2029 Rankings Risers We’re Excited About

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our latest ranking update brings several players into focus after strong performances at the showcase. This group made a compelling case for movement, whether through dominant frontcourt play, steady point guard leadership, offensive versatility or defensive intensity. Some have been on our radar for a while, while others made their first real push into the conversation. With the season approaching, these performances gave us plenty to consider as we evaluate where each prospect belongs and which players could continue climbing in the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2986832"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a886933c4f9a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Braketa is a player we are excited to see take another step this season with his past performances helping push him up our rankings. He is a confident shooter who can get hot quickly and put points on the board from all over the floor. What stands out is his ability to compete regardless of the level of competition. We have watched him play up against older opponents and hold his own, while also taking control against players in his own class. That versatility and scoring confidence give us plenty of reason to believe Braketa is trending upward. We expect a strong season ahead</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3564731"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a886b58350bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Okoth first came onto our radar last summer, but his recent showcase performance gave us plenty of reason to move him steadily up the rankings. We already knew he had the ability to put points on the board, but what really stood out was his approach on the defensive end. Okoth played with a clear defensive mindset, stayed locked in throughout his time on the floor and consistently made his presence felt. His ability to impact the game without needing to score every possession caught our attention. If he continues bringing that same intensity and focus, we expect his stock to keep rising</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2819190"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a886b5835130"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hartley is a player whose combination of size and versatility continues to stand out, and his steady development throughout the summer has helped push him up our rankings. We've seen noticeable growth in his fundamentals, along with a growing confidence in what he can bring to the floor. When Hartley gets established down low, he can be extremely tough to match up with, using his size and strength to create problems around the basket. As his overall game continues to develop and his confidence catches up with his ability, we see plenty of room for Hartley to continue making a jump</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2822464"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a886b5835193"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fornes is truly starting to come into his own, and the work he has put in throughout the summer is beginning to show. We already knew he could knock down shots, but his growth has gone well beyond his perimeter ability. He is doing a much better job using his size and length to create advantages, whether that means posting up, finishing around the basket or battling on the glass. Defensively he has embraced the role of a physical interior presence who can protect the paint and rebound. That added versatility makes Fornes a much more complete prospect and a player we expect to keep rising</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3595968"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a886b58351ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ray really caught fire this summer, and his recent play has us excited about what the future could hold. When we first saw him, there was no question he was still a raw prospect, but the flashes were impossible to miss. Now he is beginning to put those pieces together and play with more consistency and confidence. Ray has proven to be a capable guard who can create opportunities for himself and others, while his scoring package continues to stand out. He loves getting downhill, attacking pressure and putting defenders on their heels. His continued development makes him a clear riser</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->