MADE East HSA: 2028 frontcourt eye-catchers (Day 1)

MADE Hoops hosted its annual East High School Academy this weekend in Philly, bringing in a loaded group of over 200 prospects across the 2026-29 classes. After taking in each game set of the opening day of action on Saturday, we'll continue coverage with a handful of 2028 frontcourt prospects who stood out among the crop.    Arguably the top overall performer we saw at camp regardless of class or position, Chwastyk put together two dominant outings while showing the full breadth of his modern inside-out skillset. As he did all EYBL season for one of the nation's best 15U groups, the quickly-blossoming forward controlled the paint on both ends with his length, touch, athleticism, and burgeoning strength. Where he really showed off his upside was with the gradual incorporation of his perimeter game, including multiple deep jumpers off the dribble that are really atypical of players his size at this stage. As he continues blending the entirety of his vast two-way skillset, Chwastyk has a chance to emerge as one of the premier frontcourt recruits in the country in the years to come.     Haysbert caught the eye at times this grassroots season with Team Thrill on the UAA circuit but Saturday offered a nice opportunity to see the full scope of his abilities. With somewhat of an old-school, slow-mo approach, the budding faceup forward was effective using footwork, ball skills, and developing strength to take opposing defenders off the bounce for cerebral drives both in the halfcourt and open floor. He flashed a workable jumper out to the perimeter and brought an overall tough-nosed approach that was appreciated especially in a camp setting. While he's not the most explosive athlete, Haysbert's blend of size and skill should make him a fixture in the Loyola rotation and place him on D1 radars at some point in the future.     Splitting time between Phelps' national and PJAA teams last year, Yue quietly established himself as one of the most skilled and productive young big men in the region. Back from a summer back home in his native China, he stuck out immediately upon first viewing on Saturday with the sheer fact that he's dropped at least 20 pounds from his frame since we saw him last. With his newfound svelteness, Yue was effective at camp while showcasing increased quickness and fluidity off the dribble to go along with his versatile, high-volume perimeter shooting. There remain questions about his long-term defensive fit at the highest levels but Yue's natural gifts on the offensive end should make him a coveted recruit nonethteless in the not-too-distant future.     Coming off a standout performance at CP3 Rising Stars camp late this summer, Mackintosh continues to draw attention with his development in the frontcourt. Having sprouted several inches just recently to his current 6'8" frame, he looks to be putting things together at a steady clip with a blossoming inside-out skillset. Despite an up-and-down camp setting that doesn't typically favor big men, Mackintosh was consistently finding himself in the right spots on either end to capitalize using his size, touch, and natural two-way feel. With flashes of extending out to the perimeter a standstill or pick-and-pop shooter, Mackintosh has a chance to develop into the type of true inside-out threat that scholarship-level programs covet.     One of the bigger surprises on the day, Mwenentanda made the most of his opportunity after making the trip all the way from the Upper Midwest. Originally a native of South Dakota with family roots in the D.R. Congo, the rangy forward stood out immediately with his enveloping length and prototypical high shoulders. Upon further evaluation, he showed off a smooth stroke out to the perimeter with flashes of comfort putting the ball on the deck to make plays. He'll have to work to add strength to his frame, which looks like it still may add a few more inches before all is said and done, but with high-major pedigree (Mwenentanda's sister plays at Vanderbilt) and a strong foundational skillset, the upside is obvious with the emerging forward.

MADE Hoops hosted its annual East High School Academy this weekend in Philly, bringing in a loaded group of over 200 prospects across the 2026-29 classes. After taking in each game set of the opening day of action on Saturday, we'll continue coverage with a handful of 2028 frontcourt prospects who stood out among the crop.