The best freshman class in NCAA men's basketball history? 1981 immediately leaps to mind: Jordan, Ewing, Hakeem, Barkley and Chris Mullin. Hall of Famers all. And they were all really good college freshmen. In his first year at UNC, Jordan memorably hit the shot to win the national title. But he only averaged 13 points a game as a freshman. It wasn't until his sophomore (and junior!) campaigns that we saw signs that he might become the GOAT. [Editor's Note: UNC coach Dean Smith had Jordan for three seasons and didn't even make the Final Four in the two seasons after they won it all. Smith's coaching innovation? The abominable slow-down "four corners" offense. I'll never understand why anyone thinks he's among the best coaches ever. Roy Williams was the best to coach at UNC and it's not even close. Back to the Notes.] In their first seasons, Barkley averaged 12 and 10, Ewing 12 and 7 and Hakeem 8 and 6. Mullin was the most productive of the bunch, going for 16 a game (and in 1981 there was no 3-pointer).

I'm about to make the argument that the 2025-2026 freshman class is the best ever. I think there are a bunch of can't miss pros playing in this version of the Madness, but we are judging them based on the season that just ended. And the kids weren't alright, they were spectacular.

May as well start with the 6 million dollar man.

Not that 6 Million Dollar Man, played by Lee Majors the pride of Middlesboro, Kentucky. [Editor's Note: Check it out Gen Y and Z. This is was passed for televised entertainment in 1973. We had an oil crisis back then too. And bongos. Way more bongos. Back to the Notes.]

The 2026 version of the 6 million dollar man is BYU's AJ Dybantsa, who signed the most lucrative NIL deal in all of college sports reportedly for about the same amount it took to make Steve Austin better...stronger...faster.

I'm not sure that much money was well spent. BYU finished the season 23-11, 9-9 in the Big 12. This team was AJ and the seven dwarfs, none of whom can play defense. Spreading the cash around in Provo might have been a better idea from a team perspective, but AJ solidified his spot as the top NBA draft pick this season. The 6'9" 210 pound wing poured in 25 a game (!) while shooting 55% from the floor. His long-range shooting needs to improve (34% from 3-point range) but his form is solid. He is unstoppable with the ball in his hands, getting whatever shot he wants whenever he wants it and finishing through contact. Did I mention that he has a 7'1" wingspan? We'll learn if he can pass when he gets a teammate to pass to. If a comparison to Kobe makes you cringe, how about Tracy McGrady? He's that good and would be my pick at the top of the draft.