This year’s crop of freshmen in college basketball has been nothing short of intriguing. Some names we anticipated would dominate the season have quieted down, while unexpected stars have seized the spotlight.
For our Freshman Tracker this week, let’s dive into a few rookies who, despite flying under the radar initially, have the potential to become well-known figures in the sport as they advance in their careers.
Toby Fournier – Duke Blue Devils
The Duke Blue Devils, ranked 16th, are finding their rhythm at just the right moment, with standout performances from freshman Toby Fournier playing a key role. In the final trio of regular-season games, Fournier impressed with an average of 23 points, highlighted by a stellar 28-point showing against the 24th-ranked Florida State this past Sunday. Duke clinched victory in each of these games, thanks in no small part to Fournier’s contributions.
Observing Duke’s performance closely, one can see a strong connection between their victorious outcomes and Fournier’s standout performances. As the Blue Devils prepare for the ACC Tournament, it’s crucial for them to continue integrating Fournier smoothly into their offensive strategies to potentially secure a deep run in the postseason. With three consecutive wins, including two against ranked teams, Duke is hitting its peak performance at just the right time.
Mia Woolfork – Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs haven’t quite had the season they envisioned. Sitting with a 12-18 record in the competitive SEC, they face a tough challenge to snag a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Nevertheless, the recruitment of freshman Mia Woolfork seems to be a promising move for the Bulldogs’ future. Woolfork has averaged 11.4 points this season, shooting an impressive 51% from the field. She was a key player in some major victories, such as Sunday’s thrilling 72-69 triumph over 11th-ranked Tennessee, where she contributed 20 points, alongside four rebounds, two steals, and a block. This followed her notable 17-point effort in Georgia’s win over Auburn last Thursday.
Olivia Olson – Michigan Wolverines
For the Michigan Wolverines, the season has been a series of ups and downs, but freshman Olivia Olson has been a shining constant. She has averaged 16 points, 5.3 rebounds, and two assists per game, maintaining a 47% shooting rate from the field.
Her reliability shone through in Michigan’s 78-69 victory over Illinois on Sunday. Olson scored 18 points, collected two rebounds, and handed out three assists, contributing to the Wolverines’ success against the Fighting Illini.
Now, as Michigan heads into the Big Ten tournament as the No. 5 seed, they have both short-term goals for post-season success and long-term aspirations centered around Olson’s potential to become a household name throughout her collegiate career.
