"The Thunder That Shakes the Court with Fierce Impact"

Grafton Graves

@notgrafton

6’5, 207lbs, Class of 2027

Wilson Central HS, TN

The Thunder enters the building the moment Grafton Graves steps on the court, shaking the game with a presence that stretches far beyond scoring. With fierce strength, explosive energy, and a nonstop motor, he is the definition of a stat sheet stuffer. Grafton is a stretch forward who can scorch defenses from deep or punish them in the paint. He controls the glass with force, protects the rim with great timing, threads dimes with vision, and brings relentless activity that lifts every teammate around him. He can bring rain from long range inside the natural rhythm of the offense or go to work with his back to the basket, where his touch around the rim shines. His IQ is high, his versatility is wide, and his two-way impact makes him a true playmaker who changes the temperature of any gym he walks into.

The numbers tell the same story, averaging 11 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks per game last season. His improved shooting from beyond the arc has unlocked a new layer to his game. This offseason he was focused on quicker speed, stronger agility, and becoming better on ball against smaller guards. Committing deeper to the weight room has fueled his strength, confidence, and overall presence. Coaches can count on him to be a real offensive threat and a powerful paint anchor on defense. He is fired up for battles like Lebanon and driven to push Wilson Central as far as they can go. His energy comes from the entire gym, with players, bench, and crowd all feeding into his intensity because he believes winning takes everyone moving together. He knows adversity hits harder when handled alone, but when a team is connected, everything shifts. The best advice he has taken to heart is that games are never won by one or two players. It takes everyone, or it takes no one. With that in mind, he believes this is set to be a huge year for Central.

Off the court, he enjoys golf and spending time with friends, which helps him balance his life. His recruiting is also beginning to take off. He has one offer from Johnson University with interest from several others. His dream options include Kentucky, UTC, and Florida State as he pushes toward earning a chance to play at the next level.

I assess that Grafton offers a valuable combination of size, shooting touch, rim finishing, glass control, interior scoring, passing, and defensive activity that strengthens a college program immediately. His ability to space the floor while anchoring the paint defensively gives coaches freedom in their lineups. Add in his help-side awareness and willingness to involve teammates, and he becomes a multi-layered piece that elevates the entire roster.

As his agility, foot speed, and defensive quickness continue to improve, Grafton’s rise will only become stronger. His mix of expanded range, inside power, and all-around production sets him up for a promising future. With his hunger, team-focused mindset, and nonstop work ethic, he has long-term potential that keeps climbing and the ability to become a true difference maker at the next level. Stay tuned for a breakout season ahead.