Rankings Release: The 2027 Point Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rankings update coverage continues as we take a look at some notable <em>Point Guards</em> in the <em>Class of 2027</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top overall spot at the <em>Point Guard</em> position is held by <em>Brewster Academy's</em> <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2470964' first='Antonio' last='Pemberton']</em></strong> (<strong>#3</strong>). A major stock riser this summer, he's burst onto the national scene and is now regarded as a <em>Top 50</em> prospect. He's an elite creator, showing the ability to score it in a variety of ways with a high level of skill, terrific feel for the game, and explosive athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are five more <em>Point Guards</em> to watch from our latest update:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2470946"],"_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-68cc9c26242ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Payne, a lead guard out of the <em>Brimmer &amp; May School</em>, checks in at <strong><em>#</em></strong><em><strong>15</strong></em> overall and <strong><em>#2</em></strong> among the <em>point guards</em>. Payne is a guard that can really go in transition, as he's incredibly fast with the basketball in his hands. He's grown as a decision-maker, showing that he can slow the game down, particularly when operating out of ball screens. He's got an elite first step, can make tough shots in isolations, and has good athletic burst as a finisher around the rim. Defensively, he's one of the better perimeter defenders in this class, with the ability to keep opposing ball-handlers out of the paint while generating steals at a high rate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2341317"],"_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-68cc9c2624344"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hunter-Coleman, a lead guard out of the <em>Newman School</em>, checks in at <strong><em>#29</em></strong> overall and <strong><em>#5</em></strong> among the <em>point guards</em>. Hunter-Coleman continues to be one of the top rebounding guards in the region, while displaying toughness on the defensive end of the floor and a budding feel for the game as a playmaker. He's physically strong, has good burst as a driver, and has developed his shot a good deal over the last twelve months. Offensively, he's always in attack mode and shows the ability to regularly get to his spots off the bounce. Defensively, he has a chance to be one of the top perimeter defenders in this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2568383"],"_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-68cc9c2624391"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson, a lead guard out of <em>Suffield Academy</em>, checks in at <strong><em>#131</em></strong> overall and <strong><em>#18</em></strong> among the <em>point guards</em>. Johnson is one of the top perimeter shooters in this class, showing a good understanding of how to use screens as both a scorer and facilitator. He makes good decisions with the ball in his hands, knows how to pitch it ahead in transition, and does a nice job of playing at different speeds to get to his spots as a dribbler. Defensively, he's capable of guarding either back-court spot, showing quick hands and quick feet that allow him to generate plenty of steals and deflections.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2568379"],"_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-68cc9c262440f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson, a lead guard out of the <em>Frederick Gunn School</em>, checks in at <strong><em>#171</em></strong> overall and <strong><em>#26</em></strong> among the <em>point guards</em>. Robinson has the ability to impact games in a variety of ways, showing an impressive handle, good defensive instincts, and plus floor vision. Defensively, he can sit in a stance and guard all 94' feet, utilizing his athleticism as an on-ball defender. Offensively, he's a capable decision maker out of ball screens, does a nice job of making plays off the bounce as a driver, and can draw doubles that lead to scoring opportunities for teammates. He's a scoring threat in transition, as well as in catch and shoot situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2568435"],"_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-68cc9c2624464"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paliling, a lead guard out of <em>Champlain Valley Union High School</em>, checks in at <strong><em>#213</em></strong> overall and <strong><em>#40</em></strong> among the <em>point guards</em>. Paliling, a lefty, does a nice job of playing at different speeds, operating as a lead guard that keeps opponents off balance with his pace. He's capable of making plays out of ball screens, can step behind a screen to knock down a shot, and always keeps his eyes up the floor in transition. He scores with touch over size in the paint, makes the little plays the lead to winning games, and has the ability to defend at a high level with his lateral mobility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye out this week as we continue our positional breakdowns for the <em>Class of 2027</em>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->