The Top 10 NBA Rookies Making an Immediate Impact This Season
2025-11-04 19:13
As I sit here watching the NBA season unfold, I can't help but feel genuinely excited about this year's rookie class. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen plenty of promising newcomers, but this season's group feels particularly special. What strikes me most is how these young players are making their mark while international basketball faces scheduling challenges elsewhere. While training schedules are still being sorted out, it remains to be seen whether local sporting leagues such as the PBA, PVL, UAAP, and NCAA can still host their matches during the 16-day World Championship run. This context makes the immediate impact of NBA rookies even more remarkable - they're stepping into the spotlight while other leagues navigate uncertainties.
Let me start with Victor Wembanyama, who's been nothing short of phenomenal. The French phenom is averaging 19.8 points and 8.5 rebounds through his first 15 games, numbers that remind me of early Dirk Nowitzki but with better defensive instincts. I've been particularly impressed with his basketball IQ - he reads plays two steps ahead like a veteran. Then there's Chet Holmgren, who's shooting 52% from the field while blocking nearly two shots per game. What makes his performance extraordinary is how seamlessly he's adapted to NBA physicality after missing all of last season. I'd argue he's already among the top five rim protectors in the league, which is insane for a rookie.
Scoot Henderson's development has been fascinating to watch unfold. After a slow start where he shot just 38% in October, he's improved to 46% in November while averaging 6.2 assists. I've noticed how his decision-making has evolved - he's learning when to push the pace versus when to set up the offense. Meanwhile, Brandon Miller has exceeded my expectations, putting up 15.3 points per game while shooting 39% from three-point range. His smooth shooting motion reminds me of Paul George's early years, though he needs to work on his defensive consistency.
The international rookies deserve special mention too. Bilal Coulibaly from France has been a defensive revelation, already recording 12 steals in his last eight games. His wingspan and timing are exceptional for a 19-year-old. Then there's Jordan Hawkins, who I believe has the quickest release in this class - he's already made 45 three-pointers at a 38% clip. What's impressive is how he moves without the ball, constantly putting pressure on defenses with his off-ball movement.
What makes this rookie class stand out, in my view, is their immediate adaptability. While other leagues face scheduling uncertainties, these NBA newcomers are thriving under pressure. Dereck Lively II has started 18 games for Dallas, shooting an incredible 72% from the field - mostly on dunks and lobs. His pick-and-roll chemistry with Luka Doncic developed faster than anyone anticipated. Similarly, Jaime Jaquez Jr. has become Miami's secret weapon, averaging 12.5 points off the bench while playing with the poise of a five-year veteran.
I've been particularly surprised by Keyonte George's playmaking development. The Baylor product is averaging 5.8 assists as a starting point guard, showing remarkable growth in just 20 games. His court vision reminds me of a young Chris Paul, though he needs to cut down on his 3.2 turnovers per game. Ausar Thompson's athleticism has translated beautifully to the NBA - he's already recorded three double-doubles and is grabbing 8.1 rebounds despite playing mostly on the wing.
As we approach the season's midpoint, it's clear this rookie class is special. They're contributing meaningfully while established leagues elsewhere navigate scheduling challenges. From my perspective, what sets them apart is their basketball maturity - they play with composure beyond their years. While Wembanyama rightfully gets most headlines, the depth of impact from this class is what truly impresses me. They're not just waiting their turn; they're shaping games from day one, giving fans like me plenty to cheer about in a season full of promising developments.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
