Freshman Orientation: 2029 Texas Prospect Outlook!

The scholastic season is winding down here in Texas and with about a month left into the season, I wanted to highlight some freshmen that impressed me in the fall and winter, so far.

This class rates solidly so far, but is not an eye-popping group just yet. Keep in mind, this class has plenty of time to develop and a handful in this group will develop into big-time prospects, while others not listed will be on our radar later on.

2029 Texas Standouts

Felix Okam, 6’7 PF – Grand Prairie: To me, when you look at ideal size, length, athleticism and ceiling, Okam has it all. He’s one of the best freshmen I’ve seen in the country and I don’t see why he can’t stay at the upper echelon for his whole high school career.

Alex Alexander, 6’9 C/PF – Mesquite HS: Another freshman that checks many boxes. Alex’s speed is incredible for someone his height. He has wide shoulders, a strong frame and his skill level is coming along. Once his motor stays consistent, he’ll impact games at a larger scale.

Photo: Ani Umana/Athlete AI

K.J. Gabriel, 6’7 SF – Mansfield Legacy: His father is a 14-year overseas player. KJ holds the basketball bloodlines and his best ball is ahead of him. Promising shooter from three that has good elevation and touch with the middy pull. He’s equipped with long arms and he’s still raw and understanding how to impact winning at a high level, but I believe he’ll get there.

London Jackson, 6’5 SF – San Antonio Harlan: London is a sturdy built southpaw wing that shoots it. Him and a few other kids that I’ll mention soon are the best shooters statewide and even nationally are up there with the best. Solid vertical athlete, his feet are on the slower side, but he’s a gamer, adequate relocator and shoots the cover off the ball.

Vijay Keshaav, 6’3 SG – Frisco Memorial: Vijay has one of the highest floors in the state in 2029. Skilled, good at shooting the rock and attacking closeouts to get to the middy pull. He has feel and generally makes the simple, effective reads, but just needs to continue to tighten his handle and let the game slow down for him. That’s part of the development process though and I think he’ll be a more impactful ball-at-hand guard this time next year.

Mike Sorrell Jr., 6’5 Wing – Episcopal School Of Dallas: He’s the other shooter in this class that I like a lot. Has grown over 7 inches in the past year and a half. His body is just adjusting to the spurt so the lack of vertical or lateral pop isn’t too much of a concern for me because I don’t think he’s done growing, either. Sorrell is a big-time movement and standstill shooter that uses his new-found height to launch over defenders.

TJ Johnson, 6’2 PG – Plano: An athletic guard that’s one to monitor. A rangy, wiry guard that’s hard to keep out of the paint. The jumpshooting does need work but he’s quick, knows how to get to his spots and offers several counters when the ball is in his hands. Guys like him turn out just fine.

Thad Young Jr, 6’4 Wing – Hebron: A versatile wing prospect that’s the son of former NBA’er Thaddeus Young. Jr isn’t done growing but he’s a solid standstill shooter, uses his plus length to finish around the rim and bother guys defensively. I think he’s going to turn out to be really good later.

Joseph Creal, 6’5 SF – Mansfield Summit: Has good positional size and a dependable standstill shooter. He’s playing hard, attacking the offensive glass and draws gravity due to his shooting chops.

Justin Reed, 6’3 SG – Plano West: An attacking off-guard with quick first step. Athletic, finishes above the rim and lethal in the open court. He has an array of ways to finish vs. length and I like that he stays in attack mode the whole game.

Braeden Thompkins, 6’4 SF/PF – Summer Creek: An athletic wing that flies up and down the floor and is tough. Plays bigger than his listed height and doesn’t need the ball to impact the game.

Julius Ogunfuye, 6’5 SF – Cy Woods: An elongated wing that has a ton of upside. Makes open threes, uses his length to protect the rim and moves well. As he gets stronger and gets more accustomed to the speed, he’ll get better and better.

La’Marr Henley, 6’1 PG – Houston Yates: A quick, attacking guard that can self create and plays with a high motor. I like his off-ball defensive instincts and the ability to generate his own look.