College Hoops’ Best Freshman Tournament Runs Ever

Derrick Coleman might not have hoisted the trophy in 1987, but the freshman certainly made his presence felt. Averaging an impressive 10.5 points and a staggering 12.2 rebounds per game, Coleman bullied elite competition like Florida and North Carolina. His Syracuse squad fell short against Indiana, but his relentless rebounding and shot-blocking set the stage for an illustrious career.

19. Gene Banks, Duke (1978)

Before Coach K made Duke basketball a household name, Gene Banks was turning heads in Durham. Banks’ freshman tournament run was outstanding: 19.2 points and 10 rebounds per game. He didn't secure the championship, but he surely put Duke on the national radar two years before Mike Krzyzewski arrived.

18. Gerry McNamara Jr., Syracuse (2003)

Carmelo Anthony rightfully gets the headlines, but let's not overlook Gerry McNamara's clutch shooting during Syracuse's championship run. He averaged 13.3 points per game and shot a blistering 41% from deep. Without McNamara’s timely buckets, Anthony's heroics might have been in vain.

17. Stephon Castle, UConn (2024)

Last year, Stephon Castle stood tall under the bright lights, averaging 12.5 points per game and absolutely locking down opposing guards. His defensive intensity rattled Purdue's Braden Smith in the title matchup, proving Castle is destined for bigger stages.

16. Patrick Ewing, Georgetown (1982)

Patrick Ewing introduced himself to the basketball world with authority. Scoring 23 points and grabbing 11 rebounds against North Carolina in the championship game, Ewing nearly stole MJ's thunder. Although Georgetown fell short, Ewing foreshadowed greatness that would come two years later with a national title.

15. Mike Conley Jr., Ohio State (2007)

Mike Conley Jr. played with the poise of a seasoned veteran, averaging 16 points, 4.8 assists, and 5 rebounds per game during Ohio State's run to the final. His exceptional leadership and maturity as a freshman deserve high praise despite the Buckeyes coming up short.

14. Chris Webber, Michigan (1992)

Forget the infamous timeout a year later—Chris Webber was incredible as a freshman. Averaging 16.3 points and nearly 10 rebounds, he powered Michigan to the championship game against an all-time Duke squad. Webber's dominance was undeniable, even in defeat.

13. Jalen Rose, Michigan (1992)

Webber got the spotlight, but Jalen Rose was equally critical to Michigan's remarkable run. Averaging 17.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5 assists per tournament game, Rose’s versatile playmaking skills solidified the Fab Five’s legendary status.

12. Toby Bailey, UCLA (1995)

Toby Bailey might not be a household name today, but his performance against Arkansas—26 points, 9 rebounds—cemented his Bruins legacy. UCLA doesn't win the 1995 title without his explosive scoring and relentless hustle.

11. Jeremy Lamb, UConn (2011)

Everyone remembers Kemba Walker's heroics, but Jeremy Lamb's sharpshooting (63% from three!) made UConn unstoppable. Lamb averaged 16.1 points per game through the 2011 tournament, crucially complementing Walker's brilliance.

10. Arnie Ferrin, Utah (1944)

In a unique wartime exception, freshman Arnie Ferrin seized the moment, scoring 22 points to clinch a 42-40 victory over Dartmouth. Ferrin became the first freshman to earn Most Outstanding Player honors, etching his name in basketball lore long before freshmen eligibility became standard.

9. Greg Oden, Ohio State (2007)

It's scary to imagine what Greg Oden could've done fully healthy. Even playing with an injured wrist, Oden averaged 16.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. His 25-point outburst in the final illustrated why NBA scouts drooled over his potential.

8. Mark Aguirre, DePaul (1979)

Mark Aguirre nearly spoiled the Magic-Bird dream matchup with a dominant tournament run for DePaul. His 23.4 points per game and efficient shooting almost carried the Blue Demons to an upset over Larry Bird's Indiana State in the Final Four.

7. Derrick Rose, Memphis (2008)

One missed free throw away from immortality, Derrick Rose dazzled with 20.8 points and 6 assists per game. Mario Chalmers' clutch three-pointer overshadowed Rose’s brilliance, but few freshmen have ever been so electric on such a big stage.

6. Michael Jordan, North Carolina (1982)

Michael Jordan wasn't yet the GOAT, but his game-winning jumper against Georgetown hinted at future greatness. Averaging 13.2 points throughout the tournament, his clutch performances marked the birth of a legend.

5. Tyus Jones, Duke (2015)

Coach K's final championship doesn't happen without freshman Tyus Jones. Averaging 13 points and shooting 42% from deep, Jones saved his best for last, scoring 23 points in Duke's comeback victory over Wisconsin. He deserved every bit of that Most Outstanding Player award.

4. Mike Bibby, Arizona (1997)

Mike Bibby played beyond his years, averaging 18 points and shooting nearly 50% from downtown. His 19-point, nine-rebound performance against Kentucky in the title game was crucial to Arizona's magical run, making him a freshman legend.

3. Pervis Ellison, Louisville (1986)

"Never Nervous Pervis" earned his nickname with a 25-point, 11-rebound masterpiece in the title game against Duke. Ellison's clutch performances throughout the tournament (15.5 points, 9.5 rebounds per game) defined Louisville's championship run.

2. Anthony Davis, Kentucky (2012)

Anthony Davis didn't just dominate opponents—he demoralized them. Averaging 13.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, and an astounding 4.8 blocks per game, Davis turned defensive basketball into art. His freshman year at Kentucky remains one of college hoops' greatest defensive showcases ever.

1. Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse (2003)

Simply put, Carmelo Anthony delivered the most complete freshman tournament performance ever. His 20.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, paired with 48% shooting from beyond the arc, carried Syracuse to its first-ever national title. Melo’s 20-point performance in the championship game against Kansas sealed his legendary status. Cooper Flagg might dream big at Duke, but he'll have to channel some serious Carmelo-level magic to match the greatest freshman run of all time.