Top 3 Electric Freshman Performances You Need to Know From January 24th: A Historic Scoring Explosion

If you blinked this week in college basketball, you might have missed history. Usually, the freshman learning curve is steep. We expect first-year players to hit a wall, struggle with the physicality of the college game, or defer to upperclassmen in crunch time. But every once in a while, a group of young stars decides to rip up the script entirely.

We just witnessed a statistical anomaly that had scouts and fans checking their box scores twice to make sure they weren’t glitching. Three different freshmen dropped 40-plus points on the same day. These weren’t garbage-time buckets against low-major cupcakes, either. These were dominant showings in high-stakes conference matchups.

Whether you are tracking the Big Ten title race, keeping an eye on the Big 12 gauntlet, or already scouting for the 2026 NBA Draft, these games matter. They represent a shifting of the guard. Here is the breakdown of the top 3 freshman performances you need to know, ranked by impact, efficiency, and the sheer audacity of the moment.

1. Keaton Wagler: 46 Points vs. Purdue

It’s hard enough to win on the road in the Big Ten. It is nearly impossible to walk into Mackey Arena—one of the most hostile environments in the sport—and beat a top-five Purdue team. To do it as a freshman while dropping 46 points? That is legendary stuff.

Keaton Wagler didn’t just have a hot shooting night; he put on a clinic in offensive efficiency. This was the kind of performance that swings the momentum of an entire season. Illinois needed a hero, and they got one in Wagler.

Why this performance takes the top spot:
The context here is king. Wagler wasn’t just compiling stats; he was answering every run Purdue made with a bucket of his own. His shot chart was a work of art, featuring a lethal mix of catch-and-shoot threes that stretched the defense, confident pull-up midrange jumpers, and aggressive drives to the rim.

He showed a complete offensive toolkit that usually takes years to develop. For Illinois fans, this signals that they have a go-to guy for March. For NBA scouts, it showed that Wagler isn’t afraid of the bright lights.

The Scouting Report:

• Key Traits: Elite efficiency, deep shooting range, and late-game poise.
• The Takeaway: Wagler proved he can create his own shot off the dribble against elite competition.

2. AJ Dybantsa: 43 Points vs. Utah

If you follow recruiting rankings, you already know the name AJ Dybantsa. The hype surrounding him has been massive, but hype doesn’t always translate to production immediately. In the “Holy War” rivalry game against Utah, Dybantsa proved the hype is real.

Scoring 43 points in a rivalry game is a quick way to become a campus legend, and doing it to break the school’s freshman scoring record is just the cherry on top. This was a convincing win for BYU, and Dybantsa was the engine behind it.

Why this performance matters:
This game showcased his physical readiness for the next level. Dybantsa combined high-volume shooting with the kind of physicality you love to see from a wing. He wasn’t settling for bad shots. He attacked the paint relentlessly, absorbing contact and getting to the free-throw line.

He also contributed on the glass and set up teammates, showing he’s a multi-dimensional threat. This performance solidified his standing as a projected top draft pick.

The Scouting Report:

• Key Traits: Inside scoring prowess, ability to draw fouls, rebounding utility.
• The Takeaway: He is an NBA-ready scorer playing college ball. His ability to mix finesse with power makes him a nightmare to guard.

3. Kingston Flemings: 42 Points vs. Texas Tech

Houston may have lost this close battle against a ranked Texas Tech squad, but Kingston Flemings did everything in his power to steal a win. Sometimes, a loss reveals more about a player’s character than a blowout win, and Flemings proved he is a warrior.

Scoring 42 points against a tough Big 12 defense is no small feat. Flemings put the team on his back, showcasing an ability to shoulder a heavy offensive load without crumbling under pressure.

Why this performance made the list:
Elite scoring comes in many forms, and Flemings showed off the full bag. He was hitting step-backs, getting into the lane, and creating separation at will. Crucially, despite the high usage rate, his efficiency didn’t fall off a cliff.

He also added several assists, proving that even when he’s in “score-first” mode, he still has the vision to find open teammates. It was a reminder that he can be the primary option on a good team.

The Scouting Report:

• Key Traits: Scoring versatility, high-usage stamina, playmaking vision.
• The Takeaway: Flemings can handle heavy defensive attention. Teams are going to game-plan specifically to stop him, and he’s proving he can score anyway.

How We Ranked These Performances

You might be asking, “How do you choose between 46, 43, and 42?” We didn’t just look at the raw point totals. We prioritized the impact on the game’s outcome, the difficulty of the opponent, and the statistical rarity of the line.

Wagler took the top spot because his points directly led to a massive upset on the road against a top-tier opponent. Dybantsa followed closely due to the rivalry context and record-breaking nature of the night. Flemings rounded out the trio with a heroic individual effort against a ranked squad.

The Future of the 2026 NBA Draft Class

These are the top 3 freshman performances you need to know right now, but they are likely just the beginning as we head to the NCAA March Madness season. When you see Wagler, Dybantsa, and Flemings lighting up the scoreboard like this in the middle of conference play, it signals a freshman class with serious depth.

These aren’t just flashes in the pan. These are previews of what the 2026 draft conversation is going to sound like. Keep an eye on their defensive growth and consistency moving forward, but for now, enjoy the show. The kids are alright.