I’ve been to four of the five shoe circuits (New Balance is only one I haven’t gone to yet) and it’s allowed me to get a better feel of each class and the best players nationally. I finished up the May Live Period in Hamilton, Ohio for the UAA Session II stop and I wanted to highlight the deep crop of 2028 talent on this circuit. With five players ranked in the recently released 2028 ESPN 25, after watching these guys multiple times, it makes sense why they are on the initial list and there’s a case one or two more are good enough to be on there.
Here’s my evaluations on the top 2028 prospects in UAA:
Myles Hayes, 6’5 SG – Atlanta Xpress 15UThe highest ranked ‘28 at No. 9, Myles is the son of former NBA’er Jarvis Hayes. He’s a big-time athlete that throws down dunks, makes athletic plays on both ends and is great with cuts. Good position size, athleticism with emerging shot creating and play-making chops.
Adan Diggs, 6’4 CG – All In Elite 17UDiggs is right behind Hayes at No. 10, he’s an impact player for his team on the 17U level. Diggs has good positional size with nice pull-up game. Showed counters on drives and changes speeds. Diggs high degree skill level and positional size makes him arguably the best guard in the country.
Quinton Wilson, 6’3 CG – TGE 16UWilson is right behind Diggs at No. 12 and he’s an Electrifying guard that’s an explosive athlete. Shifty off the bounce and has a quick first step. Very good in transition and the open court as a decision maker/scorer. Wilson is one of the upper echelon prospects in 2028
Xavier Young, 6’8 C/PF – Texas Impact 16UBig post with mittens as hands. Young is ranked No. 19 and he’s equipped with long arms, good footwork and touch on the block and has promise as a midrange and 3-point shooter down the road. He just turned 15 in March.
Tai Bell, 6’2 SG – SOH Elite 16UBell rounds out the list at No. 25, as he’s the son of former NBA’er Raja Bell. Skilled guard with advance feel for age and knows how to play. Reads defenses and knows how to get to spots to score. He has a good post-up game as well, utilizing it to generate space to launch or find an angle to drive. Enjoy seeing the edge he plays with, as it reminds me some of watching Raja!
Other 2028 Notes
Isaiah Hamilton, 6’7 SF/PF – Canada Elite 15UWas my first time seeing Hamilton and I was very impressed. Big wing with freakish vertical pop. Has a functional handle, jumper looks good and is confident shooting from deep. He’s arguably the best leaper in the 2028 class.
Stra Zelic, 6’10 Riverside Hawks 16UTall and skilled, Zelic has a chance to be really good and showed touch off hooks and mid-range jumper. Mobile and solid at using length to protect the rim. Super high ceiling.
Gulf Coast BlueChips 15’s Go 4-0
GCBC recorded a flawless record in Ohio. Fun group to watch as Bryson Campbell headlines the group. A confident, stocky guard that is an efficient shot maker. Maverick Curl-Okafor is a wing that’s versatile. High motor prospect that’s an adequate driver, rebounder mid-range shooter. Big man Epiphane Affi is intriguing. Gets off the ground quick and albeit raw, he shows flashes of being a high level play finisher and rim protector.
