Delaware 2027 Rankings Update: Top Newcomers

Chad Graham June 20, 2024 @ 06:03 AM

Of all the Delaware rankings updates, this one is the most important. The prospects featured in the debut of rankings were included because they were in the varsity rotation to some degree as freshmen. Being ranked didn't mean they were better than those who were unranked. But the Spring grassroots season allowed those who were starring on JV or on the end of the varsity bench to showcase what they can do on a more even playing field. Here are six of the new additions to the 2027 Rankings:   #7 [player_tooltip player_id='2386202' first='Jaelen' last='Murphy'] | 6'0 G Middletown   Murphy is a modern point guard in that he's pass-first, but he also looks at the rim. He takes pride in setting defenders, then throwing dimes through tight windows. Co-captaining the Team Delaware 15U squad that features several 2028s, his playmaking extends to defense too. Murphy isn't the biggest, but he tries to block shots at the rim and shoot his hands at the point-of-attack to force turnovers.    #8 [player_tooltip player_id='2384373' first='DJ' last='Jones'] | 6'5 F Sanford   We-R1's 15u squad doesn't have a ton of size, so Jones provides a much needed vertical element. He gets off the ground like a volleyball player with the way he alters shots and grabs boards. His leaping ability isn't the only way he impacts winning. Jones plays stout low post defense, even when he's at a size disadvantage. He takes the occasional three, but when he gains confidence, he'll be a vertical and horizontal floor spacer.    #11 [player_tooltip player_id='2375232' first='Kareem' last='King'] | 6'4 W Dover   Despite being the best long-term prospect on his Delaware Certified Hoopers team, King couldn't crack the rotation at Dover as a freshman. However, he's also one of the reasons they have a chance to repeat. He's too athletic to keep off the floor. King gets active on defense, no matter his role. You can ask him to read passing lanes off-ball or sit and slide his feet on-ball. And his teammates are always looking for him in transition where he's a walking highlight reel.    #14 [player_tooltip player_id='2387969' first='Jayden' last='Reid'] | 6'6 W/F St. Georges   With his intensity and physical tools, it's no surprise that Reid routinely impacts the game for We-R1. Whether he's playing sparingly or getting extended minutes, Reid is bound to create events on defense. He utilizes his length to block shots on the perimeter and inside, and to get chase-down blocks. His offensive game is still coming around, but Reid gets his fair share of second-chance buckets with those long arms.    #16 [player_tooltip player_id='2442708' first='King' last='Savior'] | 6'3 G Middletown   The Cavaliers have a ton of production to replace off of a senior-heavy team that made the DIAA semifinals and Savior is well-equipt to contribute in year two. Of all the rising sophomores Middletown has, he's the one with the most lineup flexibility because he's more wired to score than the others. Savior can stretch the floor from deep and play off of that. He showed the ability to do so as a reserve for the NJ Scholars.    #18 [player_tooltip player_id='2375230' first='Christopher' last='Thomas'] | 6'3 W Sussex Central   Thomas plays bigger than he is and that makes him versatile. He's a true wing, but Delaware Certified Hoopers successfully deploys him at the four and five on defense because of how athletic he is. The high motor player from SC hunts fastbreak points with how he sprints down the court after defensive rebounds. And when his teammates find him cutting, Thomas can finish above the rim.

Of all the Delaware rankings updates, this one is the most important. The prospects featured in the debut of rankings were included because they were in the varsity rotation to some degree as freshmen. Being ranked didn't mean they were better than those who were unranked. But the Spring grassroots season allowed those who were starring on JV or on the end of the varsity bench to showcase what they can do on a more even playing field. Here are six of the new additions to the 2027 Rankings: