2028 Standout Guards at the Bryan Live Period

The PRO16 Finals in Bryan brought the energy, competition, chaos, and many more emotions all weekend long. It was a great experience to witness so many people, fans, players, scouts, and coaches in one spot. Everyone was at the edge of their seat on every court. There were tons of games and I unfortunately could not attend all of them. Here are my standouts from the 2028 class.

Joshua Baba | 6’5 | CG | YGC | Edmond Santa Fe (OK)

Joshua Baba continued to cement himself as one of the top performers in Oklahoma this summer, showcasing the complete package every time he stepped on the floor. It’s easy to see why he recently earned his first Division I offer, and his recruitment is likely just getting started. Baba is a dynamic two-way playmaker who can hurt defenses in a variety of ways. He shoots the ball with confidence from the perimeter, attacks the rim with authority, and has the athleticism to finish above the basket with powerful dunks. Defensively, Baba is just as impressive. His length and instincts allow him to read passing lanes at a high level, generating steals that quickly turn into fast-break opportunities. He covers ground effortlessly, gets down the floor in a hurry, and consistently creates momentum-changing plays on both ends.

TJ Newton | 6’4 | CG | YGC | Edmond Santa Fe (OK)

TJ Newton lived up to his “TJ da Sniper” nickname all weekend, proving himself to be one of the most dangerous perimeter shooters on the floor. The 6’4 combo guard consistently stretched defenses with his ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, displaying a smooth, repeatable release and the confidence to let it fly whenever he found an opening. His shooting forces defenders to stay attached, creating spacing that benefits the entire offense. He competes at a high level defensively, using his size, effort, and instincts to make life difficult for opposing guards. His combination of size, shooting ability, defensive intensity, and high basketball IQ makes him a valuable two-way combo guard with the tools to continue climbing the recruiting ranks.

Mason Lankford | 6’4 | G | BYC Elite 17u | Gruver (TX)

Mason Lankford has been one of the biggest breakout performers on the circuit, consistently proving he can compete and produce against some of the top talent in the country. A 2028 guard playing up with the 17u group all year, Lankford has embraced the challenge and has repeatedly delivered, earning wins over teams featuring five-star prospects and making his presence felt at every level. At 6’4, Lankford brings an ideal combination of size, athleticism, and skill to the guard position. He is a high-level scorer who can attack defenses in multiple ways, knocking down shots from the perimeter while also using his strength and explosiveness to get downhill and finish above the rim. His ability to throw down powerful dunks in transition adds another element to his offensive game and keeps constant pressure on opposing defenses. Lankford is just as impactful on the defensive end, using his athleticism and instincts to create turnovers and generate steals. He plays with great energy, gets out in transition quickly, and consistently turns defensive stops into scoring opportunities.

Christian McFadgon | 6’3 | CG | Cooz Elite | Leadership Prep (TX)

Christian McFadgon put together an outstanding summer, continuing to establish himself as one of the top guards on the circuit. The 6’3 combo guard showcased why he holds a Division I offer, consistently producing at a high level while impacting the game in multiple areas. Over the season, McFadgon averaged an impressive 17.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2 steals per game, proving his ability to contribute as both a scorer and a facilitator. McFadgon plays with a rare combination of smoothness and explosiveness. He is calm and controlled with the ball in his hands, yet has the ability to shift gears instantly. His feel for the game allows him to create scoring opportunities for himself while also keeping teammates involved with smart reads and efficient playmaking.

Cooper Witte | 6’2 | G | Southern Ties | Deer Creek (OK)

Cooper Witte continues to prove why he is one of the most underrated prospects in Oklahoma’s 2028 class. The 6’2 guard is the ultimate weapon for an offense, bringing a high-tempo style of play that constantly puts pressure on opposing defenses. He plays with great pace, keeps the ball tight under control, and has the ability to create advantages every time he touches it. Witte is a crafty attacker who excels at getting downhill and finishing at the rim. His quick bursts of speed allow him to blow by defenders, while his physicality helps him absorb contact and complete tough finishes. He brings an athletic element to his game as well, throwing down powerful dunks that showcase his explosiveness and confidence attacking the basket. His defensive impact is just as impressive, as he applies relentless pressure, stays in front of opponents, and makes winning plays on that end of the floor.

Cam Collins | 6’2 | G | Southern Ties | Norman North (OK)

Cam Collins is a shifty guard who has a knack for catching defenders off guard with his quickness, confidence, and ability to make big plays. The 6’2 guard plays with a high level of creativity, using his handle and change of pace to create separation and get into scoring opportunities. Collins is a versatile shot-maker who can hurt defenses from all three levels. Whether stepping into a deep three, pulling up in the mid-range, or attacking the basket, he has the confidence to take and make difficult shots. His ability to knock down clutch baskets makes him a reliable option when the game is on the line. Beyond his scoring, Collins plays with strong basketball IQ and understands how to control the game. He makes smart decisions with the ball, reads defenses well, and uses his handles to navigate pressure and create opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Mason Stewart | 6’2 | G | Team Oklahoma | Edmond North (OK)

Mason Stewart had a breakout summer, establishing himself as one of the more complete guards on the floor. He brings the ability to impact the game as both a scorer and playmaker, consistently creating opportunities for himself while also elevating the players around him. Stewart is a versatile offensive weapon who can score from all three levels. His shooting ability stands out, as he is comfortable knocking down shots from deep, but his mid-range game is where he separates himself. He has the confidence and skill to create space, rise up over defenders, and consistently convert tough shots in the intermediate area. With his combination of scoring versatility, playmaking ability, and athleticism, Stewart proved he can impact the game in a variety of ways and continues to build momentum as a rising guard prospect.

Deacon Garza | 6’2 | G | Team Oklahoma | Noble (OK)

Deacon Garza showcased the continued growth of his game this summer, bringing a physical and competitive presence every time he stepped on the floor. The 6’2 guard has a strong frame and embraces the physical side of basketball, consistently making his presence felt by guarding tough matchups and putting his nose in the fight on every possession. Defensively, Garza was a tone-setter. He plays with toughness, uses his strength effectively, and takes pride in making opposing guards uncomfortable. His athleticism allows him to stay active on the perimeter, while his physicality helps him battle through contact and make plays beyond his position. He also showed a willingness to crash the glass and contribute as a rebounder. Garza’s combination of toughness, defensive intensity, athleticism, and improving offensive skill set makes him a guard to continue watching as he develops.