Top 2027 Small Forwards
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<p>In July, we updated the 2027 player rankings. In this feature, third of the positional breakdown series, the focus is small forwards. A wonderfully unique position, SF requires a level of versatility defensively. Most small forwards are better than average athletically than their peers. Those that are not generally are quite physically strong and capable of compensating that way.</p>
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<p>Enjoy the best small forward prospects.</p>
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<p><a href="https://prephoops.com/2024/08/top-2027-point-guards/">Point guards</a><br><a href="https://prephoops.com/2024/07/top-2027-shooting-guards/">Top Shooting guards</a></p>
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<p>Right now the small forward group extends 11 deep with three true D1 prospects at the top. Across the state dozens more 2027's exist that we simply have not seen play. Remember 2027's were freshmen last year and most freshmen play no varsity minutes. That simple fact delays the PrepHoopsTN evaluations until 15u arrives. The class rankings will expand out greatly after September/October prior to the sophomore season initiates launch.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hidden Gems</h2>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2350372' first='Brady' last='Harris']</strong> is a gamer, a gym rat, a worker bee. As a freshman competing on varsity with Cumberland Gap's Panthers, Harris averaged 16.2 ppg and 8.8 rpg! After breaking his wrist in April, Brady returned with a flourish scoring 20 points with 10 rebounds in his first game back. It was an overtime win vs. OTP Elite. In June, Harris put up in excess of 25 points per game and 10 rpg. July was equally successful for Harris and his team.</p>
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<p>Finished AAU season with Travelers in July. Tournament 1 in Atlanta we went 5-0 with 5 double doubles Tournament 2: I had [17 pts 13 rebs] , [18 pts 9 reb] pts, [21 pts 16 rebs]. - [player_tooltip player_id='2350372' first='Brady' last='Harris'] via Twitter</p>
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<p>During Prep Hoops' Bluff City Live, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2423180' first='Stephen' last='Saulter']</strong> (Pearl-Cohn) sparkled like a diamond in the rough while playing with Anything's Possible AAU. Elite first step. Saulter was a standout with football and track during his freshman year, so who knows where his athleticism will ultimately take him.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2480027' first='Kenton' last='Smith']</strong> (Huntingdon) played well at the PrepHoopsTN Combine in June and made his debut in late July. Athletic. Kenton is a touch short for the position. Perhaps he will evolve into a wing guard in the coming years. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2402058' first='Ashby' last='Chadwick']</strong> was a PrepHoopsTN Combine All-Star in June. His older brother, <strong>Cross Chadwick</strong> signed to Emory & Henry in the spring. Milligan University offered Ashby already.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Could be Special</h2>
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<p>A couple of small forwards in the 2027 class have high-ceiling potential:<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2423180' first='Stephen' last='Saulter']</strong>,<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2274876' first='Jayce' last='Ellerbrook']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1981500' first='Baba' last='Diop']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314414' first='Slim' last='Leavell']</strong>. </p>
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<p>As mentioned above, Stephen's quickness is elite and unique. Baba's height is incredibly rare in Tennessee and though patience is required before we will see his wave of potential crest it is quite possible that he plays Division 1 basketball. Slim and Jayce are plus athletes that will need to hone their skills and yet they are upside guys too. One possible impediment for Jayce's basketball development is his commitment to baseball. He may choose to more deeply pursue a baseball scholarship. </p>
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In July, we updated the 2027 player rankings. In this feature, third of the positional breakdown series, the focus is small forwards. A wonderfully unique position, SF requires a level of versatility defensively. Most small forwards are better than average athletically than their peers. Those that are not generally are quite physically strong and capable of compensating that way.
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