The 2017-18 college basketball season is almost here.

After the first regular-season tipoff Friday, all the offseason drama surrounding college hoops will take a backseat to the actual games. Teams like Duke and Kentucky are completely rebuilt but just as talented. Others, like Michigan State and Arizona, hope high-profile freshmen can pair with key returnees to make a long March run.

In this one-and-done era, freshmen are counted on to contribute right away.

10 freshmen who'll shape the 2017-18 college basketball season:

1. Michael Porter Jr., Missouri — The 6-10 small forward enters college as the No. 2-ranked prospect in the nation, per 247 Sports' composite. A threat to score from beyond the arc, off the dribble or in the paint, Porter brings much-needed firepower to Missouri. Porter, a silky-scoring McDonald's All-American, could be compared to Kevin Durant. He might even be a better ball-handler than Durant was during his Texas days.

Porter is just one of three top-50 recruits entering Missouri this season. His brother Jontay Porter and power forward Jeremiah Tilmon also are expected to carve out major roles, making the Tigers a team to watch this season.

2. Trevon Duval, Duke — The Blue Devils have so many five-star recruits on board this season that it seems silly picking just one. However, Duke needs a steady point guard leading the offense. Duval is an elite athlete with a scorer's mentality. Ranked No. 6 in the nation, his ability to dictate tempo could be crucial for Duke. Joining Duval, likely in Duke's starting lineup as freshmen, are No. 1-ranked Marvin Bagley III, Wendell Carter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr.

3. Troy Brown Jr., Oregon — The Ducks lost almost every key piece to last season's Final Four run. But Oregon has a chance to immediately contend again thanks to Brown's scoring ability. A 6-7 small forward, Brown can become a mismatch problem on the wing. He can shoot from outside, back down on smaller defenders and use his length to see the court and pick out assists. Brown hit Eugene, Ore., as a five-star recruit and a McDonald's All-American.

4. Hamidou Diallo, Kentucky — After flirting with the NBA Draft, Diallo provides John Calipari an able scorer from the wing or running the point. Diallo enrolled early at Kentucky last season, so he should be familiar with Calipari's system and practice environment. Kentucky's annual hauls are an embarrassment of riches. Sometimes they pay off, but other times Calipari's teams lack cohesion. Diallo will be counted on to provide leadership this season in an attempt to band together a group of NBA hopefuls as a team.

5. DeAndre Ayton, Arizona — Ayton wound up fourth in the Class of 2017 rankings, after spending most of his high school career No. 1. A freakish athlete for a 7-footer, Ayton lives above the rim offensively and does an excellent job protecting it at the other end. If he finds confidence in his mid-range jump shot, then Arizona could be tough to beat.

6. Mohamed Bamba, Texas — Another 7-footer, Bamba, ranked No. 3 in the class, was cleared by the NCAA this summer after questions regarding his eligibility started to surface. Tough and strong around the basket, Bamba gives Shaka Smart a piece to build around this season. While Bamba isn't known for stepping outside and shooting, his presence in the paint on both ends of the floor will force coaches to game plan Texas differently than seasons past. 

7. Jaren Jackson Jr., Michigan State — The Spartans' lone McDonald's All-American has a lot of Chris Bosh in his game. Long and athletic, Jackson, ranked No. 8 in the class, is a great 3-point shooter despite his odd release. Jackson also uses his long arms well to snag rebounds and finish around the rim. Coach Tom Izzo was woefully undermanned in the frontcourt last year. Jackson's arrival will allow Miles Bridges to move out to the wing, thus giving the Spartans a more dynamic offensive starting lineup.

8. Trae Young, Oklahoma — A true hometown hero in the making, Young committed to Oklahoma from Norman North High School, staying home to play for the Sooners. The five-star point guard and McDonald's All-American can light it up from beyond the arc. While he possesses a quick first step and nice vision, his ability to knock down 3-pointers could make him special, and get Oklahoma into the NCAA Tournament.

9. Paul Scruggs, Xavier — The Musketeers were a surprise Elite 8 team last season as an 11th-seeded sleeper. Scruggs, a top-50 recruit, could carve out a starting role at point guard. Xavier lost Edmund Sumner to the NBA, so it's in need of a floor general. If Scruggs can live up to his immense potential, then Xavier could go on an even deeper run this season.

10. Billy Preston, Kansas — The Jayhawks are surprisingly shallow in the frontcourt, meaning Preston's development is critical to coach Bill Self's plans. Preston is 6-10 but can play point guard, step outside as a stretch-4 or use his length to score in the post. The Jayhawks need Preston to remain focused and patient this season, even if he faces double-teams because he is their most versatile frontcourt presence.