The Expo Texas: 2027 Recruits Who Showed Big-Time Upside

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.    One of the most physical interior presences in the building, [player_tooltip player_id='2112008' first='Xander' last='Pruzinsky'] imposed his will on both ends every possession. He played with an intimidating blend of power, balance, and aggression, carving out deep post position, sealing defenders, and finishing through contact with authority. In the open floor, he smashed home dunks with violent force, showing underrated mobility, athleticism, and coordination for his size. Defensively, Pruzinsky didn't just box out opponents, he erased them from rebounding position entirely, dominating the glass and controlling paint touches. His combination of physicality, touch, and discipline has him steadily proving to be one of the most well-rounded bigs in his class.     Versatile scoring wing whose offensive arsenal looked complete, scoring off the dribble from multiple levels, punishing mismatches in the mid-post, and stretching the floor with his consistent perimeter shot making. A truly efficient and dynamic scorer in the lane consistently using his hops to glide for strong dunks and crafty layups unfazed by traffic. His ability to anticipate help defenders opened up his facilitating skills for draw-and-kick or skip-pass situations.     A high-ceiling prospect with an advanced all-around skill set, [player_tooltip player_id='2362215' first='Nick' last='Zarate'] showcased the versatility to impact the game both on and off the ball. His offensive arsenal included confident perimeter shooting, strong attacking instincts, and the ability to facilitate from the wing with poise. Zarate's feel for the game allowed him to make the right reads in rhythm, whether slipping behind rotations for a catch-and-shoot or putting it on the floor to create. Defensively, he used his length and anticipation to disrupt plays and contest shots effectively. With his blend of polish, tools, and upside, Zarate projects as a multi-dimensional threat with significant long-term potential.     An elite run-and-jump athlete with explosive vertical pop and relentless energy, [player_tooltip player_id='2198610' first='Michael' last='Lockett'] immediately separated himself as one of the most dynamic high-motor prospects in the gym. He consistently made elite effort plays, diving for loose balls, finishing through contact, and sprinting the floor for highlight-reel dunks. Lockett turned defense into instant offense, using his quick instincts and burst to jump passing lanes, rip steals, and attack downhill in transition where he became a nightmare in space. Defensively, his timing and activity were exceptional, pinning shots at the rim, recovering in help-side rotations, and rebounding above the crowd. Lockett's blend of explosiveness, effort, and two-way impact make him a true breakout prospect and a name to monitor closely moving forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='2963539' first='D'Andre' last='Gardner'] played with sheer dominance at times as an all-around force who combined elite athleticism, precise decision-making, and unmatched two-way versatility on both ends. Offensively he appeared to be an explosive downhill machine in transition with the control and awareness to finish through contact or put someone on a poster. His handle and pace allowed him to penetrate gaps off or knock it down with his pull-up jumper, always being unpredictable with his scoring. Defensively, he blew up actions with anticipation or rotation from the weak side with lateral burst, even producing chase-down blocks with his elite recovery speed.

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.