2027 Rankings Update - The Backcourt

Earlier this week the 2027 Watch List was released. This was the first look at prospects in that class in New England.   As such, we decided not to rank these prospects, but instead to group them together as we begin to familiarize ourselves with the next wave of basketball talent in the region.   Today, we'll take a look five guards to watch in the Class of 2027, with the knowledge that many more will end up on our radar in the coming months.    The Rhode Island native is a big combo guard that played mostly on the ball at St. Raphael's this winter. Johnson does a good job of pushing the ball in transition, both with the dribble and the pass, and is a tough cover when he can get downhill with speed. He's one of the better rim finishers in this class and already has the physical profile and strength to finish through contact. He has good floor vision, does a good job of finding open shooters, and is naturally competitive. Defensively, he has the tools to grow into a perimeter stopper with his combination of positional size and toughness.     One of the more impressive shooters in the class, Reinertson had a strong showing this winter at Lawrence Academy. Always shot ready on the catch, he has a high release point and a quick and compact shot from behind the arc. While the shooting is the top skill right now, he's a high IQ guard that makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. He's a willing passer, instinctive cutter, and does a good job of finding open passing lanes off the ball. Defensively, he always seems to be in the right position, isn't afraid to give up his body, and does a good job guarding without fouling.     A scoring lead guard from Connecticut, Gillespie made noise this winter while playing for Capital Prep. He has some real breakdown ability off the bounce, deep range on his jumper, and an impressive array of scoring moves in the paint. Maybe most impressive is his advanced ability to score off the bounce, particularly his touch around the basket with either hand. He does a good job of creating seperation off the bounce, and as such, is able to get his shot off whenever he wants. He's a competitor on the defensive end of the floor, utilizing quick hands and feet to generate deflections and steals and to turn defense into easy offense.     A heady lead guard that was terrific for Hanover this winter, McLaughlin reclassified this spring and will attend Milton Academy in the fall. He's a coach's son and it shows on the court as he has a terrific basketball IQ and makes great decisions with the ball in his hands. He plays with a good feel for the game, mixes up his tempo, and already has a solid understanding of how to operate in ball screens. He also has the ability to score when needed and is already a strong shooter from behind the arc. Defensively, he combines intelligence with grit and does a good job of keeping opposing ball handlers out of the paint and away from scoring spots.     A power guard that took the MIAA by storm this winter at Catholic Memorial, Adamson might be the best scorer in this class. He's a terrific athlete, has great positional size, and is physically mature for his age. On top of that, he's ultra competitive. He thrives in transition and is able to finish at the rim with either hand. He's the type of scorer that can really pour it on once he gets going and can get it done at all three levels. Defensively, the competitiveness shines through, as does his ability to defend multiple positions. He's a good rebounder for his position and can quickly turn defense into offense. One word most often associated with him - winner.

Earlier this week the 2027 Watch List was released. This was the first look at prospects in that class in New England.