Preseason Watch List: 2027 Names To Have An Eye On

Preseason fall ball is now firmly in the rearview mirror, and all attention has shifted to the fast approaching high school season. As programs begin ramping up over the next week or so and an exciting winter of basketball awaits, let's take a look at some prospects who should be on everyone's radar, particularly in the 2027 class—whether they're aiming to break out and earn more exposure or to further cement their stock in the months ahead.    Coming off a sophomore season that saw him night in and night out erupt for explosive scoring performances last season, [player_tooltip player_id='2344526' first='MJ' last='Jarrell'] will look to continue to showcase much of the dangerous shot making ability that allowed him to average an impressive 21.5 PPG. A lethal and confident threat from beyond the arc, Jarrell consistently stands out as a versatile and confident shot maker. With a smooth and fluid shooting stroke, he's often times seen showcasing multiple ways he can knock down outside shots—knocking down spot up threes, hitting shots off the bounce, and displaying impressive range.     Expected to step into a larger role and be a versatile and productive wing that finds different ways to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Martinez is a reputable perimeter shot maker, capable of knocking down open shots both off the catch and off the bounce, partnered with his ability to be a strong finisher at the basket whether it be attacking closeouts or on straight line dribble drives. On the defensive end of the floor, Martinez is a switchable defender who leverages his length to guard multiple positions on the court while also being a highly effective rebounder and shot contester.     [player_tooltip player_id='2391282' first='Avery' last='George'] is a dangerous three-point shooter who gives Seton Hall Prep valuable floor spacing in both the half court and the open floor, and he'll look to showcase much of that skill set throughout the course of this season's action. With fluid mechanics and a compact release, he's proven to be a versatile perimeter threat, punishing defenders for sagging off or closing out late. George is capable of knocking down shots as both a spot up shooter and a movement shooter, reinforcing his status as a lethal option from deep.     As dangerous of a dead eye shooter as anybody in the '27 class in the state of New Jersey, [player_tooltip player_id='2504912' first='Chace' last='Redler'] will look to continue to showcase much of that lethal shooting ability that captured the interest of a handful of high academic schools during the summer time. Confident from three point range, with a quick and smooth shooting stroke, Redler consistently showcases his deep range ability from beyond the arc. Capitalizing off a season that saw him average just about 22.2 PPG with multiple games with multiple made threes, look for showcase much more of the diversity in his offensive skillset— tapping into his creativity off the dribble, getting to fluid midrange pull ups and crafty finishes around the rim.     A strong and physical interior presence, [player_tooltip player_id='2628254' first='Sebastian' last='Rogers'] consistently uses his size and length to influence the game on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Rogers cleans up on the offensive glass and generates countless second chance opportunities while also proving to be a strong inside finisher whether that be catching dump offs in the dunker spot or catching the ball in stride in transition and finishing emphatically above the rim. Defensively, Rogers rebounds at a high level and leverages his length to alter and block shots, anchoring the paint with his activity and toughness.     A tough and scrappy point guard who will be playing in a little bit of a different role this upcoming winter, [player_tooltip player_id='2202019' first='Alex' last='Mazzella'] will look to show that he can provide a real scoring punch while also demonstrating he can facilitate the basketball and get his teammates the ball in the right spots on the floor from the point guard spot. He's proven effective attacking downhill, using craft to finish through traffic at the rim. In addition to his driving ability, Mazzella can consistently knock down outside shots, particularly off the catch and out of ball screens—adding another layer to his offensive impact.     A high-level floor-spacing threat with a quick and compact shooting release, Julian Paradise stands out as a dead eye perimeter shooter. Confident and efficient from three, Paradise is a versatile outsider shooter who consistently finds his rhythm and drains threes with efficiency—knocking down shots both as a stationary catch and shoot threat while also sprinting to the corner in transition or relocating in the half court. With the gravity he attracts as a three point shooter, look for Paradise to also flash his growth as a driver, demonstrating an improving ability to put the ball on the deck and get to the rim.

Preseason fall ball is now firmly in the rearview mirror, and all attention has shifted to the fast approaching high school season. As programs begin ramping up over the next week or so and an exciting winter of basketball awaits, let's take a look at some prospects who should be on everyone's radar, particularly in the 2027 class—whether they're aiming to break out and earn more exposure or to further cement their stock in the months ahead.