2027 Rankings Update: The Notable Rim Protectors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the class of 2027, Nate, Logan, Ethan, Cade Martin, and Warner stand out as true bigs who bring size, physicality, and defensive presence to the court. Each player excels at protecting the rim, using their length, strength, and instincts to alter or block shots and discourage drives to the basket. Nate's soft touch and defensive range, Logan's athleticism and shot-blocking ability, Ethan's high IQ and disciplined play, Cade Martin's floor-stretching shooting, and Warner's bruising physicality make them a dominant group in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2205724"],"_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-67e62354511ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nate, a skilled lefty, excels at finishing around the rim with a soft touch, using his finesse to convert tough shots in the paint. He consistently finishes off two feet, providing balance and control when attacking the basket. On the defensive end, his 6'7” frame allows him to cover ground effectively, disrupting drives and contesting shots in the paint.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2205721"],"_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-67e623545126c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Logan is an athletic force on both ends of the floor, using his explosiveness to make an impact. Offensively, he finishes above the rim with ease, turning fast breaks and drives into highlight-reel dunks. On the defensive end, his quick leaping ability allows him to block shots off the glass, protecting the rim with authority.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2409317"],"_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-67e62354512bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ethan is a smart, disciplined player with a high basketball IQ, always positioning himself in the right spots on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he excels at making the right reads, knowing when to rotate, and helping his teammates. He's not afraid to sacrifice his body by taking charges and uses solid fundamentals to wall up against drives, altering shots without fouling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2272508"],"_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-67e6235451303"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cade Martin is a confident shooter who loves to stretch the floor with his three-point range. His ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc forces opposing centers to step out and guard him, creating space in the paint for his teammates to attack. Cade's shooting not only puts pressure on defenses but also opens up opportunities for pick-and-pop plays and quick ball movement.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2396102"],"_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-67e6235451348"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Warner is a tough, physical player who thrives on imposing his will against opponents. He uses his strength to battle for position, whether it's carving out space in the paint or setting hard screens. His aggressive style wears down defenders over the course of a game, making him a constant physical presence on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->