The college basketball season is off to an electrifying start, with a crop of talented freshmen making an immediate impact on the court. Despite the challenges posed by the NCAA's COVID-19 waivers in recent years, this year's freshman class is shaping up to be one of the best in a long time. From the highly touted to the unexpected standouts, these young players are already making waves and captivating fans across the country.

Freshmen Steal the Spotlight as the New Season Unfolds

Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford Leads the Way

After a tumultuous start to the season, the Auburn Tigers composed themselves and delivered the most impressive win of the opening week, taking down the Houston Cougars 74-69 in a semi-road game. The key to their success? The stellar play of freshman point guard Tahaad Pettiford, who showcased his poise and decision-making in crunch time.Pettiford's ability to execute complex pick-and-roll actions and make heady plays against a stifling Houston defense was the difference-maker. His timing and execution on a series of crucial possessions late in the game allowed the Tigers to pull away and secure the victory. Bruce Pearl's squad, which faced some skepticism coming into the season, has emerged as one of the most dominant teams in the country, thanks in large part to the promising guard play led by Pettiford.

Kansas Leans on Veteran Leadership and Defensive Adjustments

The Kansas Jayhawks may have looked better on the offensive end thanks to their portal additions, but they still have work to do on the defensive end. After building a 20-point lead against North Carolina, the Jayhawks allowed the Tar Heels to claw their way back into the game. However, the experience of sixth-year point guard Dajuan Harris Jr. proved invaluable, as he helped the Jayhawks get good shots down the stretch and made a crucial defensive play to seal the victory.Another positive sign for Kansas was the performance of Hunter Dickinson, who struggled with his pick-and-roll defense in the second half but was able to finish strong by switching onto Elliot Cadeau and contesting the final shot. The depth of the Jayhawks roster allowed Dickinson to rest and recover, and coach Bill Self will undoubtedly be pushing him to improve his defensive versatility moving forward.

Tennessee Finds Scoring Punch and Defensive Prowess

The Tennessee Volunteers were faced with the challenge of replacing the scoring of Dalton Knecht and the defensive presence of Jonas Aidoo, who transferred to Arkansas. However, the Vols have found promising solutions in the form of Ohio State transfer Felix Okpara and North Florida transfer Chaz Lanier.Okpara has looked like an upgrade on Aidoo, while Lanier has stepped up to fill the scoring void left by Knecht. Lanier's impressive transformation, both physically and in his game, has been a revelation. After averaging just 1.7 points, 4.5 points, and 4.7 points in his first three years at North Florida, Lanier has blossomed into a scoring machine, averaging 18.5 points through the Vols' first two games. His ability to score at all three levels and his improved shooting have made him a valuable addition to the Tennessee roster.The Vols' dominant 77-55 road win over Louisville is a testament to their defensive prowess, which has been a hallmark of the program in recent years. With Lanier and Okpara leading the way, Tennessee looks poised to maintain its status as a top-10 team in KenPom's adjusted efficiency margin for the fourth consecutive season.

Marquette's Kam Jones Emerges as a National Player of the Year Candidate

Marquette's Kam Jones has wasted no time in making his case for National Player of the Year. Through the Golden Eagles' first two games, Jones is averaging an impressive 28 points, shooting an efficient 16-of-18 from 2-point range and 7-of-12 from beyond the arc. His playmaking skills have also been on full display, with 11 assists and just one turnover.While Jones has been the standout performer, the rest of the Marquette team will need to step up their shooting to ensure the Golden Eagles remain a Top 25 team this season. Center Ben Gold, who has shown good chemistry with Jones in the two-man game, will be a key contributor, especially if he can improve his perimeter shooting to complement Jones' brilliance.Marquette's early-season success has been a testament to Jones' individual brilliance, and the team will need to find ways to maximize his talents while also getting more production from the supporting cast to reach their full potential.