2028 player rankings: High expectations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the first installment of the 2028 Tennessee player rankings, the top 10 features high expectations from prospects coming off productive freshman seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As of right now, the future is bright for a lot of guys in this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the moment, let's look at the top 5:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Briarcrest's newcomer [player_tooltip player_id='2194485' first='Joshua' last='Huggins'] is the No. 1 player in the class. The 6-foot-6 forward can do everything. Huggins can push the basketball in transition, take his defender off the dribble, rebound, make shots from the perimeter, and finish strong at the rim. He hasn't been with [program_tooltip program_id='2078772' first='Team' last='Thad'] 15U long, but he quickly made an impact in the second session of the Nike Elite Basketball Youth League. Huggins has many eyes on him. It's up to him to continue to improve in order to hold the top spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bartlett's <strong>DJ</strong> <strong>Okoth</strong> comes in at No. 2. The 6-5 forward is another prospect that's off to a good start in the Nike EYBL. He's currently averaging 16.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Okoth doesn't shy away from physicality. He welcomes it. Okoth loves to be active on the glass. He has a good touch around the rim. Okoth is an intriguing prospect with high upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arlington's [player_tooltip player_id='2784747' first='Rod' last='Lucas'] comes in at No. 3. There's a lot to like about the 6-5 forward. He has the same attributes as Huggins. Lucas has a solid frame. What could separate himself from everyone else is his court vision. Lucas sees the floor well and can make the right reads. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's difficult at the moment to decide who's going to be the better prospect down the road between Huggins, Lucas, and Okoth. It's all about preference. All three prospects are coming off helping their respected high schools finish the 2024 season with a winning record. All three prospects are currently playing well in the spring. As of right now, each prospect moves the needle in the win column.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brentwood Academy's [player_tooltip player_id='2543986' first='James' last='Humphreys'] comes in at No. 4. There's 6-8 power forward had a lot of good moments for the Eagles last season. He has post moves. Humphreys has a good touch around the rim. He's an efficient prospect with a knack for improving each game. In the second session of the Nike EYBL for Brad Beal Elite 15U, Humphreys recorded, at least, 8 rebounds in each contest. He scored in double figures in 2 of the 4 games, and shot 50 percent or better in all 4 contests. Humphreys checks every box in terms of effort and productivity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bartlett's [player_tooltip player_id='2194475' first='Braylon' last='Williams'] comes in at No. 5. He's the top-ranked point guard in the class and for good reason. Williams is very patient on offense, knows how to get to his spots. He's close to perfect if he can get to the middle of the paint for his floater. Williams has solid court vision, knows where his teammates want the basketball. In the Nike EYBL, he's currently averaging 14 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 40.7 percent from the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In short, the top 5 is off to a solid start. Many eyes are on these 5 prospects. The expectations will only continue to heighten as their accomplishments grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->