Prep Hoops Circuit: 2028 Prospects on the Rise

The Class of 2028 is already showing early signs of greatness on the Prep Hoops Circuit, with a growing list of breakout prospects making a name for themselves this spring. While many are still developing physically and adjusting to high-level competition, these players are proving they belong on the radar with flashes of advanced skill, instincts, and impact. Here's a breakdown of the 2028 breakout prospects making waves on the Prep Hoops Circuit this season.    Arguably the most skilled and well-rounded prospect in the tournament. Willis exhibited elite body control and coordination, even at full speed or in tight traffic. In transition, he effortlessly blended long, explosive strides with precise footwork, seamlessly navigating defenders using euro steps, stride stops, hop gathers, and hard plant pivots. His ability to decelerate with balance and time his gather steps gave him a distinct edge attacking unsettled defenses. Around the rim, he finished creatively and fluidly, adjusting midair with touch and poise. His vertical athleticism stood out as well, getting up with ease and attempting dunks that he's only a summer away from consistently converting. A future above-the-rim finisher with polish at every level.     An intense, aggressive floor general whose vocal leadership set the tone from warmups to the final whistle. Mitchell played with passion and command, directing teammates and energizing the tempo. His handle was elite, quick, rhythmic, and unpredictable. He used rapid-fire combo moves and a slick two-beat “bop-bop” cadence to keep defenders on their heels, constantly shifting gears and forcing reactions. Whether it was a nasty hesitation, a blow-by, or a sudden pull-up, Mitchell was constantly in control. His ability to break down defenders at the point of attack and make plays off the bounce made him one of the most dangerous creators on the floor.     Matthew Cattan thrived when attacking the heart of the defense. He embraced contact and knew exactly how to finish after initiating it, either leaning into defenders to draw fouls or using crafty up-and-under finishes. His touch around the rim was consistently impressive, softly laying it in off the glass or floating it over the rim with finesse. A strong, physical driver with a high finishing IQ.     SJ Burns turned fast breaks into a layup drill with his relentless effort and production in transition. He generated a high volume of break opportunities through steals, deflections, and pure hustle, sprinting the floor every possession. His defensive instincts and ability to convert defense into offense made him one of the most impactful transition threats on the floor.     Jones blended finesse and raw power to dominate the paint. He played with a physical edge, establishing deep post position early in possessions and using smart footwork and angles to hold it. His ability to seal with his hips, bump with the shoulder, and keep his pivot tight made him a reliable low-block scoring option. Jones didn't shy away from contact, he embraced it. Whether using a power spin, a drop step, or simply backing defenders down, he consistently finished through vertical contests. His touch around the basket was soft, and he used his frame intelligently to shield the ball and carve out finishing space.     A dynamic 6'1” guard with deep-range shooting ability, Rutherford made his scoring presence felt in multiple ways. His pull-up jumper off the bounce, especially from beyond the arc was a constant weapon. Whether in rhythm or off quick reads, he punished defenders for giving him space, stretching the floor and keeping closeouts honest.     A knockdown shooter with a soft, accurate touch from both the midrange and beyond the arc. Smith showed textbook mechanics, the ball left his fingertips with consistent arc, rotation, and a soft landing that made every shot look like it was going in. His hot spots were the left corner and mid-post, where he confidently rose up off the dribble with a slight fade or knocked down catch-and-shoot jumpers off hop and 1-2 footwork. Always balanced, always vertical, his jumper was clean, repeatable, and efficient.

The Class of 2028 is already showing early signs of greatness on the Prep Hoops Circuit, with a growing list of breakout prospects making a name for themselves this spring. While many are still developing physically and adjusting to high-level competition, these players are proving they belong on the radar with flashes of advanced skill, instincts, and impact. Here's a breakdown of the 2028 breakout prospects making waves on the Prep Hoops Circuit this season.