2028 Emerging Talent That Caught My Eye at GASO Pre-Live Showcase

The GASO Pre-Live Period Showcase wasn't just about upperclassmen prepping for July—it also served as a major proving ground for rising underclassmen, and the Class of 2028 delivered. From confident shot-makers and crafty lead guards to long, active forwards with two-way tools, this group showed they're already ahead of the curve. While many are still early in their development, their feel for the game, energy, and willingness to compete stood out in a gym full of hungry talent. Here's a look at some of the top 2028 prospects who made a strong impression at the GASO Pre-Live Period Showcase.    A 2030 prospect playing up in the high school division and looking like he belonged, if not dominated among older players. Parker was flat-out explosive in space, showing effortless above-the-rim ability with two-hand dunks in transition and a violent one-foot punch over a defender off a high pick-up cross step. His footwork off the dribble was advanced beyond his years, using jab series, cross-steps, and deceptive pickups to create angles and separation. He converted tough, off-balance finishes through contact and had no problem generating space to get clean looks at the rim or midrange.     A gifted passer with an elite feel for the game, Dortch put on a clinic as a floor general. He displayed unbelievable vision and anticipation, reading the floor like a seasoned pro. No passing window was off limits, he hit cutters in stride, led teammates into scoring pockets, and routinely found weak-side shooters without even needing to square his shoulders. His ability to throw teammates open and manipulate defenses with his eyes and ball placement is what separates him as a next-level facilitator.     This kid played with a traditional post presence, controlling the paint like a true anchor. Igwilow was relentless in establishing early post position, using his base, hips, and core strength to seal defenders deep and make himself an immovable target. He played with high hands and framed himself as a clear scoring option, often shifting to the ball-side block or occupying the dunker's spot to stay in scoring position. His understanding of interior spacing, high-level screen timing, and ability to function as a lob threat or dump-off finisher made him a major interior asset.     A natural hooper with a versatile two-way skillset that made him the most dynamic player on the floor. Defensively, Harper was switchable across multiple positions, guarding point-of-attack threats with lateral quickness and bodying up wings with physicality. Offensively, his IQ shined, anticipating plays before they developed, making the extra pass, relocating to the corner, and delivering big-time moments without forcing anything. His game-changing plays came in all forms: baseline cuts for threes, steals that turned into transition points, and timely rebounds that flipped momentum. He simply impacted winning at every level of the game.     [player_tooltip player_id='2556992' first='Lynol' last='Gillespie Jr']. proved to be an efficient guard who played with poise and maturity. Gillespie consistently made the right read and rarely took a bad shot or missed an opportunity to create for others. Whether it was knocking down the open three, attacking closeouts, or executing set plays with precision, everything he brought to the table was fundamentally sound and rooted in high-IQ decision-making. He thrived within structure but also showed the confidence to step up and make plays when the game required it.

The GASO Pre-Live Period Showcase wasn't just about upperclassmen prepping for July—it also served as a major proving ground for rising underclassmen, and the Class of 2028 delivered. From confident shot-makers and crafty lead guards to long, active forwards with two-way tools, this group showed they're already ahead of the curve. While many are still early in their development, their feel for the game, energy, and willingness to compete stood out in a gym full of hungry talent. Here's a look at some of the top 2028 prospects who made a strong impression at the GASO Pre-Live Period Showcase.