Rankings… always a fun topic to talk about when it comes to basketball, and though it isn’t the be-all and end-all, it is a topic that many like to discuss. We have our rankings posted now on Phenom Hoops for 2025, 2026, and 2027, but we can at least start the discussion for the Class of 2028. This past weekend at the Phenom March Madness, scouts and fans had a chance to check out some of the top young talent around the area, with many suiting up for CP3 2028 EYBL this year.
One player that we have watched over the years and certainly has earned his reputation early on is 2028 6’6 Mason Collins from Christ School. He is one that has clearly carved out his name early on with his high school team, being a true contributor at an early age and displaying a strong overall skillset that should translate at the next level.
So, should Collins be considered the No. 1 player in the class early on?
That is a question that many would say yes to, but we also know that rankings change and new names rise. But Collins has a lot to offer at an early age with his 6’6 frame, high IQ and feel for the game, and overall offensive feel. Collins has a fluid and confident release in knocking down shots from multiple levels, including stretching the floor from behind the arc. He can play off the ball and hurt you from outside, or he has shown glimpses of creating and attacking downhill as well. He has the athleticism, the frame, and the versatility that college programs love to see at an early age and with him being so young yet experienced, Collins should only continue to develop and add more to his game.
Even though it is still early, Collins has clearly put himself in the running as the top prospect in the Class of 2028 for North Carolina. He will be a heavily recruited prospect by college programs, and he should be a nationally ranked prospect when those rankings are released by national outlets. And he made it a clear point this past weekend and down the road that he has his eyes set on the top spot.
What Was Said: (Jeff Bendel)
Link: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/bendels-best-phenom-march-madness-3/
“There are a lot of appealing prospects in North Carolina’s Class of 2028, but Mason Collins is arguably in a tier of his own. After being heavily involved as a freshman on possibly the best team in the state in Christ School, the 6-foot-6 wing pivots to being a focal point for a highly talented Team CP3 group. It’s usually easy to recognize and appreciate a player’s dominance at a younger age. However, there is something different about Collins. In addition to possessing excellent size, Collins is a quality athlete with an impressive blend of IQ, skill, and general instincts. He’s comfortable initiating the offense or playing without the ball. Collins is a reliable creator, both for himself and others, with a smooth shooting stroke and terrific feel for making decisions with the ball in his hands. He’s able to score from all levels and naturally cause matchup problems for various types of opponents. Collins can legitimately do it all. Add in the fact that he defends multiple positions and rebounds at a solid rate, and it’s difficult to say anything other than positives. Right now, he has no real weaknesses within his game and will be a high-level prospect given his current trajectory.”