In less than six weeks, the Division 1 men’s basketball season is set to tip off, and many native New Englanders and NEPSAC alums will experience their first taste of big-time college hoops.
At this stage of the preseason, teams have been practicing together for months, and some have even played scrimmages overseas or at home. We’re starting to get a clearer picture of what rosters and rotations will look like come November. In this era of college basketball, it can be difficult for freshmen to get on the floor. Rosters are older and more experienced. But depending on the fit, there’s a path to playing time for several of our regional Class of 2026 standouts.
Freshmen from New England have had a good run the last few years. Two years ago, Cooper Flagg and CJ Cox, among others, were major contributors. Last year, AJ Dybantsa and Ebuka Okorie were two of the best freshmen in the country as they both went on to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.
Who’s next in line in 2026-27? Here are 10 players from the region who could make an early impact as freshmen.
