Spring’s First Impressions, Part I — Regional Names on the Radar

The 2028 class across Kansas and Missouri just keeps getting deeper, with more names starting to rise and show real growth as the spring moves on. You can see the development happening — guys are putting things together, improving their games, and starting to stand out more consistently. Take a look at some of the names below, and you'll get a better sense of what they bring to the table and why they're pushing toward the top of the pack.    McClure's rise has reached another level this spring as he continues to look the part both physically and athletically. His length and long strides really show up in transition, where he's able to cover a lot of ground quickly and consistently get downhill to the rim. Kadence is at his best when slashing to the basket, but he's also shown the ability to crash the offensive glass and create extra possessions. One of the more notable parts of his development has been his ability to use different pickups when navigating around defenders or through heavy traffic, which is starting to set him apart from other players in his class.     Navarro's production this spring continues to reach new heights as he's been a force both inside and out. With the way he impacts the game, he's hard to miss on the floor. His ability to stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting opens things up, allowing him to face up and attack off the wing while still being able to play over the top of defenders on the interior. When you put it all together, you're starting to see a legitimate three-level scorer. If he can add some size and strength this summer, he'll become even more intriguing heading into next winter.     The smooth left-handed guard looks better than ever this spring as he's added more explosiveness and feel to his game. Walker consistently plays off two feet when attacking the rim and has shown the ability to rise above it for some powerful finishes. While he can shoot it from deep and in the mid-range, it's his slashing and the way he avoids defenders in the air that really catch the eye. A legitimate two-way guard who can still fill out his frame, there's no doubt he's in line for a big summer of growth and should turn some heads in the process.     Look no further than Poulsen when putting together a list of the top lead guards in Kansas. With a frame that looks like it's starting to stretch out a bit, he's taken a step forward physically to pair with his controlled, pace-driven style of play. Keenan has shown he can handle the ball and make solid decisions against different coverages and defenses, while also committing to the defensive end with aggression and strong instincts. His shooting and footwork on the perimeter might be his best offensive traits this spring, and they've carried over consistently from game to game. As he continues to push himself against high-level competition, you should see him take another big step this summer.     A true scorer, Stiger's offensive package is extensive and starts with his ability to stretch the floor. He can get to his shot off the bounce, but he's even more effective in catch-and-shoot situations, where he plays with good spacing and gets his shot off quickly. Committing to running the floor as well, Greg has been off and running — pushing the wing and getting all the way to the rim, where he can finish with either hand and play around defenders. He should benefit from a strong cast around him this summer and have plenty of opportunities to see scrambling defenses.     While Ferguson is just getting started this spring, there should be plenty of optimism about how he'll trend heading into the summer. The long, active forward should continue building on a strong high school season while showcasing his dynamic offensive and defensive skill sets. Offensively, he can really stretch the floor and create problems for defenses, especially for bigger players trying to defend him on the perimeter. On the other end, he protects the rim and has the athleticism to defend multiple positions, checking a lot of boxes defensively. Nash may have the best opportunity of anyone in the state, given the opponents and level of competition he'll be facing, which should help accelerate his development. You could see an even more influential and impactful player this fall if everything falls in line.

The 2028 class across Kansas and Missouri just keeps getting deeper, with more names starting to rise and show real growth as the spring moves on. You can see the development happening — guys are putting things together, improving their games, and starting to stand out more consistently. Take a look at some of the names below, and you'll get a better sense of what they bring to the table and why they're pushing toward the top of the pack.