Craft, Smith Top 2028 Kansas Rankings — Breaking Down the Top 15

As we now move into the top five of our rankings, we see the best that the state currently has to offer in the 2028 class. While there are a couple of ties in this group as well, all of these names have put themselves in great positions as they enter the fall and should continue to rise through both development and production.   Let's take a look at what these guys did this summer and how it sets them up moving forward.   5 (tie). Ben McKinney | 6'11" Forward | Sunrise Christian   McKinney, a reclass to the 2028 class, has taken big strides over the past year while playing for both Sunrise Christian and [program_tooltip program_id='2078454' first='KC' last='Run GMC']. This summer, he looked so much stronger around the rim as both a finisher and rebounder, showing that he can hold his own physically and not get pushed around.   He is really starting to embrace playing with his back to the basket, showing that he can turn over either shoulder while also playing with good vision and finding cutters and shooters. Ben's length also showed up defensively, as he has the ability to protect the rim and affect opposing bigs on that end of the floor.   The ceiling is still really high for him right now, and I think there is still a lot he can add to his game this year, which might be the scariest thing about him. He will be back at Sunrise Christian this winter and currently holds offers from California and Akron, but I expect that list to grow soon.   5 (tie). [player_tooltip player_id='2820767' first='Brendan' last='Barrett'] | 6'3" Guard | Lawrence Free State   I have Barrett right there with McKinney right now. Brendan's game this summer took another noticeable leap thanks to added strength and explosiveness. He's really elusive as a ball handler, almost getting to his spots at will and forcing defenses to shrink and rotate.   While he excels playing out of ball screens and can score from all three levels, I would say one of his biggest assets this summer was his passing and overall feel. He's playing much more unselfishly, and he sees the floor extremely well while also being comfortable passing with either hand and recognizing plays well before they happen.   While he will be back at Free State leading the charge, I expect to see continued growth from him this winter, and Barrett's name should be well documented and followed throughout the season. After picking up early Division I offers from Jacksonville and Weber State, I think more programs from around the region should join the conversation soon.   4. Owen Laver | 6'6" Wing | Monarch Academy   Laver is another new name to the state of Kansas, as he will play with Monarch Academy this winter. The true wing has a strong and sturdy frame that really allowed his game to flash defensively this summer. He's quick and active as an on-ball defender, while also bringing strength around the rim as a rotational defender and rebounder at times.   Offensively, he's a knockdown perimeter shooter and has a knack for hitting clutch shots, but it was his slashing this summer that really moved the needle. It shows an added element to his game offensively, as he's able to slash to the rim and play off two feet through contact. His ball handling is also underrated, and he should provide value as a secondary creator and facilitator.   He currently holds offers from Sacramento State and Oklahoma State and should continue to attract eyeballs while playing around some of the top names in both the region and the country. With his combination of shooting, physicality, and versatility, Laver has a chance to make a strong impression in his first season in Kansas.   3 (tie). [player_tooltip player_id='2683034' first='Hudson' last='Hatch'] | 6'10" Forward | Monarch Academy   When you mention the top names in the state, Hatch is right there. He's a legitimate 6'10" big with length and skill, not to mention a high IQ and understanding of the game. He has really good footwork around the rim and knows how to find space in one-on-one situations when operating on the low block.   I would say his biggest strength this summer was simply his feel and skill playing out of ball screens. He understands angles and knows how to free guards to get downhill, while also recognizing defensive coverages as both a roller and a popper. Hudson shoots the ball well from long range and shows confidence along with a smooth release when left alone.   His length and timing are also huge strengths defensively, as he can cover up the interior and allows him to have success when defending ball screens. His recruitment has really blown up over the past few months, as he now has offers from Indiana, Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech, Campbell, College of Charleston, and Richmond.   3 (tie). Jordan Hopkins | 5'11" Guard | Sunrise Christian   Hopkins, now at Sunrise Christian, is one of the nation's top lead guards, and you can see that with how he commands play on the floor. Jordan's pace and ability to consistently get paint touches are invaluable, as he forces defenses into tough situations on a regular basis.   The lefty is a strong and explosive two-foot jumper, especially when finishing around the rim. He also shoots the ball well both off the bounce and off the catch, creating a guy who is more than comfortable playing on or off the basketball in different situations. He can explode to the rim in transition while also flashing surprising strength, especially in his lower half, against defenders who try to be physical with him.   He has his choice of opportunities at the next level, with offers from Auburn, Florida State, Georgia Tech, LSU, Missouri, Virginia Tech, San Jose State, and Georgetown. With his ability to control the pace, create advantages, and impact the game in multiple ways, Hopkins should continue to thrive and turn heads playing for the Buffaloes this winter.   2. [player_tooltip player_id='2916369' first='Isaac' last='Smith'] | 6'6" Wing | Monarch Academy   Physically, there isn't a player on this list who has grown and developed more than Smith over the past year. He's shot up to a legitimate 6'6" with tremendous length and a much more noticeable athletic ability. Isaac is smooth with the ball in his hands, especially in transition, while also showing the ability to play with his back to the basket at times.   He's crafty with his use of fades and different footwork inside, allowing him to rise up and shoot over smaller defenders whenever he wants. His midrange shooting off the bounce also impressed this summer, as he's able to create space with his body or pull up quickly to get his shot off. He's more than capable as a deep shooting threat as well, especially when he's able to catch and shoot.   That same length could allow him to really develop into an interchangeable piece defensively who can be used in a number of different ways. He's still got a lot of room to grow and fill out physically, and his already long list of offers should only continue to grow. Right now, he has offers from Arizona State, Cincinnati, Indiana, Mississippi State, NC State, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion, and Georgetown.   1. Brielen Craft | 6'2" Guard | Monarch Academy   My top 2028 name in Kansas is a recognizable one, Brielen Craft. Craft, a top-50 national recruit, just doesn't have many flaws in his game, as he can do it all, especially when it comes to running the show offensively. He plays with a confident and calm demeanor and is the type of guard who just looks like everything comes effortlessly to him on the floor. He plays with no wasted movements, getting to his spots quickly and efficiently while understanding how primary defenders are trying to pressure him.   He changes pace really well and can rock defenders to sleep before exploding past them. Craft is also a strong perimeter shooter and plays well in transition, as he can spray the ball around to shooters or kick it ahead to give teammates chances attacking the rim. He looked most comfortable this summer playing out of ball screens or dribble handoffs, where he was able to create advantages and space on a consistent basis.   As Brielen continues to add strength and athleticism, he should continue to add different elements that will only help his game moving forward. Right now, he has offers from Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kansas State, Miami, Georgia State, Tulane, Incarnate Word, and Hampton.

As we now move into the top five of our rankings, we see the best that the state currently has to offer in the 2028 class. While there are a couple of ties in this group as well, all of these names have put themselves in great positions as they enter the fall and should continue to rise through both development and production.

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Craft, Smith Top 2028 Kansas Rankings — Breaking Down the Top 15

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