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Scout Report
Nine offers before most kids can drive, and a frame that already looks like it belongs on a college wing. Will Brunson is the rare 2028 prospect whose game matches the hype around him — smooth, long, and already comfortable attacking mismatches at 6-5.
Background
Brunson comes out of Somerset, New Jersey, before making the jump to IMG Academy, one of the most competitive postgrad-style pipelines in the country. That move alone tells coaches something — his family and support system are willing to chase the best competition rather than stay comfortable at home. Playing against older, more physical talent daily at IMG has sped up his development curve in a way local New Jersey ball never could. It's early in his high school career, but the infrastructure around him is built for a serious climb.
Playing Style
Brunson operates as a wing who can slide between forward spots depending on matchups, and he already shows feel for playing at different speeds. He's not a blur in transition, but he reads the floor well — pushing pace when the lane is open and settling into half-court actions when defenses get set. His handle is advanced enough for a player his age that he can initiate offense in short bursts, attacking closeouts and putting the ball on the floor going both directions. Defensively, his length lets him guard multiple positions, and he shows the instincts to jump passing lanes rather than just reacting. He's still filling out physically, so some of the defensive impact comes from positioning and anticipation rather than overwhelming strength. Overall, this is a connector-type game right now with flashes of a primary scorer underneath it.
Strengths
The frame is the first thing that jumps off tape — long arms, a wiry build that projects well, and the mobility to match. His ball-handling for a player his size stands out, letting him create his own shot off the dribble instead of relying purely on catch-and-shoot opportunities. He's shown the ability to finish through contact around the rim, which matters more than flashy highlights at this stage. Coaches watching tape see a kid who competes on both ends and doesn't take possessions off, which is harder to find than raw talent alone.
Areas to Watch
Added strength will be the biggest swing factor — he needs to get stronger to hold up against physical wings at the high major level without losing quickness. His jumper is still a work in progress in terms of consistency from deep, and tightening that range would open up the rest of his offensive game. Continued reps against elite competition at IMG should help sharpen his decision-making in ball-screen situations, where he's still learning to read coverages.
Player Comparison
His mix of length, handle, and positional versatility draws comparisons to a young Jalen Johnson — a forward who can put the ball on the floor, defend across positions, and grow into a bigger offensive role as his frame fills out. Like Johnson, Brunson's long-term value may come from his ability to do a little of everything rather than one standout skill.
Recruitment
Brunson already holds nine Division I offers, a strong total for a 2028 prospect this early, with Auburn, Mississippi State, NC State, Notre Dame, Rutgers, Syracuse, TCU and Seton Hall among the programs involved. That spread covers multiple power conferences, which speaks to how widely his tape is being circulated already. No commitment is imminent given his class, but expect the offer list to keep growing as he gets more exposure through IMG's schedule. Programs with a track record developing long, switchable wings will likely stay most aggressive in his recruitment over the next couple years.
Projection
Brunson's ceiling at the next level is a high-major wing who can defend three positions and create offense in space, the kind of player modern college systems are built around. If the jumper comes along and he adds the strength scouts want to see, there's a legitimate NBA draft trajectory down the line given the physical tools. Worst case, he settles in as a versatile rotation wing who impacts winning through defense and secondary playmaking — still a valuable college piece even without major stardom.
Updated Oct 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.