Kansas 2029s — The Top of the Class Is Starting to Take Shape

For many 2029 prospects in Kansas, the spring has provided an opportunity to get their names out there and show they can stack up with other top players in the class from both around the region and nationally. As we head into June, I'll take a look at seven prospects who appear to have pushed toward the top of the state rankings and how they've positioned themselves for big summers ahead.    While McCullough is nowhere near his ceiling, the young big is having a strong spring and consistently brings a versatile and dynamic brand to the court. Jacob is very heady and cerebral on the floor, playing with a feel that makes him look much older than he actually is. He can play with his back to the basket — showing great touch with either hand and a jump hook that's tough to defend — while also stepping out and knocking down shots from the perimeter. He's also an effective and willing screener, helping guards get open and creating downhill opportunities against different defenses. McCullough is additionally a very effective positional defender, rotating and protecting the rim while showing strong instincts walling up and forcing tough finishes over the top.     An effortless player, Gillum's game translates extremely well, especially on the offensive end. He has a smooth left-handed stroke that he can get to whenever he wants and connects at a high percentage from behind the arc. He's a volume shooter, and when he gets hot, he continues to hunt his shot and find openings whether operating with or without the basketball. Trey'Von is also a sneaky athlete, showing he can play in the open floor and hang in the air around the rim as a finisher when needed. Easily one of the top players — if not the top player — in the state for the 2029 class.     Akognon, now regarded as one of the top guards in the state, might be having the best spring of any player on this list. He's extremely difficult to keep in front of when attacking the basket and has seen just about every defensive look imaginable. Once he gets to the rim, he can hang in the air and finish around and through traffic with a lot of success. Josiah is also beginning to use his body more effectively as a finisher, creating separation and playing through contact. He's additionally flashed perimeter shooting, especially in catch-and-shoot situations off the ball, while getting to the free throw line at a high rate thanks to his aggressive, attack-the-paint mentality. He's at his best in transition, where he puts pressure on defenders and gets from end to end with great pace.     Cyrus-Riley is an intriguing player who has taken a step up in competition this spring, playing against some of the better players from around the region and country. His combination of length and skill pairs well with his growing athleticism on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he makes his presence felt with his ability to challenge shots around the rim, turning away a high number of attempts while also moving well enough to defend opposing wings. Le'Gend can also score in tight spaces around the basket, where his length and touch come into play. He's also a very active rebounder, closing out possessions defensively while creating extra opportunities on the offensive end.     Physically, King has an argument as the strongest player in the state in the 2029 class. That strength shows up in his impact as a forceful rebounder and interior presence. Truitt has been composed and efficient around the basket, finishing plays and creating extra opportunities with his motor on the glass. He's also been aggressive in transition, playing well above the rim throughout the spring and converting multiple high-percentage looks with power and explosion. He can also step out and connect from deep, showing a growing perimeter game that he looks increasingly confident in. King welcomes physicality and actively uses his body to create space, whether operating on the interior or attacking the rim off the bounce. He's just as rugged defensively, protecting the paint and blocking shots at a high rate.     Jones has been a known commodity for quite some time now, and his play continues to stand out this spring. He's been steady as a true forward, carving out a role as an interior scorer and rebounder. The ball always seems to find him off the rim, as he plays with strong anticipation and feel as a rebounder, especially on the defensive end. He can finish with either hand around the basket and consistently finds space in ball screen actions. He's also beginning to look more confident operating on the perimeter at times — an area that, if he can add consistently, could make him an even more well-rounded and difficult cover offensively. Braylon looks poised to continue his strong play this summer as the stakes rise against some of the best players in the country.     Dixon looks noticeably bigger and stronger this spring, and he's playing with the ball in his hands more often as a result. He can create and set up teammates while also generating his own offense. He uses his body well to shield defenders and create separation, whether operating in isolation or out of ball screen actions. When slashing, he plays off two feet, getting to balance and using footwork around the rim to finish possessions. Dixon also finds teammates with good vision and reacts well to defensive rotations, understanding when he's drawing help defenders. Quincy has quick feet defensively as well, allowing him to cut off ball handlers, chest up downhill drives, and force opponents into difficult spots on the floor. He's a true two-way guard who continues to add more to his game during this stretch of the year.

For many 2029 prospects in Kansas, the spring has provided an opportunity to get their names out there and show they can stack up with other top players in the class from both around the region and nationally. As we head into June, I'll take a look at seven prospects who appear to have pushed toward the top of the state rankings and how they've positioned themselves for big summers ahead.