2028 Watch List: PG/Combos

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Monday PHI unveiled our latest 2028 Watch List which expanded to 50 players.&nbsp; This list is not a ranking!!!&nbsp; It is 50 prospects that we have seen early in the process who we feel are worth noting and monitoring early on.&nbsp; Some freshman play a ton on varsity while some only play JV.&nbsp; That doesn't mean one will be more successful than the other.&nbsp; We are looking at the long game!&nbsp; These are players to keep an eye on for down the road as a prospect.&nbsp; Here we examine a few of those players in <strong>2028 Watch List: PG/Combos!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2531961' first='Amarion' last='Smith-Holley'] (Peoria Richwoods)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith-Holley has become one of the premier lead guards in the freshman class over the last six months.&nbsp; It started with a strong performance at the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase back in August.&nbsp; He has continued to grow since then.&nbsp; Slick ball handler that can really get to the rim with speed and burst.&nbsp; Explodes to the rim off the dribble where he has excellent body control.&nbsp; Quality shot maker from the perimeter along with being able to get others involved with his passing feel.&nbsp; Active defender that has a knack for creating turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2531970' first='Ben' last='Ojala'] (Evanston)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ojala is a combo guard who has had a lot of buzz about his game ever since the summer.&nbsp; He has good positional size along with a smooth offensive game.&nbsp; His biggest weapon is his jump shot as it is super feathery from all over!&nbsp; Mid-range, three, volleyball line, it doesn't matter!&nbsp; One of the top shooters early on in the 2028 class.&nbsp; More than just a shooter he is a solid playmaker with slick handles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2531979' first='CJ' last='Pittman'] (Payton)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pittman is one of the most explosive guards in the class.&nbsp; He brings a nice build along with explosive athleticism attacking downhill.&nbsp; One of the better rim attackers at 5'11” that is super slippery through defenders.&nbsp; Like how he pushes in the open court all the way to the rack.&nbsp; Passes with flair and has a solid jumper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2467517' first='Darrius' last='Hawkins'] (Homewood Flossmoor)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hawkins is a known prospect because of his social media following along with his game.&nbsp; Strong and compact guard that plays with a nice combination of physicality and skill.&nbsp; Shifty ball handler that breaks defenders down off the bounce.&nbsp; Can both score and pass effectively and has done it at a high level for a freshman on varsity for the defending state champs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2531962' first='Amir' last='Tucker'] (St. Ignatius)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tucker has star potential with his plus shot making from beyond the arc.&nbsp; Can really let it fly setting it up on his own or off the catch.&nbsp; Creates off the dribble getting in the mid-range for pull ups along with getting to the rack for soft touch finishers.&nbsp; Plays with a ton of confidence and has great intangibles.&nbsp; Good passer and leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->