"Built Different: The Dual-Sport Force That Can’t Be Contained"

Dawson Steveson

@DawsonSteveson

IG: @dawsonsteveson

6’4, 225lbs, Class of 2028

Fort Gibson Public Schools, OK

Dawson is a matchup nightmare, plain and simple. A dominant dual-sport athlete with a powerful frame and versatile game, he brings physicality and finesse that makes defenders pick their poison. On the block, he’s a punisher with elite footwork, great hands, and sneaky bounce. He uses his strength and size to create space and finish through contact, gobbling up rebounds on both ends like he’s hungry for more. But he’s far from just a bruiser. Dawson is a pure problem from the perimeter too, with a smooth middy and a quick-trigger three-ball that he rains from deep. Add in his underrated passing, solid ball handling, and ability to guard both inside and out, and you’ve got one of the most complete forwards in his class.

This past season, Dawson averaged 13.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, and the biggest improvement in his game came in the paint. Once known as a perimeter-only shooter, he’s now a dual-threat scorer, bullying his way inside or pulling up with range, keeping defenders guessing on every touch. That evolution helped power his team to a state tournament appearance, one of the most impactful moments of his year. But his hunger didn’t stop there. Playing on the AAU circuit with Team Oklahoma NXT Pro 15U, Dawson is averaging close to a double-double with 15 points and 12 boards per game, focusing on his goal of consistency and dominance in every matchup. Now his eyes are locked on the PRO16 Finals in Bryan, TX, where the best of the best will battle it out.

He’s not just a basketball player but a dual-sport athlete who competes with an edge, intensity, and work ethic that translates across every sport he touches. That kind of motor is rare. Dawson’s focus this offseason is on expanding his ball-handling and guard skills to become even more unpredictable with the ball in his hands. Whether he’s facing a quicker wing or a true post, he brings grit and IQ that allow him to adapt, attack, and impose his will.

I assess that Dawson’s combination of size, shooting touch, and physicality makes him a true mismatch at any level. His versatility as both a stretch forward and low-block enforcer gives coaches a weapon they can plug into multiple systems. His rebounding presence and ability to stretch the floor are instant-impact traits that translate to the next level.

As he continues to elevate his handles and develop more guard-like versatility, Dawson is evolving into being one of the most well-rounded bigs in his class. With his motor, toughness, and multi-sport edge, expect him to keep elevating. He’s not just built to play, he’s built to dominate.