jon Scheyer. Mark Few, Bill Self, Mick Cronin—these guys know how to let their stars shine without turning games into one-man shows.

A good coach can take a raw 5-star recruit and turn him into a top-five pick. A bad coach? Well... let’s not name names, but certain programs have turned blue-chippers into memes.

What’s Next for These Studs?

Let’s cut to the chase—they’re not gonna stay long. In the land of “one-and-done,” most of these rising stars will be NBA-bound shortly after you’ve memorized their jersey numbers. But before they bolt for the pros, they’ll be lighting up scoreboards, breaking ankles, and maybe—just maybe—leading their schools on an unforgettable Cinderella run.

So grab your foam finger, fire up ESPN+, and keep an eye on these rising stars. Because in a few years, you might be watching them in the NBA Finals, and you’ll want to brag, “Yeah, I remember watching him in college before he was cool.”

(Just don’t be the guy who says it every game).

Final Whistle Thoughts

College basketball is the wild west of sports—a place where anything can happen, and usually does. From blue-blood programs to mid-majors with big dreams, the sport is absolutely teeming with young talent ready to explode. The names on this list? They’re not just players—they’re future stars, buzzer-beaters waiting to happen, and walking memes in the making.

So whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual watcher, or someone just here for the “One Shining Moment” montage—keep your eyes peeled. These kids are cooking, and the kitchen’s just starting to heat up.