Best freshmen entering the 2017-18 college basketball season

Arizona head coach Sean Miller didn't have to go far to recruit Ayton, a seven-foot center from Phoenix. Ayton has already dominated during Arizona's exhibition season and should make a huge impact for the Wildcats this year.

Bagley reclassified to enter college this year and is set to be one of the most dominant freshmen in college basketball. Standing at 6-10, the young power forward is one of the biggest reasons Duke enters the season at No. 1 in the polls.

Texas head coach Shaka Smart likes players with long arms to play in his pressing defensive system, and Bamba certainly fits the bill. Standing at seven feet, Bamba has an even longer wingspan and a chance to be a dominant player early on both offensively and defensively.

The Ducks made a tournament run last year, but they could be in rebuild mode this season. The 6-7 forward is expected to be a key scorer for Oregon this season.

Joining top recruit Marvin Bagley at Duke, Carter gives the Blue Devils imposing size in the paint. The 6-9 power forward from Atlanta also had offers from the likes of Georgia, Georgia Tech and Harvard.

Diallo has been participating in practices at Kentucky for the last year but didn't play last season after being a late entry. He came back this season despite the option of going to the NBA and should be one of the team's go-to scorers after losing Malik Monk and De'Aaron Fox.

Already considered one of the top point guards in college basketball, Duval is the distributor for a Duke team with an impressive group of young players.

The Bruins' expectations aren't exceedingly high after losing several key players from last year's roster, including Lonzo Ball. Hands replaces him at the point as one of the elite recruits in the college game and should find plenty of time on the floor immediately.

A lanky 6-11 forward, Jackson is the top recruit for a Spartans squad that's ranked No. 2 in the polls entering the year. His ability to shoot at 6-11 draws natural comparisons to Kevin Durant.

Knox is big for a small forward at 6-9 but has the athleticism of a much smaller player. John Calipari should know how to use his talent.

A 6-11 center from San Diego, McCoy should help UNLV immediately this season. He will be a force in the paint in the MWC.

The consensus top recruit in college basketball, Porter is favored to be the No. 1 overall pick in next year's NBA Draft. A native son of Columbia, Mo., Porter and the rest of the strong Mizzou recruiting class have a chance to make noise for the Tigers under new head coach Cuonzo Martin.

KU head coach Bill Self has already been very complimentary of Preston, which says a lot. The 6-9 forward stacked up points and rebounds at high school in Virginia.

Sexton has a great point guard teacher in Alabama head coach Avery Johnson and should make an immediate impact for the Crimson Tide. He's known as an impressive scorer at the point.

Spellman was ruled ineligible last season but arrives just in time for the Wildcats' reboot. He's a load in the paint, listed at 6-9, 275 pounds, and can also shoot from the outside.

The son of former NBA forward Gary Trent, junior joins a potentially historic Duke freshman class. Trent Jr. is shorter than his father at 6-5 but more of a dynamic scorer.

Walker is only 6-4 but plays bigger due to his wingspan. He can shoot from long range and will see plenty of playing time for the Hurricanes.

Washington shows versatility at 6-8, with the ability to help in the point and as more of a shooter. He's expected to be a prominent scorer in his freshman season.

Wilkes has the potential to be a matchup nightmare as a 6-7 forward with excellent shooting ability. The Bruins should feature a great offense again this season with the help of Wilkes.

Young could be the Sooners' most potent scorer since Buddy Hield and can also distribute well at point guard. Oklahoma has a chance to get back on the national radar after a down 2016-17 season with Young's help.