2029 Texas Prospects to Know: 8 Rising Sophomores

The Class of 2029 is only beginning its high school journey, but Texas already features several freshmen with intriguing long-term upside. This list highlights eight young prospects who have the size, athletic traits, or foundational skill set to become names worth following over the next four years. At this stage, development matters more than production, making these evaluations centered on long-term projection rather than current recruiting attention.    Stephenson is one of the more intriguing long-term forwards in the 2029 Texas class because of his combination of size, skill, and feel for the game. At 6'8", he has the versatility to impact the game in multiple ways, whether he's spacing the floor, initiating offense from the high post, or making the extra pass that keeps the defense rotating. His shooting mechanics are clean and repeatable, giving him legitimate floor-spacing upside, while his passing vision stands out for a player his size and allows him to function as a connector within the offense. Coupled with solid athleticism and a well-rounded skill set, Stephenson has the foundation to develop into a high-level two-way forward and is a prospect with significant long-term upside.   ✅ Versatile offensive skill set ✅ Floor-spacing shooting ability ✅ Advanced passing vision     Hines is an energetic lead guard who plays with confidence and keeps the offense organized. He projects as a true point guard capable of pushing tempo while creating opportunities for teammates before looking for his own offense. As he matures physically, finishing through contact and expanding his shooting range should become priorities. His willingness to compete on both ends gives him a solid foundation entering his freshman career.   ✅ Pace and ball control ✅ Lead guard instincts ✅ Competitive defender     Call immediately stands out because of his positional size as a freshman wing. At 6'4", he has the frame to defend multiple perimeter positions while continuing to grow into a versatile two-way player. Offensively, he projects best attacking closeouts, running the floor, and making simple reads within the offense. As his perimeter shot develops, his versatility should continue expanding.   ✅ Wing size ✅ Defensive versatility ✅ Transition scoring     Krajca possesses one of the better young frontcourt frames in the class. His size allows him to impact the game as a rebounder and interior defender while still having room to develop perimeter skills. He projects as a physical screener and rim runner capable of creating easy scoring opportunities. Continued strength development will elevate his overall effectiveness around the basket.   ✅ Interior size ✅ Rebounding upside ✅ Rim-running potential     Smith brings good positional size for a freshman guard and has the tools to become a versatile backcourt contributor. His length allows him to defend either guard position while creating disruption in passing lanes. Offensively, he projects as a secondary creator who can attack gaps and play off primary ball handlers. Developing a consistent perimeter jumper will be an important next step.   ✅ Guard size ✅ Defensive activity ✅ Slashing ability     Johnson owns excellent size and athletic potential for a young wing. His physical profile gives him the ability to defend multiple positions while contributing as a rebounder from the perimeter. Offensively, he projects well attacking downhill and finishing in transition before expanding into a more complete scoring threat. His long-term ceiling will rise as his ball skills continue improving.   ✅ Positional length ✅ Transition finishing ✅ Defensive versatility     Wele has intriguing frontcourt size with mobility that projects well in today's game. He can impact possessions through rebounding, rim protection, and running the floor while continuing to develop offensively. His length gives coaches lineup flexibility on the defensive end, especially as a weak-side shot challenger. Increased confidence facing the basket should broaden his offensive role.   ✅ Length around the rim ✅ Rebounding presence ✅ Defensive upside     Karto provides legitimate size and projects naturally as a paint presence. His length allows him to contest shots without leaving his feet while controlling space defensively. Offensively, his value currently comes from screening, rim runs, and finishing around the basket rather than creating his own offense. Continued footwork development will improve both his post defense and finishing consistency.   ✅ Rim protection ✅ Interior finishing ✅ Paint presence

The Class of 2029 is only beginning its high school journey, but Texas already features several freshmen with intriguing long-term upside. This list highlights eight young prospects who have the size, athletic traits, or foundational skill set to become names worth following over the next four years. At this stage, development matters more than production, making these evaluations centered on long-term projection rather than current recruiting attention.