The 2028 Class — Kansas’ Fastest-Rising Names Entering June

The 2028 class in Kansas is home to several talented and highly regarded names, many of whom have grabbed attention this spring. I'll take a look at ten players I believe have made some of the biggest impact and growth, helping set the pace as some of the top names in the state. The spring was extremely productive for this group, and expect that momentum to continue rolling into the summer.    McKinney, now reclassed to the 2028 class, has potential that trends through the roof when you pair his size and length with the way he moves. The spring has been good to him, as he's competed against tough competition alongside strong players from both Missouri and Kansas. He's playing with much more strength around the basket and has consistently been able to establish position on the interior. He's added size and strength, allowing him to be more effective on both ends of the floor and hold up against different body types. Ben can finish over either shoulder and shows good touch around the basket. He's also effective offensively at countering defensive coverages and reading where openings are developing. Defensively, he's erasing shots and consistently closing out possessions with solid rebounding.     A name many are probably not familiar with yet, Brown has made a case as one of the more intriguing and rapidly ascending prospects in the state. He's used this spring to elevate his game and push himself against tough competition while playing alongside some of the better players from the Kansas City metro area. Kaiden impacts the game all over the floor — whether it's with his back to the basket against smaller defenders or from the wing where he can both shoot it and drive effectively. His long frame and active motor put him in the middle of the action regularly, and he does it with an unselfish, team-first approach. Brown can really shoot it from deep and finds space behind the arc by moving and relocating well off teammate drives. As he continues to fill out his frame this summer, he could take an even bigger next step, positioning himself well heading into the winter season.     Butler, another interior presence, has arguably seen the biggest growth in the state over the last year. He's shown he can play both inside and out offensively and continues to gain confidence the more he plays. Aiden likes to finish over his right shoulder, but he's also been extremely aggressive on the offensive glass, consistently creating extra possessions. His range has stretched beyond the three-point line, and he's finishing above the rim in the open floor on a regular basis. In ball screen actions, he can either pop to space or roll hard to the rim, putting defenses in difficult situations. He's also an effective defender, protecting the rim with his length and timing while showing he can switch onto perimeter players when needed.     The do-it-all wing, Dooley's game revolves around toughness and grit — two things that have stood out firsthand this spring. With everything Joey brings to the floor, he's a positionless piece who checks a lot of boxes. Offensively, he's at his best as a slasher, getting to the rim and finishing through contact while generating plenty of production at the foul line. While he can also facilitate and get others involved, it's his defense and intensity that move the needle the most. He's extremely active and plays with both intelligence and effort — defending multiple positions, hitting the floor, and going after what feels like every loose ball and 50/50 possession.     For what Garcia may lack in size, he more than makes up for with his quickness and explosiveness. With the ball in his hands, he's a blur, darting in and out of defenses and getting wherever he wants on the floor. His handle is elusive, allowing him to create space and attack gaps with great pace. Croix has shown this spring that he can operate effectively in ball screen actions and really shoot it when left open. In transition, he gets from end to end quickly, often finishing off two feet while avoiding contact in the process. Defensively, he also plays with a chip on his shoulder and challenges opposing guards with his quick feet and anticipation, often blowing up actions before they even get started.     Length and versatility are the first two words that come to mind when talking about Navarro. The model of consistency, the spring has seen Gaige operate as a walking double-double — almost always making an impact offensively and on the glass. He has a knack for finding openings, whether it's cutting off the ball or playing in ball screen actions where he can pop or dive to the rim. The game appears to be slowing down for him, as he's seeing and feeling things develop before they happen. His perimeter shooting has really taken off as well, as he's hunting his outside shot more often and connecting at an effective rate. Gaige is also handling the ball in the open floor and finishing through traffic, often getting to spots on the floor where he's most comfortable and confident. Defensively, he's been just as versatile — defending every position on the floor and turning away shots around the rim.     Walker, long and rangy, looks like a prototypical next-level guard with his combination of size and skill. While he's always been able to score the ball, this spring has seen him take things to another level. His smooth left-handed stroke from the perimeter has continued to show up, but he's also been effective rising up from the mid-range and shooting over defenders. Ah'Jaylyn can get to the rim whenever he wants, changing pace and getting downhill where he prefers to finish with his left hand. At his best finishing off two feet, he brings a blend of power and finesse that allows him to succeed in a variety of situations. When engaged defensively, he can also shut down perimeter players with good lateral quickness and active hands that create turnovers against opposing guards.     Poulsen is another known commodity in Kansas who continues to roll this spring as a heady, crafty lead guard. His release looks noticeably quicker, as he's catching and shooting from deep with more urgency. Keenan also finds openings off ball screens, where he likes to get into the paint and exploit cracks within the defense. His finishing is unique, as he can score from different angles and use either hand around traffic. Poulsen continues to use his body to create and maintain advantages with the ball, allowing him to control tempo and stay in positions where he can manipulate defenses. He's steady and consistent, showing this spring that he's always going to show up and provide a lift.     Dashiell is beginning to look the part — his body is filling out, he's added strength, and he's playing with much more explosiveness this spring than we've seen before. He's been a force in transition, sprinting the floor and attacking the rim with authority. He's also flashed as a slasher, showing he likes to attack from the wing, where he can get downhill and pressure the basket. Zach has also provided a passing and facilitating element this spring, while also showing he can bring stability as both an on-ball and help defender, including multiple chase-down blocks. If his perimeter shooting takes another step this summer, he's a player who should continue trending upward and generating plenty of interest in the process.     Hands down the best player in the 2028 class in Kansas I've seen this spring, Barrett just continues to get better and improve at a rapid rate. Most notably, he can get anywhere on the floor and does so in a relatively nonchalant manner. His quick handle and ability to start and stop on a dime consistently break down defenders, putting pressure on defenses to rotate and send help. The way he rejects and uses ball screens also keeps primary defenders off balance — he's always in control. While he's shown a deep finishing package, it's his passing that has also jumped to the forefront. He's finding teammates all over the floor and putting them in great positions to convert. His long-range shooting and midrange footwork continue to add layers to his game as well — there isn't much he hasn't shown this spring.

The 2028 class in Kansas is home to several talented and highly regarded names, many of whom have grabbed attention this spring. I'll take a look at ten players I believe have made some of the biggest impact and growth, helping set the pace as some of the top names in the state. The spring was extremely productive for this group, and expect that momentum to continue rolling into the summer.