High Potential Juniors, Part 1

AAU is over with and we are only a couple of weeks away from the start of school. Coming out of the summer, there have been a few Juniors who have picked up serious recruiting momentum in the last 6 weeks or so. Here's a look at a few 2027s that have the potential to break out in a big way this season.    Tut was a breakthrough player for West last year after he had to sit out his Freshman season due to an eligibility issue after his transfer. At 6'10 and very athletic, Luk is a very high upside player who has good footwork and is known as a big time rim protector on defense. He averaged 13 points and 9 rebounds last season and could be one of the biggest X Factors in the always competitive 12th region. If he starts to realize his potential, [player_tooltip player_id='2522623' first='Luk' last='Tut'] is a mid major or better D1 player by signing day.     Byrd missed out on his entire 16u AAU season but should be ready to roll for his Junior season this winter. Armani is very athletic and isn't afraid of contact, despite his frail frame. As one of the youngest 2027s in Kentucky, Armani has big time upside long term but will need to be really good for the Dragons in the short term. For Warren Central to get back to Rupp Arena (and past Bowling Green), Byrd needs to be a top 5 or better player in the 4th region as a Junior.     Coming out of a couple of weeks where he played up on 17u and had success, Elijah is riding a lot of momentum into the fall. Neel is a productive passer and high level scorer that has some serious potential. Looking towards the winter, I'm intrigued to see which of Ashland's younger players steps up this year. I'd be willing to buy some stock in [player_tooltip player_id='1745587' first='Elijah' last='Neel'] as the breakout player in the 16th region this upcoming season.     Colton checks a lot of boxes as a prospect and looks like he could be a breakout guy this winter, depending on where he enrolls. Helton has a very high skill level and a natural basketball IQ that comes from growing up in the gym as his parents are both coaches. With his size and ability to play on or off the ball, Helton should be a mismatch for most opposing teams. Don't be surprised if he has a strong Junior season and sees his stock go up this winter.     I've been a member of the [player_tooltip player_id='2241686' first='Graham' last='Swartz'] fan club for a couple of years now and hopefully he'll make me look smart this season. After waiting his time for the Warhawks, Graham should be a starter and big part of the offense this year. With some positional versatility on offense and a willingness to guard multiple positions on defense, Swartz is going to have the opportunity to show why he is one of the more "slept on" players in central Kentucky right now.

AAU is over with and we are only a couple of weeks away from the start of school. Coming out of the summer, there have been a few Juniors who have picked up serious recruiting momentum in the last 6 weeks or so. Here's a look at a few 2027s that have the potential to break out in a big way this season.