ACC women's basketball preview: Top freshmen

The women’s college basketball season is now less than one month away, which means it’s time to start diving into some preseason coverage. The ACC will be the first league we break down at On3, with others to come in the following weeks.

Let’s break down the league’s top freshmen.

EMILEE SKINNER, Duke

On3/Rivals Rankings: 5⭐, No. 9

The expectations are high for Emilee Skinner, but luckily, she’s surrounded by plenty of veteran talent to help her adjust to college basketball. Duke is projected to be one of the best teams in the country and Skinner could help them win their way to a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The 6-0 guard is effective on both ends of the floor, but is notably a prolific scorer. 

HAILEE SWAIN, Stanford

On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 11

Stanford is loaded with talented freshmen. Hailee Swain committed to the Cardinal prior to Tara VanDerveer’s retirement and has been one of the highest-ranked recruits in her class for a long time. The 5-11 freshman has a great 3-point shot and can defend at a high level. 

LARA SOMFAI, Stanford

On3/Rivals Rankings: 5⭐, No. 14

Another Stanford freshman to keep an eye on is Australian post player Lara Somfai. The 6-4 forward is incredibly versatile for a player her size. 

NYLA BROOKS, North Carolina

On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 18

6-foot-2 guard Nyla Brooks has the opportunity to have a phenomenal freshman season at North Carolina. Her talents on the defensive end coupled with her athleticism and expanded range can really help the Tar Heels this season. 

ALIYAHNA “PUFF” MORRIS, Cal

On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 27

Aliyahna “Puff” Morris will be a real bright spot on this Cal team that’s undergone a lot of changes this offseason. The McDonald’s All-American point guard could come in and see a lot of playing time from the jump. 

TALIYAH HENDERSON, North Carolina

On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 21

North Carolina brings in another versatile freshman in Taliyah Henderson. The 6-0 small forward is a strong defender, a capable shooter and possesses the athleticism to make an impact in the ACC. 

ALEX ESCHMEYER, Stanford

On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 33

Yet another Stanford freshman to be excited about is 6-5 post player Alex Eschmeyer. While her size – at 6-foot-5 – is of course exciting, it’s her versatility coupled with that length that makes her such a compelling prospect. She can shoot the ball, finish around the rim and contribute defensively. 

NYLAH WILSON, Pittsburgh

On3/Rivals Rankings: 5⭐, No. 34

Nylah Wilson, who de-committed from Auburn following a coaching change, is certainly a big get for Pittsburgh head coach Tory Verdi. She’s actually the highest-ranked recruit in program history. Wilson can score through contact, shoot the ball well and will likely step into a significant role early on at Pittsburgh. 

HOLLAND HARRIS, Clemson

On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 48

Clemson has a few notable freshmen joining the program, but Holland Harris, a 6-1 wing, has the potential to play some meaningful minutes this year. Her athleticism gives the Tigers a different look at the position and I’ll be curious to see how she progresses throughout the season. 

DANIELLE OSHO, Miami

On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 49

Miami is loaded with talented transfers, but they’ve also added an impressive freshman class. Danielle Osho is a player who’s had a really strong offseason with the Canes and could slot in at multiple positions during the year.