The Expo Texas: 2027 Breakout Playmaking Guards

The Expo: Texas was filled with energy, competition, and statement performances from prospects across the state. Whether it was dynamic guards breaking defenders down off the dribble, long wings impacting both ends, or versatile bigs showing expanded offensive tools, this event showcased the depth of Texas basketball talent heading into the season.    A deadeye shooter with an elite catch-and-shoot arsenal, Naegele stayed locked in under pressure, unfazed by closeouts or contesting hands. His footwork into shots was textbook, seamlessly setting his base and rising into a compact, repeatable release with unwavering concentration and follow-through. Beyond just shooting, he showcased advanced feel and composure as a lead guard, making anticipatory reads and manipulating defensive rotations with intelligence. His passing precision, especially to shooters in rhythm and bigs sealing deep, made him a dual offensive threat capable of both stretching and orchestrating the floor.     Explosive in his movement, Lugo excelled at changing speeds to keep defenders off balance. He'd lull opponents into a relaxed stance with patient pacing before instantly flipping into top gear as he turned the corner, leaving his man trailing in recovery. That dynamic shift in tempo gave him the ability to penetrate gaps and generate rim pressure consistently. His quick-twitch athleticism and confident burst made him a constant threat to attack off the bounce.     Off the bounce, Brown handled the ball with surgical precision, his control, creativity, and pace changes made him nearly impossible to contain in space. He strung together advanced combo sequences, manipulating defenders with hesitations, cross drags, and rhythm dribbles before exploding downhill with a violent first step. His ability to shift from a patient probe to full acceleration in an instant created constant paint pressure and opened up scoring or playmaking windows. Brown's handle and burst combination gave him the ability to dictate tempo and collapse defenses consistently.     Franklin displayed advanced craft as a playmaker, confidently threading no-look dimes and high-level reads through tight defensive windows. His willingness to take risks as a passer reflected his creativity and confidence with the ball. Beyond the arc, Franklin was a true threat, he wasted no time rising up whenever he saw daylight or a defender's hands dip, launching threes with confidence and rhythm. His blend of flair and efficiency made him one of the most entertaining guards on the floor, able to control pace while still playing instinctively.     Cantu operated as a true pass-first floor general with outstanding composure and poise. Cantu kept his dribble compact and low, probing patiently until a seam opened up to deliver precision passes. His ability to manipulate defenders with subtle head turns, ball fakes, and pace shifts made him a consistent creator in the half court. He played with an unselfish nature, always prioritizing the right play, whether threading an interior dime or finding shooters spacing the floor.

The Expo: Texas was filled with energy, competition, and statement performances from prospects across the state. Whether it was dynamic guards breaking defenders down off the dribble, long wings impacting both ends, or versatile bigs showing expanded offensive tools, this event showcased the depth of Texas basketball talent heading into the season.