2027 Rankings Update: Top 5 Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earlier this week we turned our 2027 watchlist into an official rankings update with 100 prospects in the SoCal's sophomore class in the mix. In this piece we take a closer look at the prospects in the Top 5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. [player_tooltip player_id='2194355' first='Gene' last='Roebuck'] | La Mirada</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roebuck is currently the most polished scorer in SoCal's 2027 class. The 6-foot-5 wing has that "three level" scoring ability that next-level programs look for and that, combined with his size, strength and physicality, makes him a tough match-up for high school defenders. Roebuck can knock down the open three-point shot with consistency, break a defender down off the dribble and hit mid-range jumpers and go to the post where he can take advantage of smaller defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. [player_tooltip player_id='2435359' first='Jeremiah' last='Profit'] | Temecula Valley</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Profit's value is in his versatility on both ends of the floor. The 6-foot-4 combo guard has high level scoring ability on the perimeter with his quick pull-up jumper from three-point and mid-range levels of the floor. Profit is also a quick-twitch athlete who can go by a defender off the bounce and elevate and finish through or above contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Mahamdou Diop | San Gabriel Academy</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Diop is a high motor forward/center who, at 6-feet-10, whose rebounding, rim-running and interior scoring ability stand out each time you watch him play. The sophomore is a fluid transition runner who also has explosive vertical athleticism and great hands and touch in the painted area. Diop is also a projectable rim protector with his instincts and ability to contest without fouling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. [player_tooltip player_id='2436278' first='Malcolm' last='Price'] | St. Joseph's</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Price has shed the "younger brother of Julius" tag and made his own name as a player and long-term prospect. The 6-foot point guard has true feel for the position with his pace, vision and decision-making in transition and half-court settings. Price understands his role and thrives in it by getting the ball to his talented teammates in spots where they can be successful and taking the open shots and drives that come to him within the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">5. [player_tooltip player_id='2435372' first='Josiah' last='Nance'] | Notre Dame</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nance is a combo guard with high level playmaking feel. The 6-foot-5 lefty has the speed and athleticism to play uptempo but also the poise and basketball IQ to run an offensive in the half-court setting. Scoring-wise, Nance is a strong driver to his left hand who can absorb and finish through contact and hit the open catch-and-shoot three off of drive and kick situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->