2028 Rankings Overview: Deepest Since 2021?

The spring and summer following the sophomore season of prospects is a pivotal time. The top players in Oklahoma's Class of 2028 all showed promised and potential leading into this spring. As a group they all choose to rise. They elevated their games to even higher levels over the last few months.   More-so than ever the top five of the rankings are fluid, with it being a deep tier of players capable playing at the highest levels of basketball. It creates a trickle down effect through the top 15. In a normal Oklahoma class, players like [player_tooltip player_id='2638586' first='Kadon' last='Gaines'], [player_tooltip player_id='2464132' first='Scyon' last='Wilborn'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2398309' first='Damonte' last='Owens'] would be around the top 5. But because of the sheer talent level, their ranking feel low. It's nothing they've done wrong, it just comes with the limitations of the "numbers next to names" system.   Along with the three previously mentioned players, there's more prospects in the top 15 who's ranking feels low. Hopefully instead of being discouraged by the number next to name, hopefully the outstanding talent level can be viewed as a gift because "Iron sharpens Iron"   If this group of 2028 prospects stay hungry, take care of business in the classroom and continue to progress on the court; we could see double digits players sign with Division One programs out of high school. Something that has not happened in quite a while.     The Headliners   This group of prospects further supports my belief that in certain tiers, players could be ordered in any combination and I would have no complaints. This is greatly represented in the current top 5. All five of these players have high major traits and potential. They are the torch bearers for this class. If they keep their feet on the pedal, they could propel this class to being special.    [player_tooltip player_id='2677145' first='Rodney' last='Washington'] is the best athlete in Oklahoma. His exploits with AB Elite this spring indicate he's in the conversation for best athlete in the country. How many 2028s in America can in game windmill dunk off two feet? It has to be a short list. When Washington takes off for lobs or putback dunks, he's seemingly looking down into the rim. He's a special athlete and a special scorer.   Washington is still a streaky from deep, but the proof of his development comes with the nasty mid-range game. There's still a bit of rawness to his game, but given his athletic gifts and energy level expect him to continue to rise as a top national recruit.     McDaniel has bet on himself by going a non traditional school route and it's paid off. After cutting his teeth on a national prep schedule, he's been lighting up the Adidas three stripes circuit and continuing to earn prestigious Team USA invites. It starts with elite level perimeter shooting, but doesn't end there. He's a heady player on both ends of the court. The combination of shooting and that headiness has started to open doors to colleges in the most prestigious conferences.     When it comes to impact wining in college, Murry has arguably the best floor in the class. His ceiling isn't too shabby either.   The PCN Panther is a long guard, who brings it on the defensive end. Giving him the potential to be switchable defender at the next level. Offensively he's developed into a quality shooter, and plays well in the flow off offense. It's hard to pin a specific weakness on Murry because he's so good across the board. Has plug and play potential at the next level for the biggest schools in America.     Coleman has grown a bit and started to fill out. With that physical growth has also seen his improvement on the defensive end. He seems to have understand how to block shots and rebound better. The buy in on that end could turn him into the most dominant player in the state. And is a very good indicator of next level success.   The OCA Eagles' game has always been more than just his size and athleticism. In viewings with OCA there's always a couple plays each game he makes that feel unfair given his height. Coleman is a gifted passer with outstanding vision and feel. Then there's time he seems unstoppable off the bounce. With his ability to glide to the rim or pull up from deep. All the tools are still there for Coleman to be an elite national prospect.     The people's champ. Douglas is electrifying to watch because of the sheer passion and energy he plays with. It's more than intangibles that stands out with him. He produces. Points. Steals. Rebounds. Dimes. He makes it happen. A midrange monster in the past, he's still nearly automatic off pull ups. However his streaky three point shooting has started to improve, better helping his long term potential.   "Bubba D" is a master in transition and thriving in the chaos. In those moments he plays like he has eyes in the back of his head or can see the future. There's a lot to like about Douglas. And with an improved jumper, the next step in his evolution comes with better play in the structure of half court sets.

The spring and summer following the sophomore season of prospects is a pivotal time. The top players in Oklahoma's Class of 2028 all showed promised and potential leading into this spring. As a group they all choose to rise. They elevated their games to even higher levels over the last few months.