5 freshman starters who have made an impact heading into conference play NCAA.com

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PRESENTED BY In 1979, a highly enthusiastic college basketball analyst described a sensational college freshman basketball player by uttering the words "DIAPER DANDIES, BABY!!!" The phrase has been part of the college basketball lexicon ever since.

The Sharks are off to a program-best start, sitting at 9-1 and ready for a big test in No. 9 Barry on December 30. A large part can be attributed to new head coach Jim Crutchfield and their star guard David Dennis, who transferred in from West Liberty with his old coach.

Glen stepped into the staring lineup for the Orediggers on Day 1 and has continued to produce for the No. 12 team in DII basketball. The 6-foot-7 freshman has been a key contributor in the Mines 11-1 start.

is the Player of the Game today for in a 99-69 win over ENMU! Prim scores 18 pts, grabs 11 rebs, & dishes out 3 assists. Young freshman playing like a seasoned vet in a big game. — Lucas Kinsey (@LucasKinseyWT)

Dallas Baptist made a big jump in the rankings this past week, jumping seven spots to No. 17. Part of that is thanks to a 10-1 record. Part of that is also thanks to true freshman Chandler Jacobs.

Bolon is the lone redshirt freshman to make the list, but it’s hard to ignore his offensive contribution for the No. 4 team in DII basketball. "As the leading 3-point shooter, second-leading scorer and leading rebounder on an undefeated Hilltopper team that currently leads the nation in scoring and 3-point field goals, Dalton certainly fills the bill as an "impact freshman." A big, strong shooting guard with virtually unlimited range, Dalton has been incredibly consistent in his first collegiate season. He's hit double-figures in 10 of his first 11 games (he had 9 points in the other one). His highlights include a season-high 26 points in a 123-90 win at Davis & Elkins on Nov. 14 and his first career double-double four days later in a 130-100 win at Glenville State. Dalton's length and non-stop motor have also made him a key factor as the "up" man in WLU's rejuvenated full-court pressure defense, which ranks first or second nationally in steals, turnovers forced and turnover margin heading into the New Year."

Luke Rudy, Christian Brothers -- Christian Brothers is back in the Top 5 for the first time since 2004. The 6-foot-5 swingman is averaging 9.4 points per game for the No. 4 Bucs, which is fourth on the team. He's also shooting 45.6 percent from 3-point land, sinking 26 already on the season, which ranks him second on the team. Adam Rivera, Arkansas-Fort Smith -- and . His work has appeared on Bleacher Report, MLB.com, AJC.com, SB Nation and FoxSports.com and in publications like The Advocate and Lindy's Sports. Follow him on Twitter at . The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NCAA or its member institutions.