A New Era: The Dawn of the 2028 Class
With the dust barely settled on a whirlwind summer AAU circuit, our focus at PrepRadar now sharpens on the future. As the decorated Class of 2027 enters its senior year, the rising junior Class of 2028 is stepping into the national spotlight. Initial rankings are always volatile, a snapshot in time meant to generate debate more than declare certainty. Yet, even at this early stage, a consensus is forming at the apex. The conversation for the top spot in 2028 begins and, for now, ends with two names: Colton Hiller and Xavier Young. This isn't just a classic post-versus-perimeter debate; it's a fascinating clash of styles, production, and long-term projection that we anticipate will define this class for the next two years. Hiller, a bruising interior force from the Midwest, and Young, a silky-smooth wing creator out of the Southeast, have already separated themselves from their peers. They spent the summer dominating the 16U circuits, collecting high-major offers, and giving us a tantalizing preview of a rivalry that could echo the legendary battles for #1 we’ve seen in previous classes. Our scouting team has logged dozens of hours on both players, and as we release our initial 2028 rankings, we’re planting our flag: this is a two-player race at the top, and the journey to the final buzzer has just begun.
Colton Hiller: The Unrelenting Interior Force
At 6-foot-11 with a frame that already looks ready to handle the Big Ten or SEC, Colton Hiller is a throwback force with a modern twist. Playing for the Indiana-based Midwest Elite squad on the Adidas 3SSB 16U circuit, Hiller was a statistical monster. We tracked him at 19.4 points, 13.1 rebounds, and an astonishing 3.8 blocks per game. His impact is immediate and visceral. He’s not simply a space-eater; he is an active, aggressive, and punishing presence on both ends of the floor. Offensively, his footwork on the low block is already advanced for his age, featuring a drop step and a burgeoning right-hand hook that are nearly automatic. What separates him, however, is his relentless motor. Hiller pursues every rebound as if it’s the possession that will decide the game, a trait reminiscent of how a young Dereck Lively II (now with the Dallas Mavericks) impacted games beyond the box score. His timing on weak-side blocks is impeccable, and he changes the entire geometry of the floor for opposing offenses. Guards think twice before turning the corner on a ball screen when he’s lurking. The primary question for Hiller moving forward will be the expansion of his offensive game. Can he consistently knock down a 15-to-17-foot jumper? While he shows flashes, making it a reliable weapon will be crucial for his evolution against elite college and pro defenses. Top programs are already convinced; Duke, Kentucky, Michigan State, and Purdue have made him a priority, signaling a blue-blood battle for his services. You can dive deep into his analytics on the Colton Hiller PrepRadar profile.
Xavier Young: The Silky-Smooth Perimeter Creator
If Hiller is brute force, Xavier Young is surgical precision. A 6-foot-7 wing from Georgia's famed Norcross High School, Young is the prototype for the modern NBA shot-creator. His game is fluid, efficient, and devastatingly effective. Playing with the Atlanta X-Factor on the Nike EYBL 16U circuit, he led all scorers at 25.2 points per game while also chipping in 6.1 assists and 2.1 steals. His most projectable skill is his three-level scoring ability. Young has a lightning-quick release on his catch-and-shoot jumper and is already proficient at creating space for his pull-up off the dribble. He possesses a deep bag of hesitations, crossovers, and step-backs that keep defenders constantly off-balance. What truly excites our scouts, though, is his burgeoning playmaking. He doesn’t just look to score; he reads the floor exceptionally well, using his size to see over defenders and deliver precise passes to cutters and open shooters. We saw him log three triple-doubles during Peach Jam in July 2026, a testament to his all-around impact. The comparison that frequently comes up in our film sessions is a young Brandon Ingram—a lean scoring machine with elite length and a high basketball IQ. Young's next developmental step is on the defensive end. While his length nets him plenty of steals in passing lanes, he can occasionally be too upright in his stance on-ball. Adding strength to his frame will be essential to becoming a true two-way force. His recruitment reflects his style, with programs like Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, and even Overtime Elite vying for the chance to mold his immense talent. Get the complete breakdown on the Xavier Young PrepRadar profile.
The Head-to-Head: Dissecting the #1 Ranking Debate
The debate between Hiller and Young is a classic scouting dilemma: production versus projection, floor versus ceiling, safety versus star power. Hiller's floor is arguably higher. His size, motor, and defensive instincts are elite tools that translate to any level of basketball, providing immediate, tangible impact. A program can pencil him in for a double-double and elite rim protection from day one. Young, on the other hand, represents the higher ceiling. Wings who can create their own shot and facilitate for others at 6-foot-7 are the most valuable commodity in modern basketball. His success is more dependent on skill development, but his potential outcome is a primary offensive engine who can carry a franchise. The two faced off just once this summer, in a packed gym at the King's Classic showcase in Las Vegas. Midwest Elite edged out Atlanta X-Factor 78-75 in a game that perfectly encapsulated their dynamic. Hiller dominated the paint with 24 points, 18 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Young countered with 32 points, 7 assists, and 4 threes. In a pivotal late-game possession, Young hit a tough step-back jumper over two defenders, only for Hiller to seal the game with a powerful and-one finish on the other end. The result did little to settle the debate, only to fuel it. This rivalry has shades of the battle between Marvin Bagley III and Michael Porter Jr., where two distinct archetypes vied for supremacy throughout their prep careers. We believe the #1 spot will change hands multiple times before the 2028 National Signing Day arrives.
Recruitment Landscape and Future Trajectory
The divergent paths of Hiller's and Young's recruitment offer a window into the modern landscape. Hiller's recruitment feels traditional, a battle of established blue-bloods known for developing dominant big men. Kentucky’s pitch will center on its long line of one-and-done lottery bigs, while a school like Purdue will sell him on being the focal point of their system for two or more years, much like Zach Edey was. His decision will likely come down to fit and his desired developmental timeline. In contrast, Young's recruitment is a microcosm of the new age, where NIL and professional pathways are as influential as tradition. While he holds offers from the likes of Duke and Kansas, professional options like the G-League Ignite and Overtime Elite are making significant pushes. Their pitch is simple: bypass the NCAA system and start your professional career early, learning NBA sets and terminology against pro-level competition. This presents a real threat to the college programs pursuing him. The financial component of NIL will also be a massive factor, with booster collectives preparing seven-figure packages. His path is less certain and will be a major storyline to follow. For both players, the next 18 months are crucial. Hiller must add that consistent face-up game. Young needs to add 15 pounds of muscle and commit to becoming an elite defender. Their performances at major events like the 2027 Peach Jam, the NBPA Top 100 Camp, and eventually the McDonald's All-American Game will ultimately decide who finishes at the top.
Bottom Line: The Marathon Begins
As we stand here in August 2026, Colton Hiller holds our #1 spot by the slimmest of margins, based on his sheer, undeniable two-way production and game-wrecking defensive impact. However, Xavier Young's offensive ceiling and creation ability are immense, representing the direction the highest levels of the sport are headed. This is not a sprint; it is a marathon. Our team will be tracking every development, from on-court skill progression to off-court recruiting battles. Who will add new dimensions to their game? Who will perform on the biggest stages? This rivalry is a gift to basketball fans and analysts, a compelling narrative that will define the Class of 2028. The race for the top is officially on.