The top 3 most impactful rookies in college hoops are Cooper Flagg, Isaiah Collier, and Mookie Cook, dominating early.

The landscape of college basketball is constantly evolving, and each season, a new crop of freshmen emerges, ready to make their mark on the game. These young players, who were once high school stars, quickly transition into elite prospects and become major contributors to their respective teams. In the 2025 NCAA season, three freshmen have been making a significant impact on the college basketball scene: Cooper Flagg, Isaiah Collier, and Mookie Cook. All three are expected to be top NBA draft picks and are already establishing themselves as key figures in the college hoops world.

In this article, we will dive into what makes these three rookies stand out, how they’ve impacted their teams, and what the future holds for them in college basketball and beyond.

Cooper Flagg: A New Era for Duke Basketball

Cooper Flagg, one of the most hyped freshmen in recent memory, has been an absolute revelation for the Duke Blue Devils in the 2025 season. Standing at 6’8” with a rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism, Flagg’s game is a perfect fit for the modern era of basketball. His versatility, basketball IQ, and two-way ability make him one of the most sought-after players in college basketball this season.

Why Flagg is So Special

What makes Cooper Flagg such a unique player is his ability to impact the game in almost every aspect. On the offensive end, Flagg is an elite scorer, capable of hitting from all areas of the floor. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting makes him difficult to defend, as he can operate as a forward or as a guard. Flagg’s shooting stroke is smooth, and his range extends well beyond the arc, making him a legitimate threat from deep.

Flagg’s most impressive skill, however, is his defensive presence. He’s one of the best shot blockers in college basketball, often swatting shots away with ease and altering many more. His size and length give him an advantage over most opposing players, but it’s his timing and instincts that set him apart as a premier defender. Whether it’s contesting shots, forcing turnovers, or snaring defensive rebounds, Flagg’s ability to impact the game on both ends is what makes him one of the top rookies in college basketball.

Flagg has also displayed impressive passing skills and is able to make plays for his teammates, showing a level of court vision beyond his years. His all-around game has made him a standout for Duke, and with his work ethic, he has the potential to become one of the best players in college basketball before heading to the NBA.

Impact on Duke

Since arriving at Duke, Flagg has immediately assumed a leadership role. His play has elevated the Blue Devils, and he has seamlessly fit into Jon Scheyer’s system. Flagg’s two-way abilities have made him a focal point on both offense and defense, and his presence on the floor gives Duke an added dimension that makes them one of the top contenders for the ACC Tournament Championship and the NCAA Tournament.

Flagg’s performance against top-tier opponents has been impressive, and his poise under pressure has helped Duke maintain its dominance in the ACC. With his ability to impact the game in so many ways, Flagg has become not only the most impactful rookie in college hoops this season but one of the most dominant players in the country.

Flagg’s future in the NBA is also bright, and many experts predict he will be a top pick in the upcoming draft. His combination of size, skills, and basketball IQ make him an ideal prospect for the modern NBA game. Whether he plays as a forward or a wing in the pros, Flagg’s versatile skill set will allow him to thrive at the next level.

Isaiah Collier: A Playmaking Machine for USC

Another freshman who has made an immediate impact this season is Isaiah Collier, the dynamic point guard from USC. Standing at 6’5”, Collier combines his size with elite playmaking and scoring ability, making him one of the top freshmen in the nation. With his poise, vision, and leadership, Collier has quickly become the heart and soul of the USC Trojans, helping them rise to the top of the Pac-12 standings.

Why Collier is So Special

What sets Isaiah Collier apart from other point guards is his combination of size, skill, and basketball intelligence. He’s a physical guard who can dominate the paint, but he also has the ability to shoot from long range and create plays for his teammates. Collier’s ability to break down defenses with his handles and vision has made him one of the most dangerous playmakers in the country.

One of Collier’s biggest strengths is his court vision. He’s capable of making difficult passes look easy and often creates scoring opportunities for his teammates in transition. Collier’s high basketball IQ allows him to read defenses and make the right play, whether it’s dishing out an assist or scoring on his own. He’s an incredibly unselfish player, always looking to make the extra pass and get his teammates involved.

Defensively, Collier is a solid presence, using his size and athleticism to guard multiple positions. He’s quick on his feet, has active hands, and uses his wingspan to disrupt passing lanes. Collier’s combination of offensive and defensive capabilities makes him one of the most well-rounded freshmen in the country.

Impact on USC

Since joining USC, Isaiah Collier has made an immediate impact on the team’s success. His ability to run the offense, get his teammates involved, and score when needed has made him the focal point of USC’s attack. Under his leadership, the Trojans have become a dangerous team in the Pac-12, and Collier’s play has been instrumental in their success.

Collier’s poise under pressure has also been impressive. In clutch moments, he’s been able to step up and make plays, whether it’s hitting a game-winning shot or distributing the ball to an open teammate. His leadership and ability to take control of the game have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.

As for his NBA future, Collier is expected to be a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. His size, skill set, and basketball IQ make him an ideal point guard for the modern NBA. Many experts see him as a future floor general at the next level, and his development in college will only enhance his prospects.

Mookie Cook: A Rising Star at Oregon

The third standout freshman in college basketball is Mookie Cook, a talented forward who has made an immediate impact for the Oregon Ducks. Cook’s combination of size, athleticism, and skill make him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams, and his all-around game has made him one of the most highly touted freshmen in the country.

Why Cook is So Special

Mookie Cook is an incredibly versatile player, able to play both forward spots and even guard positions. At 6’8”, he has the size to play inside but also the skills to step out and knock down shots from beyond the arc. Cook’s ability to stretch the floor and play multiple positions gives him a unique advantage over most of his peers.

Offensively, Cook is a smooth scorer who can create his own shot and finish in a variety of ways. His ability to hit from outside, drive to the basket, and finish above the rim makes him a dangerous weapon in transition and half-court sets. His smooth shooting stroke and ability to play off the dribble allow him to score in many different ways.

Defensively, Cook has the length and athleticism to guard multiple positions. His ability to switch on screens and disrupt opposing players makes him an asset on the defensive end. Cook’s energy and motor also stand out, and he consistently plays with a high level of intensity.

Impact on Oregon

Since arriving at Oregon, Cook has quickly become one of the team’s most important players. His ability to score, rebound, and defend has made him an essential part of Oregon’s success this season. Cook’s development under head coach Dana Altman has been impressive, and he’s quickly adjusted to the demands of college basketball.

Oregon’s success this season has largely been driven by Cook’s contributions. His ability to play both ends of the floor and contribute in a variety of ways has made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. As the Ducks look to make a deep run in the Pac-12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, Cook’s play will be crucial to their success.

Looking ahead, Cook’s NBA potential is undeniable. His versatility and skill set make him an ideal candidate for the next level, and he’s expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With his combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ, Cook has the tools to succeed at the highest level of basketball.

As the 2025 college basketball season progresses, Cooper Flagg, Isaiah Collier, and Mookie Cook have firmly established themselves as the most impactful freshmen in the game. Each player brings a unique set of skills to the table, and all three have already had a significant influence on their teams’ success. Whether it’s Flagg’s defensive dominance, Collier’s playmaking, or Cook’s versatility, these rookies are already leaving their mark on college basketball and are destined for great things in the future.

As they continue to develop and refine their games, these players are sure to become even more prominent figures in college hoops. Whether they lead their teams to deep NCAA Tournament runs or continue to dominate on the national stage, one thing is clear: the future of college basketball is in good hands with these three freshmen leading the way.