The freshest name to the Top 10 in South Carolina’s 2028 Class is Jamel McKinley Jamel McKinley 6'8" | SF Cane Bay | 2028 State SC . McKinley sat at #80 in his class when I took over the rankings in June of 2025, and since then he has made a couple of huge jumps to find himself at #4 after the summer before his junior year. Jamel’s combination of size and shooting is something that you don’t see every day and should not be discounted. He has gradually improved his handle and ability to hit shots off the dribble, making him one of the more intriguing offensive prospects in the state.

Leading off the list of Palmetto State prospects who made noise at GBCA SE Live is Jamel McKinley Jamel McKinley 6'8" | SF Cane Bay | 2028 State SC . McKinley has been making noise all summer long, earning an offer from Coastal Carolina at their team camp and now one from Paine College after a couple of big games in Atlanta. He opened up the weekend with 26 points on 4 3PM against Alexander (GA), impressing with multi-level scoring at 6’7″. I caught up with Jamel and the Cobras in a win over Calvary Christian (FL) on Saturday, and McKinley caught my eye with his mid-range shot-making, even though his threes weren’t falling. The flashes are there with Jamel, so it’s all about him becoming stronger and more consistent to reach his full potential.

Switching over to the weekend’s marquee event, the USC Team Camp, Jamel McKinley Jamel McKinley 6'8" | SF Cane Bay | 2028 State SC was very bright for Cane Bay before picking up a minor injury. He came out really active on both ends of the floor, showing off an improved handle and the ability to score or pass off of it, along with an ability to create stocks with his length. For college coaches taking early looks at 2028s, he is one to know.

McKinley flashed his high upside with a monster first half on Friday. He dominated with his length, which allowed him to protect the rim, deflect passes, and finish some offensive putbacks. However, what was most intriguing from Jamel was what he did with the ball in his hands on offense. He converted on four of his five attempts from three, and they all looked mechanically sound when he set his hands and feet. McKinley also impressed as a playmaker with a nice pass to the opposite corner and an assist on a big-to-big pick-and-roll.