The B1G is more of a player development conference. Not having done a study, it seems it's the ACC, Big 12, and SEC teams that do their damage with freshmen.
I asked Chat GPT:
To compile a list of the most impactful NCAA men's basketball freshmen over the past 10 years, we'll consider several factors such as individual accolades (e.g., Freshman of the Year), statistical achievements, team success, and influence on the game. Here's a list based on these criteria, highlighting players who made significant impacts in their freshman years:
- Anthony Davis (Kentucky, 2011-2012) - Led Kentucky to a National Championship while sweeping nearly every national player of the year award.
- Zion Williamson (Duke, 2018-2019) - Became a national sensation for his explosive athleticism and efficiency, dominating college basketball.
- Jahlil Okafor (Duke, 2014-2015) - Key player in Duke's National Championship run, known for his scoring and rebounding.
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Kentucky, 2014-2015) - Played a crucial role in Kentucky's undefeated regular season.
- Ben Simmons (LSU, 2015-2016) - Despite LSU not making the NCAA tournament, Simmons' all-around game was highly praised.
- Trae Young (Oklahoma, 2017-2018) - Led the nation in both scoring and assists, a rare feat.
- Luka Garza (Iowa, 2020-2021) - While not his freshman year, Garza's college career was so dominant it's worth mentioning; his freshman year set the foundation.
- Deandre Ayton (Arizona, 2017-2018) - Dominated the Pac-12 and was a top draft pick due to his performance.
- RJ Barrett (Duke, 2018-2019) - Teamed up with Zion Williamson to form one of the most formidable duos in recent memory.
- Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State, 2020-2021) - Led Oklahoma State to the NCAA tournament with his all-around play and was the consensus No. 1 pick in the NBA draft.
This list reflects players who not only performed exceptionally as freshmen but also left a lasting impact on college basketball, showcasing their talents on both individual and team levels.