While these players are still a year out from high school, there was plenty of talent amongst the 2028 group at the Generation Next All-Star Camp on Sunday. Here are some of the players that stood out the most to me. 

Charles Hardiman II – 2028 – G – 94 Feet Elite

While still in middle school, Hardiman has size in the backcourt at 6’0” with a good skill set to impress throughout the camp. He is a skilled scorer, doing much of it getting all the way to the basket with ease but also hit some jumpers. With his size and skills, he was impacting the game in numerous ways. He was one of the better rebounders of the camp and also showed the ability to defend anyone on the floor effectively with his size and quickness. 

Luke Loughlin – 2028 – G – Limitless 

The point guard showed off his high skill level throughout the day. A smart playmaker with the ball in his hands who scored and distributed the ball both well. Loughlin greatly impressed with his ability to quickly rise up and hit shots off the dribble from both the mid-range and three at a high percentage to be one of the better shooters of the camp. As well he was often getting into the defense and making good quick decisions to set up teammates. 

Michael Rivera – 2028 – PG – Chicago Demons

With his exceptional play, Rivera was an easy pick for the for the floor general award. Even at a young age he showcased great point guard skills throughout the camp in addition to scoring it himself and playing tough and energetic defense. Rivera handles the ball and with his quickness was often getting all the way to the basket. On the attack, he was also looking to facilitate the ball and has very good vison on the move. 

Ethan Vahl – 2028 – PG – Illinois Flight

After an impressive performance while playing up at the Futures Camp on Saturday, Vahl earned 2028 co-MVP honors the next day here. The 6’0” eight grader has incredibly advanced point guard skills. Throughout the camp Vahl greatly impressed with his vision, passing ability, and ball handling but also scored the ball well himself getting to the basket and hitting outside shots too. Vahl continues to show his great skill set and very consistent game. 

Vinnie Walker – 2028 – PG – The Lakers

Throughout the camp Walker dazzled with his play with the ball to earn co-MVP honors at the 2028 level. He is an incredibly skilled point guard that moves so well with the ball in his hands getting wherever he wanted. While he scored it effectively pulling up in the mid-range or finishing around the paint, he stood out even more with his distributing ability. He showed a great ability to read the floor and also use his great passing skills. 

Taaj Whitlock – 2028 – G – Gain Elite

Earlier this year Whitlock has proven to be an incredibly skilled scorer while playing with Gain Elite and that continued into this event for the 5’10” guard. With his knockdown shooting ability hitting threes both off the dribble and catch, Whitlock won the sharpshooter award for this camp. Much more than just a shooter, Whitlock is a skilled all-around scorer who also plays extremely well off the dribble.