High Expectations for these 2028s at the Sophomore Showcase

We're a few days out from Sophomore ID Camp at Gold Crown on Sunday, September 7th. This is a chance for the top prospects in the 2028 & 2029 classes to go at it and prove that they belong amongst the top prospects in their respective classes. Rankings will be updated by the end of the month using what we see at the event as a key baseline for players we're familiar with, and add new names to the list that we have not seen, so now is a great opportunity to see these players compete. These players took advantage of the opportunity and will be heading to Gold Crown for the Sophomore showcase. Here's what we expect to see when they step on the floor.   If you still plan on getting out to the event, there's still time. Use code “JohnsonHoops25” at checkout for a discount.(<a href="https://events.prephoops.com/e/1590/register/colorado-sophomore-id-camp">Here)</a>    What we know:   We know that Cruz is a wing with good size who played varsity as a freshman. He was a core member that will have high expectations coming into his sophomore season, and this will be a chance to prove that he belongs amongst the top players in his class. We also know that he was a valuable piece for [program_tooltip program_id='2836105' first='Pluto' last='Prospects'] that the offense ran through at times due to his versatility. That versatility should make him a difference maker.   What we'd like to see:   We'd like to see if that size and skill translate in a free-flowing setting where he has to go out and make plays happen. I want to see how much of it is instinct and not having plays run through him if he's able to affect the game. With his size and ability to plan on and off-ball, we'd like to see him score a bit more as well as defend both guards and bigs. He should be able to make an impact on the day as a two-way standout. Big opportunity for him to prove himself and rise.     What we know:   What we know is that Ulmer was one of the best scoring freshmen in the state a season ago. He is a good-sized guard who attacks off the dribble but also can play off-ball and put points up from deep as well. Ulmer seems to score with ease and has a very mature game that will only get better. This will be a big season for him as he tries to get some wins on the board for his team, but we like what we saw from him over the summer as well.   What we'd like to see:   I'm thrilled that [player_tooltip player_id='2382300' first='Jordan' last=''] is heading down to the showcase. [player_tooltip player_id='2382300' first='Jordan' last=''] will be one of the best scorers in the Springs this season and is a player that I don't think the class knows much about, but it's been great to see him come down and compete with players from across the state to put them on notice. I'd like to see Ulmer continue his scoring barrage, but also to back that up with playmaking. I want to see how he looks alongside other top players in the state and see if he's able to keep up that production when he's not the focal point of the offense with everything going through him. I also want to see what kind of competitor he is. He comes in outside of the Top-20 players in the class in the last update, but with a big showing at the event, that certainly changes. This is a big opportunity for him to rise.     What we know:   What I got to see in reviewing film from his freshman season, as well as this summer, is that Proctor is one of the best creators that we have in the class. His pace and ability to impact the game offensively have him as one of the most intriguing players that I watched this summer. He breaks defenders down off the dribble, finishes from all three levels and is also an aggressive scorer. He gets to where he wants on the floor and is in complete control with the ball in his hands.   What we'd like to see:   What I'd like to see from him is for him to play with a chip on his shoulder and show that he can manipulate the game on both sides of the ball. I want him to go after opposing guards and whoever steps in front of him. He's one of the top-ranked players in the class, but I'm sure he wants to rise. Prove it. Dominate against guards by picking them up full court, scoring on them as well as getting other teammates involved. I think his playmaking is one of the most underrated and talked-about parts of his game as he sees the entire floor and can pass a player open. I would just like to see more of that. We get to see him in spots where his team is playing with a big lead and he's surrounded by the top players in the state alongside him, and this gives him a place to show that it doesn't matter who he's with, his game translates. Proctor is a player that I am anxious to see play this upcoming season, and this is a chance to see more of him.     What we know:   What we got to see from Kayden over the summer is that he's one of the most intriguing players in the entire state, and in my opinion, has the highest upside of any player. He's 6'8 and mean. He finishes inside the paint and seems to play with joy. He looks like he loves to compete, and it is not shocking that he's getting out to the event to go at it with the other players in the class. This is going to be a HUGE year for him, as I believe the offense will run through him for Cherry Creek, and he's a player that will turn plenty of heads in the next few months, so might as well start with a big showcase.   What we'd like to know:   I'd like to see just how good he is in a setting where he has to go out there and go get it for himself. I want to see if he's willing to show that nobody can hang with him down low, how consistent of a scorer that he is, and if he has that take-over factor in him. I've only seen Kayden in situations where his team goes up big and they take their foot off the gas a bit, but in a showcase setting where I expect games to be close with everyone battling for attention, I want to see if he wants to blend in or stand out. Kayden has already shown me that he deserves to be much higher than he is on the rankings, but just how high can be determined with a big day. Excited to see Kayden in this setting.     What we know: We know we made a mistake in not adding Samuel to the last set of rankings. But with what we saw from him this summer in multiple games and tourneys is that he belongs up there with the best of them in the class. Samuel has high upside as a 6'4 rangy scorer that also rebounds at a high level. He uses his size to finish inside, gets out in transition and finishes, and is a multi-dimensional defender that you can build around. I like that Samuel is not afraid to go up with anybody they put in front of him, and we'll get to see him compete with some of the best players in his class.   What we'd like to know:   I'd like to know what Samuel looks like with other solid guards around him as well as big man going after him that will also match up with his size. He's going to be in the ultimate prove-it spot as a player that not many in his age group have been able to see too much of, but we've got to see him excel this summer by playing up with 17s. I want to see if he decides to still be aggressive, battle defensively, and compete on both ends of the floor or if he takes this as just a spot where he wants to fit in. Never just fit in.

We're a few days out from Sophomore ID Camp at Gold Crown on Sunday, September 7th. This is a chance for the top prospects in the 2028 & 2029 classes to go at it and prove that they belong amongst the top prospects in their respective classes. Rankings will be updated by the end of the month using what we see at the event as a key baseline for players we're familiar with, and add new names to the list that we have not seen, so now is a great opportunity to see these players compete. These players took advantage of the opportunity and will be heading to Gold Crown for the Sophomore showcase. Here's what we expect to see when they step on the floor.