2027 Under the Radar Non-Public A Prospects to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The upcoming NJ basketball season is almost here as practices are in full swing. The 2027 class is primed to have a strong season, especially in Non-Public A. Here are the 2027 Non-Public A prospects to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2203815' first='Ryan' last='Rust'], 6'2 CG/PG Pingry</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rust is primed to have a breakout sophomore season as he should get more touches in the offense. The 6'2 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Rust moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open jumpers and layups in the halfcourt. He rarely forces jumpers in the halfcourt and gets deflections on the defensive end. Rust is a sharpshooting guard prospect who should torch the nets from distance this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2201967' first='Jeffrey' last='Brooks'], 6'8 C Hudson Catholic</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brooks should receive more minutes this season for the Hawks, which will help his development. The 6'8 post prospect uses his strong frame to get position down low and has a nice touch around the basket. Brooks sets strong screens in the halfcourt and rarely forces jumpers in the halfcourt. He is tough to boxout for offensive rebounds and holds his ground on the defensive end. Brooks is a physical post prospect whose ability to score inside will help his stock this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2391282' first='Avery' last='George'], 6'3 SG Seton Hall Prep</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>George joins a Seton Hall Prep squad that is looking to make noise in Essex County this season. The 6'3 guard wastes little motion in his jumper and makes opponents for giving him space behind the arc. George can also put the ball on the floor and has the ability to score in the mid-range. He has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor and can find his open teammates in the halfcourt. George's ability to stretch the defense is something that will help his stock throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2544706' first='Xavier' last='Thompson'], 5'10 PG Union Catholic</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thompson should receive more minutes in the backcourt for the Vikings this season, which will help his game in a big way. The 5'10 guard has a clean release on his jumper and has the ability to get hot from distance in a hurry. Thompson can also get into the paint off the bounce and rarely makes bad decisions with the ball in his hands. He also has the ability to play off the ball and slides his feet on the defensive end. Thompson's ability to run the offense and shoot the ball from distance is something that will help his development throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2202029' first='Luka' last='Kuqo'], 6'8 PF Bergen Catholic</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kuqo joins a talented Crusaders squad that is looking to make a deep run in the state tournament. The 6'8 forward has a good touch around the basket and can draw contact in the paint. Kuqo has an underrated handle and can pass out of the post. He rises for rebounds on both ends of the floor and uses his length to swat shots on the defensive end. Kuqo is a gritty forward prospect whose ability to control the paint will help his game during the 2024-25 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->