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Scout Report
When a freshman steps onto the court at IMG Academy and immediately looks like he belongs, you take notice. It’s a rarity, a sign of advanced physical and mental development that often separates the truly special talents from the rest of the pack. Will Brunson is one of those rarities, and his trajectory is already pointing straight up.
Background
Brunson hails from Somerset, New Jersey, a significant basketball hotbed, though he's since transitioned to the national prep powerhouse IMG Academy. That move speaks volumes about his ambition and the belief his family has in his potential, seeking out the highest level of competition and coaching from an early age. His AAU background has consistently put him on high-major circuits, exposing him to top-tier matchups and refining his game against national competition. This environment has undoubtedly accelerated his learning curve and prepared him for the spotlight he now finds himself in.
Playing Style
Brunson operates with a smoothness uncommon for his age, dictating tempo without overtly controlling the ball for long stretches. He understands how to flow within an offense, picking his spots to attack or facilitate, often making the right read in the pick-and-roll as the secondary ball-handler or slasher. Offensively, he’s a potent threat from multiple areas, possessing a reliable mid-range pull-up and showing flashes of a developing three-point shot off the catch. His decision-making in transition is consistently good, often making the smart play to an open teammate rather than forcing a contested shot. Defensively, he brings a high motor and good instincts, moving his feet well against wings and showing the ability to recover and contest shots. He projects as a player who impacts the game on both ends of the floor through his versatility and high basketball IQ.
Strengths
What immediately pops on film is Brunson’s positional size at 6-5 for a small forward, combined with his fluid athleticism. He possesses a knack for getting to his spots on the floor, especially in the mid-range where he can elevate over smaller defenders with ease. His defensive awareness and active hands allow him to disrupt passing lanes and generate deflections, which frequently lead to easy scoring opportunities for his team. Coaches will appreciate his ability to play within a system while still finding opportunities to create for himself and others.
Areas to Watch
For Brunson to truly unlock his full potential, consistency in his perimeter shooting needs to become a more reliable weapon. Developing a more explosive first step off the dribble would also open up additional driving lanes, making him even harder to guard off the bounce. As he physically matures, adding functional strength will be crucial to handle contact better around the rim and sustain his defensive intensity against stronger college opponents.
Player Comparison
Brunson's game has shades of a young Mikal Bridges when he was coming up through the college ranks. Like Bridges, he possesses excellent length and defensive instincts on the wing, coupled with an unselfish offensive game that allows him to score efficiently within the flow of the offense. While not quite the high-volume scorer, the defensive potential and efficient offensive contributions align well with Bridges' early career profile.
Recruitment
Will Brunson’s recruitment is already heating up significantly for a player in the 2028 class. He holds nine Division 1 offers from programs like Auburn, Mississippi State, NC State, Notre Dame, Rutgers, Syracuse, TCU, and Seton Hall, which is a strong indicator of his perceived talent. Expect more high-major programs to enter the fray as his freshman year progresses and he continues to develop. Given his national ranking and pedigree, a commitment isn't likely for a couple of years, with many more visits and offers expected before he narrows down his list.
Stat Highlight
Brunson is currently ranked #19 nationally in the highly competitive class of 2028, a remarkable achievement for such a young player. This ranking underscores the widespread belief in his abilities and future potential among scouting services and college coaches nationwide, placing him firmly among the elite prospects in his age group.
Projection
Brunson projects as a high-level Division 1 wing, likely a starter who can contribute immediately as a freshman. His combination of size, skill, and defensive acumen suggests he can fill multiple roles for a collegiate program, from a reliable scorer to a key defensive stopper. His professional trajectory is promising, with a legitimate chance to play professionally, potentially reaching the NBA as a rotational wing if his perimeter shooting and strength continue to develop.
Updated Sep 2, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Rutgers Preparatory School
PREP SCHOOL
Offers
9
Auburn
Mississippi State
NC State
Notre Dame
RutgersOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Social Activity
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My friend @WillBrinson of @CBSSports joins me now @YouBetterYouBet to talk Championship Sunday, Super Bowl 60 and the coaching carousel, and you can watch here: https://t.co/oSrQaB8wuN
Honestly Jim Schwartz deserves another HC look. Much better with Detroit than given credit for
The Bills plan to hire Joe Brady as their head coach, sources tell The Insiders. https://t.co/XOvr8imYJ8
ESPN sources: The Titans are now set to hire former Giants head coach Brian Daboll as their offensive coordinator, contingent upon him not getting the Raiders head coaching job. https://t.co/mvdUyX81fv