2027 Rankings Update: The Small Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our positional breakdown for the&nbsp;<em>Class of 2027</em>&nbsp;continues with a look at some of New England's most impactful&nbsp;<em>Small Forwards</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is, arguably, the deepest positional group for this class in New England, and it starts at the top with [player_tooltip player_id='2470973' first='Greyson' last='Pierce'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2407057' first='Declan' last='Griffiths']. Pierce, who plays at <em>Loomis Chaffee</em>, is a big and versatile wing that makes an impact on both ends of the floor, while Griffiths, a wing at <em>Avon Old Farms</em>, is a big time scorer that gets it done at all three levels. Both are bonafide prospects that have the potential to be nationally ranked down the line.</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":"77239","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ecd0f374ec6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below, we take a look at five&nbsp;<em>Small Forwards</em>&nbsp;to watch from the&nbsp;<em>Class of 2027</em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2470928"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ecd0f378893"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McNamara, who now attends <em>Thayer Academy</em>, carved out minutes as a first-year at <em>Catholic Memorial</em>. He had some solid showings this summer and has solidified himself as one of the better long term prospects in this class. A long and lean prospect, he's a good shooter from behind the arc that shows his hands early and steps cleanly into his jumper. He's developing skill as a ball handler and has the ability to shot fake and drive on defenders that close out poorly. He has great size on the wing and his length causes problems on the defensive end where he has good laterally mobility. As he continues to fill out and get stronger, he should be able to provide increased rim protection and rebounding. He'll be an interesting prospect to track over the next few years, particularly this winter as he transitions to the <em>NEPSAC</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2470875"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ecd0f37898c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Crosby, a new prospect in the <em>Class of 2027</em> at <em>Moses Brown</em>, had a few solid showings recently on the camp circuit. A good shooter, Crosby has nice size on the perimeter and has proven to be a versatile prospect on both ends of the floor. He does a nice job of running the floor and doing his work early as a spot up shooter. He stays shot ready, knows how to find open passing lanes, and can put the ball on the deck to get into his mid-range game. Defensively, he can guard any spot on the perimeter and occasionally can step into the post and defender forwards. He should be one of the top underclassmen in the <em>RIIL</em> this winter and has the type of skills to develop into an intriguing college prospect over the next two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2470954"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ecd0f378a03"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Udeh, an impressive athlete on the wing, has a chance to play an important role this winter for <em>Phillips Academy Andover</em>. The bouncy wing has great burst, impressive hops, and the ability to finish with creativity around the rim. Udeh has developed as a slasher and shows signs of being able to create off the bounce for others. While he's active offensively, he shines on the defensive end of the floor with his combination of athleticism, length, and strength. He does a great job of hounding opposing ball handlers, moving his feet to keep drivers out of the paint, and contesting shots without fouling. He also does a nice job of rebounding from the wing and turning long rebounds into transition offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2568375"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ecd0f378aee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Duverne, who heads to <em>Phillips Exeter</em> after spending last season at <em>Lexington Christian Academy</em>, is a big time scorer on the wing. Duverne has great positional size and a frame that looks like he'll be able to fill out over time. Right now, he does most of his scoring from behind the arc and in the mid-range, but projects as a prospect that will be able to get into the paint off the bounce more regularly once he gets stronger. He shows a good understanding of spacing and has a high release on his jumper, allowing him to get it off regularly. Defensively, he has the ability to guard up and down a position, rebounds in space, and can push the ball himself off rebounds in transition. <em>Phillips Exeter</em> has a talented group this winter, which should help expediate his development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2470900"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ecd0f378bb0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaba, a physical wing at <em>Rocky Hill Country Day</em>, had a breakout performance at <em>NERR's Elite 75</em>. A terrific athlete, Kaba shines in transition where he can get out and make plays in space. He has an explosive first step, the power to finish through contact, and plays with a high motor on both ends of the floor. He's become better at putting the ball on the floor and is now a serious threat as a straight line driver. Defensively, he can really sit in a stance and guard the ball and is impressive off the ball as a help side shot blocker. He's quick to jump passing lanes and does a nice job of generating deflections or steals that lead to easy run outs. He should have a strong season at <em>Rocky Hill</em> and could be a stock riser come the spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->