Big Questions in the Class of 2028

<p></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>National Potential for Coleman?</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">The still growing Coleman has true perimeter abilities. Thanks to his combination of natural fluid movement and a clear dedication to developing all of his perimeter skills. He plays in attack mode on offense. Always looking to get out in transition, either pushing it himself or sprinting down court. When he pushes it himself, it gives a glimpse at the vision and work he's doing as a passer. Even has good touch on passes in the halfcourt as a secondary creator type player. And there's the shooting. He has smooth touch off the dribble. Pulling from distance, or getting to the mid-range for jumpers and extended runners.</p>   <p>There's a lot to like about Coleman's game. So any critiques are more of the nit picking variety. Right now, he makes the best use of his size and athletic ability when attacking the rim for dunks and also skying for rebounds. But at his height, shot blocking and rim protection would be a good next step. Especially in Oklahoma, where he often's going to have a massive size advantage. It would turn him into a true game changer on both ends of the floor. Dominating the paint on both ends would help turn OCA into a true contender in Class A this winter.</p>    <p></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Football or Basketball for [player_tooltip player_id='2677145' first='Rodney' last='Washington']?</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">In the last decade or so, there's only been one other 6 footish Oklahoma guard who was as explosive vertically and as fast as Washington was at this stage in high school. That guard is currently playing professionally. For the Cincinnati Bengals. Dax Hill was an insane lob threat and and freak of nature playing 15U AAU, before choosing to focus on football. Washington might be even more athletic, which is a scary thought. He's also a much more well rounded basketball player than Hill was at this stage.</p>   <p>Still, the same gifts that make him an one of a kind basketball player, will also likely translate onto the football field. In fact, there's already examples from spring ball of Washington being too "fast" in football, and making DBs look like they're running in sand. In Oklahoma, when players have football opportunities, those opportunities tend to win out over basketball. Washington is still a year or two from having to decide which sport, and he's a certified hooper. So while the decision could be tough, the journey in both will be filled with highlights.</p>   <p></p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Heart over Height</strong>?</h2>   <p>There's paths for sub 6 foot guards to reach the highest levels, and there's two 2029 Oklahomans who look capable of blazing their own unique paths.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Wilborn plays with the ball on a string, and is very comfortable as a pass first, teammate elevator guard. It's been a steady pattern of improvement for the youngster over the last 9 months. First it asserting himself more at the high school level, with spurts of scoring to go along with his playmaking nation. Then settling in with LeGYnds as a guard capable of impacting winning without even having to score the ball. He's heady and havoc causing on defense. While also valuing the ball exceptionally well. </p>   <p>His final AAU game of the spring was also a sign he's getting more comfortable as a scorer at the national level. Wilborn's change of direction and handles makes him a terror in the mid-range. The ability to get defenders on skates will serve him well as he looks to increase his scoring output. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700"> </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Owens is a bucket. Plain and simple. Capable of catching fire from deep. Can score with "giant killing" finishes on drives. He profiles as a 2,000+ point career scorer, and already has led Roland to one State Tournament appearance. Producing wins and being a leader are always desirable traits to college coaches. And his sheer ability to shoot the ball from deep could tilt the scales into him becoming a higher level recruit.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Where's the Bigs?</strong></h2>   <p>There's one obvious post presence in 2028, he's detailed down below. After that the class is filled with still growing tweeners. <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/2028-rankings-rising-sophomores/">Quite a few of them were covered here</a>. There's also [player_tooltip player_id='2712639' first='Garrett' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2638586' first='Kadon' last='Gaines']. Gaines could very well grow into being a stretch four. While Smith is one of the top athletes in 2028, plays with a hard hat on and with his verticality plays much bigger than his height. If he continues to grow, there's a ceiling to his potential that matches his strong vertical. </p>   <p>While Oklahoma usually does run small, the best classes tend to have have a few high level post prospects. Hopgood is one good bet. But for this class to be a "special" one, there will likely be a late bloomer or two that grows. Maybe it's a name already tracked, or could be an out of nowhere prospect. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Already an above the rim player. Hopgood's current standout abilities are as a glass cleaner and rim protector. He's very fluid for his size, making him a transition and lob threat. Good promise offensive touch in the mid-range. He's already an absolute problem at the small school level with Bristow. While also being an anchor at the national level with Nike EYBL program, ProSkills.</p>