Continuing on my series of Texas players to monitor the rest of the scholastic season and into the spring, I named 13 fine players for 2026, I name 11 players that aren’t heavy in the national scene yet as talented Texas sophomores (2028). For this selected 11, these next two years are critical and will go by fast.
Without further ado, here’s 11 Lone Star State sophomores that can make a splash in 2026.
MJ Boyd, 6’2 PG – Grace Prep: A strong bodied guard that’s a physical player. Successful with drives due to initiating contact and creating space. MJ utilizes spin moves to counter the defender and he’s one of the better guard finishers in 2028 nationally. Adequate mid-range shooter that, if he builds consistency with the three ball, can be a tougher one-on-one cover.
Photo: Ani Umana/Athlete AI
Terrell Jackson, 6’8 C – Dallas Carter: Again, these are sophomores, but Jackson’s name is a common one talked about for 2028. There’s another level he can unlock with his game and I believe we are waiting to see him show it. Bigs take time to fully develop; longer normally than it takes a guard, but Terrell has been posting double-doubles recently and showing signs of someone that could stretch the floor at some point. As his skill and confidence increases, in due time we’ll see him turn the corner.
Monta Ellis Jr., 6’3 SG – Prosper Walnut Grove: Son of former NBA’er and 20025 Mr. Basketball USA Monta Ellis. Jr is a natural scorer like his pops and I’ve seen him rattle in 12 points straight without breaking a sweat. I think this will be a big summer for him and he’ll start hearing from more power 4 schools. Remember, his dad went straight to the NBA 20 years ago.
Eric Beard Jr, 6’3 SG – Houston Heights: Name is starting to buzz. A strong and lean guard that plays with physicality and consistent with the pull-up game. Can play effectively both guard spots and can put his name on the national scene this year.
Nehemiah Davis, 6’5 Wing – Faith Family: Has been healing from a torn ACL he suffered over a year ago. Nehemiah was rated prior to the injury as one of the top prospects in 2028, state-wide. A big guard that’s a plus athlete. He’s expected to begin playing sometime during the travel ball period.
Emmanuel Nwabuoko, 6’9 C – Strake Jesuit: Had to play J.V. this school season due to transfer rules, but Emmanuel is a project big man with long arms, adequate mobility and vertical leap. He’s gotten stronger and better offensively over the past year. A vertical spacer that’s one of the top rim protectors in 2028. High ceiling who hasn’t even scratched the surface.
Gavin Peck, 6’3 CG – Boerne Champion: A skilled guard that’s a dependable movement shooter. I like his feel as a live dribble, passer and relocator. I was impressed with his play in July and will take a deeper dive into his game this spring.
2028 6’7 Anthony Key (@FAMeliteMBB) has a real chance long-term.
High-level combination of size, skill and athleticism and still just scratching the surface with his versatile skillset. One of the better 2028 names on the @PRO16League this spring. pic.twitter.com/a7oLsrqzD3
— Ethan Piechota (@EthanPiechota) April 29, 2025
Anthony Key, 6’6 SF – Atascocita: One of the under-the-radar prospects in 2028. It’s early though and on a loaded Atascocita squad, there is not a lot of minutes for him but he does a fine job with the time he gets. A versatile wing that has an intriguing skillset. I like his long-term projection. This upcoming spring and next fall we’ll see him with a higher volume of minutes.
Ryland Groom, 6’2 CG – Duncanville: Has had to play J.V. due to UIL transfer rules, but will be eligible for varsity in about a week. A long armed gamer that can shoot the cover off the ball and has shown improvement with self creating skills.
Aidan Clark, 5’11 PG – Houston Legacy: He’s been stacking the days. Performing well vs good teams and leading the charge for Houston Legacy this season. A compact south-paw that can score it off the bounce. He’s tough minded, confident and doing a better job of knowing when to be in attack mode or let his teammates rock out.
Maverick Curl – Okafor, 6’5 Wing – Manvel: A versatile and energetic wing prospect that has high-end D1 upside in high school. Good athlete, promising shooter that excels in transition or when attacking hard closeouts.
Editor’s Pick
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