2028 Fall Update: Rankings Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New 2028s are popping up every day while the names we already new are getting better. Here are a few prospects who are moving up our board:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2815764' first='Kohen' last='Gaines'] | 6'5 F 2028 MOT Charter </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Making a splash from the late summer and into the Fall, Gaines is emerging as a critical name to know in the class. The athletic forward has a strong-but-lean build with the vertical pop to match. His ability to get off the ground with second and third jumps makes him effective around the basket, whether he's going after boards or contesting shots. It also helps him play above the rim and flash the potential to do more on that end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2402317' first='Brian' last='Carey II'] | 5'10 G 2028 Middletown + Cecil Strive </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every time Carey II steps on the floor, he brings a spark that allows him to produce no matter who he's playing next to. As soon as he comes in the game, he's liable to hit a spot-up three or get a steal that swings the momentum in his team's favor. Carey II is a burgeoning floor general as well. No matter the pace of the game, he can get his guys organized and create for them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2380968' first='Nyle' last='Watson'] | 6'0 G Sanford + Uptown Basketball </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watson is a physical guard who gets active. With his strong build, he doesn't shy away from contact when he's getting into the lane off the bounce or at the point of attack on defense. His power and overall athleticism help him play bigger than he is. So he effectively guards up the lineup, forces turnovers, and crashes the boards regardless of his offensive usage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2622948' first='Sona' last='Mukwele'] | 6'4 F 2028 Middletown + Cecil Strive </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite being a below the rim finisher, Mukwele is efficient and has a high motor. His ability to clean the glass makes him a positive contributor whether he's getting 5 minutes per game or 20. It also provides him with opportunities to score without plays being called for him. Mukwele is also a spacer mover, able to set screens or box-out which frees up others to make plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2815390' first='David' last='Woodson'] | 6'2 G/W 2028 MOT Charter + AurHaus</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still far below the radar, Woodson has a chance to be “greater later.” His biggest impact is on defense, where he uses his energy and physical tools to cause havoc off-ball in man or in zone and get deflections and rebounds. That's one of the ways he gets out in transition for easy buckets. There and off the catch in the halfcourt, he's able to stride past defenders to the cup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->