5 Diaper Dandies Who Impressed In Their First Official NCAA Game
Nov 7, 2025
The 2025-26 NCAA basketball season officially tipped off this week, and college basketball’s elite freshmen class is making a case for one of the most impressive in recent history. Among several dominant performances, these five first-year players have already announced themselves as stars to watch this season.
Koa Peat (Arizona Wildcats)
Arizona’s diaper dandy forward had one of the best debuts by any player in the history of the game since Larry Bird. Finishing with 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, Peat became the first player in Big 12 history to have 30 points and 5 dimes in their first NCAA appearance. Dominating on both ends of the court, the 6’8”, 235-pound freshman led the Wildcats' stunning 93-87 upset over defending national champions and third-ranked Florida Gators.
AJ Dybantsa (BYU Cougars)
The number one-rated player of this freshman class, Dybantsa, did not disappoint in his BYU debut. In the second game of the Hall of Fame Series, the first year forward helped the eighth-ranked Cougars to a 71-66 victory over the Villanova Wildcats. Dropping 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, this type of stat line could be the norm for a player projected to be in the top three of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Darryn Peterson (Kansas Jayhawks)
Many feel that Peterson will be the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and based on his NCAA debut in the Allen Fieldhouse, they aren’t wrong. Finishing with 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in the Jayhawks’ 94-51 win over Green Bay, Peterson displayed his scoring ability early, dropping 18 points in the first half.
Nate Ament (Tennessee Volunteers)
Ament started his NCAA career with a game-high 18 points and 9 rebounds, becoming the fifth Volunteers freshman in the last twenty years to reach that total. Shooting 6-of-11, the lanky 6’10” forward was just one of two Tennessee players to reach double figures in their 76-61 victory over the Mercer Bears.
Cameron Boozer (Duke Blue Devils)
The eldest (and better) of the Boozer twins, Cameron’s 15 points and 13 rebounds helped the Blue Devils turn a 33-32 halftime deficit into a 75-60 victory over the Texas Longhorns. An expected candidate for the National Player of the Year award this season, Boozer showcased his all-around game, which has him expected to be one of the most polished freshmen in the country.
