Next Up: 2027 Backcourt Talent That Emerged From May Live Period

The first live period of the 2025 NCAA recruiting calendar came and did not disappoint last month. Throughout the state of New Jersey, an array of prospects from the 2027 class came away having strong performances, ultimately boosting their stocks and gaining separation amongst the likes of their class. With the May live period fully behind us, let's take a look at some guards in the class of 2027 that had strong performances over the course of last month's live period.    Possessing an interesting combination of skill and versatility, [player_tooltip player_id='2344530' first='Noah' last='Perna'] had a strong showing throughout the May live period. Perna displayed his ability to put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways— attacking his defender off the dribble and getting to the basket or burry shots from three point range. An effective two way player, Perna also demonstrated his ability to be a disruptive perimeter defender.     [player_tooltip player_id='2203813' first='Neel' last='Sappidi'] is a versatile guard who throughout the May live period, scored the basketball effectively at multiple levels while also bringing a well rounded impact on the defensive end of the floor. An excellent POA defender, Sappidi demonstrated his ability to contain drives and be disruptive against opposing ball handlers. Sappidi also rebounded the basketball well for his position and also consistently made unselfish and high level IQ plays.     [player_tooltip player_id='2568645' first='Austin' last='Kolakowski'] is a lights out three point shooter, particularly most effective off the catch, with impressive deep range. He consistently punished opposing defenses for late closeouts and excelled at making the most of his opportunities to shoot the three ball without forcing the action, playing well within himself over the course of the May live period.     Creative off the dribble and a strong finisher around the basket, [player_tooltip player_id='2344528' first='Jamal' last='Dixon'] demonstrated his ability to generate rim pressure while also showcasing his ability to knock down outside shots. Dixon excelled at using an array of dribble combo moves to attack his defender and finish with craftiness and strength around the basket. With his ability to consistently get in the paint, Dixon also showed flashes of being able to attract help defenders and find his open teammates.     Throughout UAA's Session II, [player_tooltip player_id='2763527' first='Chris' last='Abreu'] demonstrated his ability to be a trustworthy and reliable ball handler— managing the offense and initiating plays. He consistently broke down opposing defenses and created quality scoring opportunities for his teammates. Abreu also showed strong composure and feel for the game in PnR situations, frequently making the right reads.     One of the better guards on the MADE Circuit, [player_tooltip player_id='2875236' first='Jayden' last='Lau'] had a strong showing during the May live period showcasing a poised and crafty ball handler. A strong and confident ball handler, Lau seemed to never really get too sped up against opposing defenders— displaying a special level of patience and poise. Lau also showed flashes of his shot making ability as he was able to knock down shots from different areas in the halfcourt.

The first live period of the 2025 NCAA recruiting calendar came and did not disappoint last month. Throughout the state of New Jersey, an array of prospects from the 2027 class came away having strong performances, ultimately boosting their stocks and gaining separation amongst the likes of their class. With the May live period fully behind us, let's take a look at some guards in the class of 2027 that had strong performances over the course of last month's live period.