The 2024-25 men’s college basketball season kicked off Monday with a bang, delivering everything fans love about the sport. The night was defined by the highly-anticipated debut of Duke’s Cooper Flagg, stunning upsets that shook up the top-25, and breakout performances from new faces across the country. Opening day set a dramatic tone for what promises to be an unpredictable and thrilling season ahead.
Flagg Shines as Duke’s Freshmen Dominate their Debut
All eyes were on Duke to see how star freshman Cooper Flagg would perform, and he did not disappoint. After a slow start, Flagg found his groove, finishing with a well-rounded stat line of 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. His explosive one-handed dunk in the first half was a highlight-reel moment that showcased the elite athleticism that has scouts buzzing.
However, Duke proved it is far from a one-man team. Fellow freshman Kon Knueppel stole the show early, leading all scorers with 22 points on efficient 8-for-14 shooting. He provided a consistent offensive spark that complemented Flagg’s all-around game.
Adding to the dominant freshman performance was 7’2” center Khaman Maluach, who controlled the paint with three crucial blocks. The combined effort of Duke’s new talent led to a convincing 96-62 victory over Maine, signaling that the Blue Devils have the depth to be a major force in the ACC this year.
Top Teams Stumble as Upsets Steal the Spotlight
While Duke handled its business, several other ranked teams faced serious challenges on opening night. Purdue, ranked No. 14, struggled to pull away from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in their first game without star center Zach Edey. The Boilermakers held just a three-point lead late in the second half before finally securing an 84-67 win. Point guard Braden Smith was the hero for Purdue, dishing out an incredible 15 assists to go with 12 points and eight rebounds.
The biggest shock of the evening came when UCF knocked off No. 12 Texas A&M in a nail-biter. The Knights pulled off a 64-61 upset victory, fueled by a rowdy home crowd that stormed the court in celebration. The Aggies’ offense went cold, shooting just 31% from three-point range, a weakness they must address to compete in the tough SEC.
Another notable upset saw South Dakota State defeat McNeese 80-73. The Jackrabbits, a perennial threat for a Cinderella run, were led by redshirt freshman Joe Sayler’s 18 points. The loss is an early blow to McNeese’s NCAA tournament aspirations.
| Game Highlights | Final Score |
|---|---|
| Duke vs. Maine | 96-62 |
| UCF vs. Texas A&M | 64-61 |
| Purdue vs. Texas A&M-Corpus | 84-67 |
| South Dakota State vs. McNeese | 80-73 |
| Santa Clara vs. Saint Louis | 85-78 |
Breakout Stars Emerge Across the Nation
Beyond the big-name programs, individual players made huge statements on Day 1. Several freshmen showed they are ready for the spotlight and could become household names by March.
Maryland freshman Derik Queen delivered one of the most dominant performances of the night, posting a monster 22-point, 20-rebound double-double against Manhattan. His immediate impact suggests he could be the centerpiece for the Terrapins this season. Other standout freshmen included:
- Asa Newell (Georgia): The forward was unstoppable in his debut, putting up 26 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks against Tennessee Tech.
- Robert Hinton (Harvard): Hinton introduced himself to the Ivy League with a 27-point explosion in a win over Marist, signaling he may be the conference’s next star.
These players, among others, proved that talent is spread far and wide across the college basketball landscape this year. Their impressive starts have put them firmly on the “players to watch” list.
New Eras Begin for Kentucky and Louisville
The season also marked the start of new coaching tenures at two of Kentucky’s biggest programs. At Kentucky, new head coach Mark Pope’s up-tempo offense was on full display in a 103-point performance against Wright State. Pope’s system, which emphasizes floor spacing and quick shots, led to a balanced attack with five players scoring in double figures by halftime.
Just down the road, Pat Kelsey began his era at Louisville with a much-needed 48-point blowout win over Morehead State. While the competition wasn’t elite, the decisive victory brings a renewed sense of energy to a program desperate for a fresh start. Led by South Florida transfer Kasean Pryor, the Cardinals showed promise that they could be competitive much sooner than expected.
