Rankings are always an interesting discussion point. We know it’s an opinion-based practice heavily predicated on what the viewer values in a player. Some people value a pure scorer more than a true point guard, and assuming the players are of equal level, they could both form legitimate arguments. As we approach the halfway point of the travel ball season, there’s no better time to take a closer look at what young prospects are trending upward. Although we haven’t started the ranking process for the rising sophomores, there are plenty of players worthy of acknowledgement in the Class of 2028. This continually updating series will look at several individuals over these next few weeks (reminder that these are not rankings nor in any particular order) …
6’6 Mason Collins (Christ School/Team CP3)
Although there is no specific order, it would be interesting to hear an argument against Mason Collins holding the top spot. We’ve asserted this sentiment multiple times over the recent months, especially as he’s continued to make a lasting impression during the travel ball season. Collins simply possesses the full package. At 6-foot-6, he’s smart, skilled, and athletic with an all-around game. Collins is such a malleable, low-maintenance player that he’s capable of producing in all types of roles. He can dictate the offense as a primary creator, operate as a connecting piece, or operate without the ball. Collins has virtually no weaknesses in his game. He’s a knockdown shooter who consistently hits jumpers off the catch and bounce while being unselfish and making quality decisions. When opponents closeout hard, Collins is largely unbothered. He’s comfortable attacking closeouts or generating openings for others. Collins is a useful self-creator who doesn’t look to dominate the ball or do too much. Although he’s an efficient scoring option and willing playmaker, he also impacts the game as a defender and rebounder. Collins is able to comfortably defend two or three positions, secure rebounds well for his size, and push the break effectively in transition. Given his high-floor/high-ceiling type of identity, it’s extremely difficult to envision a scenario where Collins isn’t a major prospect.
6’7 Julian Tweedy (Cary Academy/SW15H Elite)
Right now, it feels like more people should be discussing Julian Tweedy as one of the top prospects in his class. The upside should be obvious, but he’s already quite an impactful player. Tweedy is an incredibly long, fluid wing/forward with an enticing blend of skill, athleticism, and inside-out ability for a player of his size. Though he’s still progressing as a creator, Tweedy is already capable of causing matchup problems with the ball in his hands. He possesses some type of athletic advantage against basically every type of opponent. Tweedy’s size and length allow him to dwarf smaller defenders, while his athleticism and ball skills make him problematic for bigger opponents. Whether getting downhill, hitting jumpers, or moving without the ball, he’s shown a lot of flexibility in his offensive arsenal. Tweedy utilizes his motor and physical tools to maintain a consistent rebounding presence on both ends of the floor. That being said, his versatile defensive presence is arguably as intriguing as any trait. Tweedy can already comfortably toggle between three positions defensively, reliably contain smaller guards on switches, and accumulate both blocks and steals at an impressive rate. Tweedy has no shortage of tools or abilities and could easily finish as one of the top prospects in this class.