The Best Freshmen SF Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>PICTURED: [player_tooltip player_id='1981500' first='Baba' last='Diop']</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shortly after the season wrapped @PrepHoopsTN released our first pass at 2027 Player Rankings. Sure, we provided a Watch List back in November 2023, but those were unsorted. These players are ranked by their long-term potential. Be warned that this freshman class is still new to @PrepHoopsTN with a few exceptions. Much will change in the coming months and years as we watch them in-person and from afar. Expect dozens, even a hundred new additions to this ranking by their graduation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you believe you are one of the best freshmen in TN, then DM <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepHoopsTN">@PrepHoopsTN</a> and share your info/stats/highlights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are the best small forward college prospects in the Class of 2027. The ranking to the left of each player is their SF ranking, not their overall ranking among all 2027 players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2027","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"77247","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"24753","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661c3f4a851eb"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Post Defenders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of the ranked small forwards, some are currently defending the post and some are currently defending the wing. In order to succeed in college all of them will need to be able to guard one or both of those spots. That is why small forward is such a tricky position to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1981500' first='Baba' last='Diop'] </strong>(Brad Beal Elite 15u) was frequently positioned under the rim for Webb-Bell Buckle this past winter, defending the lane. He is getting more positional versatility running with Brad Beal Elite, a program with other like-sized hoopers. Diop will be able to play power forward as a sophomore with the Feet, but center is an option too. With Brad Beal, Diop will meet some strong opponents, talented and tall like him. In 2024, Diop will get plenty of tests to his agility. Watching him play and seeing how he develops is a priority.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2133808' first='Malachi' last='Jordan']</strong> (Ensworth) was the first member of the Class of 2027 to earn a D1 offer. Prior to his freshman high school season, Jordan was offered by Tennessee State University Head Coach Penny Collins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defending the Wing</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2376260' first='Davis' last='Cochran']</strong> (Brentwood) competed with his older brother [player_tooltip player_id='1214939' first='Daniel' last='Cochran']. It is a rare opportunity for a freshman to play alongside a senior, and even more rarely do brothers get to play in the State Tournament. Davis displayed some agility and some skills at a young age, while Daniel signed to University of Chicago for basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2274876' first='Jayce' last='Ellerbrook']</strong> (Dyersburg) impressed with a lightness on his feet. Further, Jayce hit an occasional three-pointer. Ellebrook stands 6-foot-3 and looks to be a possible college wing in time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->