2028 Rankings Update: 9 Risers and New Names

Check out some stock-risers and new names from out latest update to the 2028 rankings. A handful of these players will be suiting up for new schools this winter, while others will be returning to grow their roles with their respective squads. Take a look at nine names to know for the upcoming season.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Risers in New Places</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='2746865' first='Austin' last='Collins'] | SG/SF | 6'5 | Annie Wright   Possibly the most athletic player we've seen in this 2028 class, Collins has sky-high potential, and he'll get some valuable early experience at Annie Wright next year as they hit the refresh with a new wave of young talent. Collins has a quick trigger and can get going from deep, loves to hit spins in the midrange to get space for his shot, and has the big bounce to finish up high at the rim. He's learning how to use that athleticism to impact the game on more fronts (rebounding, defense), and he should be able to make a big impact next season for the Gators.   [player_tooltip player_id='2629635' first='Jarrick' last='Matthews'] | SG/SF | 6'5 | Auburn Mountainview   We had to wait until spring to get a good look at Matthews, but he has quickly made a big impression with his scoring from different levels and toughness. He's a left-handed wing who could develop into a knockdown shooter from 3-point, and already has some strong slashing qualities, showing he can finish above the rim and take on contact, adjust, and finish. He's another sophomore who should get ample opportunity next season at a new school.   [player_tooltip player_id='2628459' first='Tanner' last='Jordan Simpson'] | CG | 6'2 | Garfield   Simpson's a super-shifty guard who can play with pace and really put some downhill pressure on defenses both in the halfcourt and in transition. His ability to make little hesitations and stutter-steps, freeze his defender for just a split second, and then burst on by has been a key factor to his slashing and playmaking this spring. He's a very balanced attacker with a low center of gravity, which helps him make those quick direction changes, decelerate, accelerate, and burst up to the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='2627273' first='Bryson' last='Hotter-Knight'] | SF/PF | 6'10 | Garfield   The 6-foot-10 sophomore comes over to join Garfield from North Central, and while he's still a raw product, he has put together some big games across the spring that showcase his potential. He's already showing some good ball skills for a kid his size and is learning how to be more physical around the rim. His activity has ramped up, he's moving better to make an impact on the glass, and has shown some growth in his post work.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Returning Risers</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='2548212' first='Messiah' last='Guy'] | CG | 6'0 | Chiawana   Here's a kid who plays very poised on the ball, has a good combo of quickness and control, and can get to his spots and attack gaps. Looks very intentional with his moves, doesn't waste dribbles, or hold onto the ball without a plan. Seems to have a good understanding of the game, can knock down shots from each level, and even when he misses, his shots generally look good. He's a sleeper in this class that doesn't necessarily pop physically but has the foundation of a fundamentally sound and efficient game.   [player_tooltip player_id='2751713' first='Jakari' last='Ellis'] | PG | 5'10 | Kamiakin   Ellis is a strong, quick guard who can work one-on-one to get penetration and has various moves to finish once he gets in the paint. Very strong for his size and can bully his way into the paint while also playing with good balance and some shiftiness. Pretty aggressive looking to make the most of his touches, and brings that same energy to the defensive end too.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">New Names</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='2887289' first='Kingston' last='Collins'] | SF | 6'6 | Mount Vernon   Collins is a big, strong kid with some budding athleticism who has flashed some big upside as a stretch big right now, but someone who could transition to more of a wing/combo-forward role later on. He has good touch with the short to midrange jumper and has shown he can step out and knock down shots behind the arc when given space. A real tough worker on the offensive glass and a kid who will play up above the rim on both ends of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='2878376' first='Cale' last='LaFountaine'] | PF | 6'5 | Orting   He's a strong post who will also be a player to watch on the gridiron this fall. LaFountaine is tough to slow down when he can get deep position on post-ups. He does a great job looking to get switches and pin his man deep, but also shows great feet and hands to work around defenders in the paint, get to the other side of the rim, and make good dishes to key areas.   [player_tooltip player_id='2878380' first='James' last='Whitlock'] | SF | 6'5 | Bear Creek   Another new name with some size, Whitlock showed up on my radar late this past winter, but looks to have the tools to be a force for the Grizzlies down the line. Has good size at 6-foot-5, is already willing to work hard and go at kids around the paint on both ends, and has some ability to put the ball on the floor and attack downhill from the perimeter. He could be a nice sleeper to get on early in this 2028 class.

Check out some stock-risers and new names from out latest update to the 2028 rankings. A handful of these players will be suiting up for new schools this winter, while others will be returning to grow their roles with their respective squads. Take a look at nine names to know for the upcoming season.