2028 Impact Frontcourt Players to Watch

Fresh off earning Forsyth County Tip-Off Club Newcomer of the Year honors, Elson carries his strong play right into the travel season. Ben may not overwhelm with flashy highlights or loud theatrics, but he consistently impacts games because of how fundamentally sound and steady he is. He's substance over sizzle. The West Forsyth wing simply knows how to play.   At 6-foot-3, Elson comfortably operates both inside and out. He understands spacing exceptionally well and constantly positions himself for quality looks. Ben cuts hard without the ball and has a knack for sneaking into open areas for easy baskets. Around the rim, he shows soft touch finishing through traffic, and that same touch extends beyond the arc where he proves capable as a perimeter shooter. He doesn't rush possessions and always seems to remain under control offensively.   What makes Elson intriguing is his versatility. He recognizes mismatches quickly and knows how to attack them. Against smaller defenders, he's comfortable posting up and using his strength and footwork around the basket. Against bigger defenders, he puts the ball on the floor and attacks off the bounce with sneaky athleticism. He doesn't waste movement and plays with a mature pace that allows him to consistently make smart reads.   Defensively, Elson competes and uses his length effectively around the paint. His overall game continues trending upward because he impacts winning in multiple ways without forcing action. Wings with his size, feel and versatility always find value, and Elson continues proving he belongs among the more productive rising juniors in the area.     The big lefty continues showing intriguing long-term upside. Gordon immediately checks several boxes with his combination of size, mobility and emerging offensive skill. Standing 6-foot-8 with a developing frame, Isaiah moves well for his size and already flashes tools that make him an interesting interior prospect moving forward.   Offensively, Gordon shows comfort operating on the block where he establishes deep seals and creates quality scoring angles around the rim. He displays touch with his hook shot and embraces contact instead of avoiding it. Isaiah finishes strong through defenders and shows toughness battling in traffic. His willingness to play physical stands out, especially for a young big still growing into his body.   What makes Gordon appealing is the foundation already in place. He runs the floor well, occupies space effectively in the paint and rebounds with solid positioning. Defensively, his size alone changes shots around the basket and gives him natural rim-protecting upside. As his strength and confidence continue developing, his production should steadily climb. Bigs with his physical tools and mobility are always worth tracking closely, and Gordon continues trending in the right direction.     Jawona has a massive summer ahead of him, and the tools immediately jump out once he steps on the floor. The South Paulding forward is long, lanky and athletic with the type of frame that naturally creates intrigue. After time away from the hardwood, MJ looks energized and engaged, playing with noticeably improved activity on both ends of the floor.   Defensively, Jawona creates problems because of his length and quickness. He's disruptive at the top of the press where his wingspan swallows passing lanes and forces opponents into uncomfortable decisions. In the half court, he rotates well as a weak-side shot blocker and consistently alters shots around the basket. His ability to cover ground quickly gives him major defensive upside as he continues developing physically.   Offensively, Jawona flashes versatility and athleticism. He attacks from the wing and high post using long strides and speed to get downhill. MJ looks comfortable facing up defenders and putting the ball on the floor, showing flashes of creativity attacking the basket in transition and in space. He also mixes in turnaround jumpers and continues extending his shooting range to the perimeter. When his confidence grows offensively, his ceiling rises considerably because defenders already struggle containing his athletic tools.   The potential is obvious. Jawona possesses the size, length and mobility coaches covet in a modern forward. If everything begins clicking consistently, he has the ability to become a major difference-maker in Douglasville over the next two seasons.     Hulsey is an intriguing interior prospect with a solid blend of size, mobility and feel. Standing close to 6-foot-7 with lean muscle already developing, the Lumpkin County forward brings a physical presence while still moving comfortably around the floor. He impacts games in multiple ways and continues showing flashes of a well-rounded frontcourt skillset.   Martin does a great job using his body around the basket, especially on the glass where he consistently battles for rebounds in traffic. He runs the floor hard and rewards teammates with easy transition opportunities. In the half court, Hulsey establishes position well and looks comfortable scoring with hook shots around the paint. He also flashes the ability to play above the rim which adds another layer to his interior effectiveness.   One area that stands out is his passing ability. Hulsey sees the floor well for a forward and consistently looks to make the right read out of the post. Whether it's finding shooters at the top of the key or kicking to the corners, he shows a strong understanding of how to move the defense with passing. That feel gives him additional versatility offensively.   Defensively, Hulsey protects the rim effectively and uses his length to contest shots around the basket. His mobility allows him to cover ground well for his size while his physicality helps him hold position inside. With continued development, Hulsey has the tools to become a highly productive two-way frontcourt player because of his size, rebounding instincts and growing offensive feel.