Class of 2028 Rankings: The Ceiling is the Roof

"The Ceiling is the Roof," Michael Jordan, March 4th, 2017. If it's a phrase that's good enough for one of basketball's legends, then why not use to describe eight high upside players in Oklahoma's Class of 2028.    While Douglas missed a chunk of his freshman season due to eligibility rules following a mid-season transfer, it still ended with a State Tournament appearance for a rising program. It's also very apparent how dynamic "Bubba D" is with the ball in his hands. He's not only a dynamic scorer, but also as a teammate elevator who gives energy and high percentage looks with his passing. He pushes the tempo to create easy scores, and also can get paint touches in the halfcourt to set up teammates. There's always a feel of excitement when the ball is in his hands. With a complete game and one of the more advanced basketball education of any Oklahoma freshman, Douglas will continue to be a very appealing option to college coaches.     The freshman cut his teeth with a full year starting for a winning program the 6A level. Copeland is at his best right now with his shooting ability as a catch and shoot option. But throughout the season, consistently flashed bursts of creativity and agility to be a complete scorer down the road. By this time next year, Copeland profiles as an above the rim the finisher. Mix in his quickly developing mid-range game, and the Edmond North Husky has the potential to become the rare actual three level scorer when it comes to translating to the next level. There's a lot of like about his current game and long term projection.     The still growing prospect is a great mix of skill and upside. Starting to become a very smooth mover for a player of his age and height. Capable of gliding by defenders and also playing through contact on drives to the rim. His body control to maintain balance when fouled is already super impressive for his age.   Also puts it on the floor well, capable of draining triples where he created space for the jumpers. Runs the floor hard to hunt for opportunties for above the rim finishes. Was super productive at the small school level for OCA, gaining valuable on the court minutes. Is now set for a national schedule of elite competition with out of state program Bradley Beal, which should result in unlocking new levels to his game.     Trends in basketball continue to swing toward skill and shooting, aspects that McDaniel excels in. Had multiple 20+ games because he can flat out fill it up from long distance. Has college ready range from three, with an outstanding understanding of off the ball movement. And an always ready to shoot mentality. Shooting is one of the best "superpowers" to have. After a super productive freshman campaign that concluded with a State Tournament run, he'll get national exposure on the Adidas circuit. Which will be crucial in helping to improve his athleticism and on the ball game. Two important areas of improvement as he continues to develop for the next level.     The best pure athlete in the current freshman class, and one of the best in Oklahoma regardless of class. Washington was electric and dynamic, with jaw dropping dunks in transition. Breath taking acrobatic finishes on drives in traffic. Then the ability to be a microwave when he heated up from deep. The ceiling is insane for Washington because his combination of explosiveness and hangtime in the air is extremely rare. With his physical traits, he'll always be a target of college coaches and among the best prospects in the class. It's now about refining his on the ball skills and decisions making to better prepare for the next level. Which he will get the opportunity and strong tests to do just that against national competition this summer.     Hopgood has a chance to be the most dominating interior presence in Oklahoma. Still growing with a plus wingspan, he's a light on his feet player. Who runs the floor hard and is quickly turning into an above the rim player with blocks and dunks. Finished the season with a monstrous 24 point and 13 rebound performance against a State Tournament team. Considering his father's athletic background and the physical signs Hopgood is already showing, its entirely possibly his long term potential is currently being undervalued.     After Christmas, the skilled and savvy point guard closed the season strong for the Patriots. Outstanding handles, strong shooting and quality vision are the main characteristics of his game. His range is comfortable to a few steps beyond the high school line, which is important gravity for a smaller guard to spread the floor and have more angles to attack. Will likely always be among the top producers in the class, because he plays the game with an advanced feel. And high skill level is winning out more and more over as basketball evolves.     Versatile wing forward, who is among the better athletes in the class. Had a multi dunk game against El Reno late in the season where he lived at the rim with putbacks and attacking open lanes in the halfcourt. Has some perimeter aspects to his game as well, with jumpers and improving handles. Very intriguing physical profile, who quickly adapted to the 6A level and finished the year being a productive player against some of the best teams in Oklahoma. His potential arrow is firmly pointing upward, with Smith possessing an impressive ceiling.

"The Ceiling is the Roof," Michael Jordan, March 4th, 2017. If it's a phrase that's good enough for one of basketball's legends, then why not use to describe eight high upside players in Oklahoma's Class of 2028.