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2028 Forwards to Track for the Future

2028 Forwards to Track for the Future
Thomas Hofler III
Thomas Hofler III September 23, 2025 @ 12:56 PM
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In this article:

Austin
Austin 6'2" | CG | 2027
TX
Aiden Rios
Aiden Rios 6'2" | SG/SF | 2028
TX
Elijah Caranto
Elijah Caranto 2028
TX
Omari Nious
Omari Nious 6'1" | PF/C | 2028
TX
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Forward class for 2028 impressed me during the Prep Hoops Circuit as each of these players made a significant impact when I watched them play for their respective teams. As I recap the top forwards that I watched during the circuit season these players have the potential to expand their games even further as time goes on. It will be interesting to see how these five players develop their own skillsets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2971101,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Brandon Puyor","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Gold Mamba","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d2debf52f64"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brandon Puyor is an effective downhill threat, as evidenced by his scoring prowess at the Spurs City Shootout. Whenever he caught the ball on offense, he made it a priority to create driving lanes for himself. His tall frame allowed him to effortlessly blow past defenders throughout the weekend, resulting in numerous paint points for Gold Mamba. Additionally, he demonstrated his ability to finish through contact while making his opportunities at the line. Defensively, Puyor exhibited remarkable fluidity, as I observed during his team's press. He remained active in the front court, consistently coming up with steals and deflections.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What's Next for Brandon?<br>Brandon's remarkable ability to effortlessly drive to the rim positions him for significant growth in his offensive game in the coming years. This expansion will undoubtedly elevate him to a formidable player on all three levels. Defensively, his potential for further development is immense, especially considering his frame. Within two years of growth, he could possess great positional size!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2817591"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d2debf52fcb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2817591' first='Omari' last='Nious'] played a crucial role in holding down the paint for his L2H [program_tooltip program_id='2075942' first='Texas' last='Tigers'] squad at the Spurs City Shootout. His imposing frame and agility give him an edge over other big men who lack speed. Throughout my observation of his performance, he consistently created easy scoring opportunities at the rim. Additionally, his versatility allowed him to dribble the ball up the court effectively after defensive stops. I particularly liked his ability to defend both inside and outside the perimeter, maintaining a strong presence against opposing ball handlers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What's Next for Omari?<br>The current sophomore at Idea Najim High School is a versatile player who makes a significant impact on both ends of the court. If Omari can maintain his current level of performance, he has the potential to become even more formidable in the future. With three seasons left in his high school career, Omari has the opportunity to further enhance his skills and contribute even more to his team's success on the high school and AAU levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2823230"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d2debf5301a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2823230' first='Aiden' last='Rios'] made a significant impact at the Spurs City Shootout for Gold Mamba's 15U team. Throughout the weekend, he consistently contributed to the team's success by securing numerous rebounds on both ends of the court. His shot-blocking prowess was evident as he effectively contested shots, preventing opponents from scoring. Offensively, Aiden excelled in creating scoring opportunities for himself without the ball. By making himself a target in the paint and hustling for second chances, he consistently resulted in put-backs, further solidifying his role as a key player for the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What's Next for Aiden?<br>Aiden, a sophomore at MacArthur High School in San Antonio, has the chance to demonstrate his potential as a dominant force inside the paint to his coaches. By enhancing his game, he can become even more effective on the court than he already is. I'm eager to observe his growth and development over time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2971106,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Epiphane Affi","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Xavier Educational Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Gulf Coast Blue Chips ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d2debf530ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Epiphane Affi was undoubtedly the best inside scorer and rebounder during my time watching him at the Grind Region Finals! After the Grind Region Finals, I had the opportunity to watch him play even more locally in Houston. Since then, he's consistently demonstrated why he's one of the best paint players in his class of 2028. For instance, during a game at the Blue Chips Invitational, he effortlessly finished plays inside, making it appear effortless against the opposing team. Epiphane can consistently produce double-double performances in any game, and I believe this will translate to the next level. On defense his presence in the paint while standing at 6'9”, significantly impacts the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What's Next for Epiphane?<br>Epiphane will be attending Xavier Educational Academy, where he will have a significant role to play during the upcoming season. He will also have the opportunity to further develop his skills and enhance his game. I am confident that I will continue to witness Epiphane's remarkable growth and progress. Currently, he has an offer from Sam Houston State, but I believe he will ultimately secure more in his high school career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2820054"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d2debf530fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2820054' first='Elijah' last='Caranto'], a player I've been following since his participation in the Spurs City Shootout, has been quite active during the AAU season. His Runovo team traveled extensively and participated in several Prep Hoops Tournaments during the summer. After the AAU season concluded, he joined [player_tooltip player_id='2854586' first='Austin' last=''] High School for the [player_tooltip player_id='2854586' first='Austin' last=''] High School Summer League, where he gained some valuable experience playing with the team. Elijah's offensive prowess lies in his ability to create plays for himself, primarily by driving to the basket. He has a knack for making significant plays during the crucial moments of games, especially when it matters the most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What's Next for Elijah?<br>Currently, Elijah is attending Fort Bend [player_tooltip player_id='2854586' first='Austin' last=''] High School for his sophomore season, aiming to make a lasting impact, especially after a successful summer. I believe that with further development, he has the potential to become even more formidable in the future. His ability to make significant plays speaks volumes about his on-court skills and potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

The Forward class for 2028 impressed me during the Prep Hoops Circuit as each of these players made a significant impact when I watched them play for their respective teams. As I recap the top forwards that I watched during the circuit season these players have the potential to expand their games even further as time goes on. It will be interesting to see how these five players develop their own skillsets.

Brandon Puyor

Brandon Puyor

POS SF
CLASS 2028

Brandon Puyor

Club: Gold Mamba
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Omari Nious

Omari Nious

HEIGHT 6'1"
POS PF/C
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Omari
Nious PF/C
Class
2028
Height
6'1"
HS
Idea Najim
|
TX
2028 Forwards to Track for the Future
Omari Nious played a crucial role in holding down the paint for his L2H Texas Tigers squad at...
Written by Thomas Hofler III
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Omari Nious

State: Texas
School: Idea Najim
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Aiden Rios

Aiden Rios

HEIGHT 6'2"
POS SG/SF
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Aiden
Rios SG/SF
Class
2028
Height
6'2"
HS
MacArthur
|
TX
2028 Forwards to Track for the Future
Aiden Rios made a significant impact at the Spurs City Shootout for Gold Mamba’s 15U team. Throughout the...
Written by Thomas Hofler III
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Aiden Rios

Twitter
State: Texas
School: MacArthur
Club: Gold Mamba
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Epiphane Affi

Epiphane Affi

HEIGHT 6'9"
POS PF
CLASS 2028

Epiphane Affi

School: Xavier Educational Academy
Club: Gulf Coast Blue Chips
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Elijah Caranto

Elijah Caranto

POS N/A
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Elijah
Caranto
Class
2028
TX
2028 Forwards to Track for the Future
Elijah Caranto , a player I’ve been following since his participation in the Spurs City Shootout, has been...
Written by Thomas Hofler III
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Elijah Caranto

State: Texas
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
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