Can Stanford's Freshmen Handle the Jump to ACC Basketball?

Stanford men's basketball went 20-13 overall and 9-9 in the ACC last season, but lost Ebuka Okorie to the NBA Draft and missed the NCAA Tournament for the 12th consecutive year. Head coach Kyle Smith rebuilt the roster with three transfers and five freshmen, several of whom could play important roles immediately.

Stanford lost both preseason exhibitions, falling 83-78 at Santa Clara and 85-57 at Oregon. Neither result counts toward the regular-season record, but the games offered an early look at what the freshmen could bring before the Nov. 2 opener against Eastern Washington.

Julius Price has made the strongest early case for a significant role. Smith identified him as the freshman who appeared most ready, and Price backed that up with 26 points in just over 34 minutes against Santa Clara. He added three assists and two steals, going 15-of-19 from the free-throw line and 5-of-11 from the field.

He followed that performance with 11 points at Oregon. Price also shot 44% from three for Sweden at the FIBA U18 European Championships, giving Stanford another potential perimeter scoring threat following Okorie's departure.

Aziz Olajuwon has shown a different kind of potential. The 6-foot-7, 220-pound guard/forward started against Santa Clara, finishing with six points and four turnovers in approximately 18 minutes. He responded against Oregon with a team-high 16 points and nine rebounds, including five three-pointers.

Olajuwon has the size and versatility to contribute at multiple positions, and his passing could help connect Stanford's offense. However, limiting turnovers will be important as he adjusts to the college game.

Isaiah Rogers brings another scoring option to the backcourt. The four-star point guard from Corona has drawn comparisons to Trae Young for his scoring and playmaking ability. Smith has described him as a prolific scorer capable of playing either guard position.

With Christian Bliss handling much of the playmaking and Price already making an impact, Rogers could initially provide a scoring boost off the bench. He scored six points against Oregon, offering an early glimpse of his contribution.

Elias Obenyah offers a different skill set. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound guard from Ukiah brings defensive versatility and passing ability, along with the size to match up against bigger ACC perimeter players.

He may not need to score consistently to earn playing time. If Obenyah can defend multiple positions and make sound decisions with the ball, he could give Smith a useful option as the rotation develops.

Drew Anderson rounds out the group as a frontcourt prospect. The 6-foot-9, 220-pound forward was a consensus top-25 player in California and the co-player of the year in his league at Santa Margarita Catholic.

Stanford struggled on the boards last season, making rebounding and frontcourt depth important areas to address. With Nick Townsend and Austin Maurer also joining the roster, Anderson will have to compete for minutes while adjusting to the physicality of college basketball.

Stanford does not need all five freshmen to become stars immediately. Price has already demonstrated his scoring ability, while Olajuwon's performance against Oregon showed how much he could contribute when he finds his rhythm.

Rogers, Obenyah and Anderson will have to establish their roles as the season progresses. If the group can contribute consistently, Stanford will have more options as it looks to compete in the ACC and end its NCAA Tournament drought.