2027 Winter Rankings Update: Juniors Stepping into the Spotlight

Development isn't linear and everyone doesn't develop on the same timeline. A number of prospects got a bump in the rankings – some who've been varsity contributors since freshmen year and others who are first-time starters. So the most important thing is that these guys are running their own races. Here are a handful who are approaching the head of the pack:    All-Conference Honorable Mention as a sophomore, Eley helped manage the team's pace with occasional scoring outburst last season. Now he appears to have made significant strides as a floor general. He keeps his finger on the pulse of the game, understanding what his team needs at any given moment. As a facilitator, Eley targets help defenders to set up teammates when once he draws two. And when the Bulldogs are in need of points, he can pull from deep or get to the rim.       Gaines quite literally does a little bit of everything for the Mustangs, which might be the secret to their success thus far. He plays physical defense, hustles for 50/50 balls, makes the extra pass, and so on. A complementary scorer, Gaines is near the top of every statistical category. His energy and selfless play routinely translate into good things happening whenever he's on the court and there's still room for him to improve this season.     A growth spurt has helped but Jackson has taken a leap this year as a driver and defender. His ability to get a step on his man and maintain the advantage in the lane balances out his precision from three. And when he's unable to just beat his man to spots on defense, he can absorb more contact without fouling. So despite the team's losses to graduation, Jackson has the team right back in the mix for a playoff birth.     Although growing into his body is like trying to hit a moving target, Lawrence-Mumford is more agile and active overall on the floor. It's evident in how quickly he's able to get off the ground to block shots, to rebounds, and to catch lobs for dunks. His touch has improved too. Lawrence-Mumford now has flashes of an outside game that can begin to accent his effectiveness around the basket.     Reed is figuring things out on both ends and it's paying dividends for the Cougars. He's more assertive as a perimeter defender, using his long arms to either contain or create havoc for a variety of offensive players. Reed is stepping up as an on-ball/off-ball scorer too. When he's not showcasing his face up game, he's exploiting advantages as a cutter or slasher.

Development isn't linear and everyone doesn't develop on the same timeline. A number of prospects got a bump in the rankings – some who've been varsity contributors since freshmen year and others who are first-time starters. So the most important thing is that these guys are running their own races. Here are a handful who are approaching the head of the pack: