Inside the Top 10: 2027 Point Guard Takeover

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These aren't just young guards putting up numbers, they're guys who already play with real command and confidence. Each one brings their own style, but when they touch the ball, the game shifts. With four of them sitting inside the Top 10 overall, it's clear the future of Arkansas hoops starts in the backcourt. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tra'Jhin Aleem – Little Rock Central</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Overall • #1 Point Guard (2027) RECENT UPDATE: <a href="https://x.com/TraAleem/status/2014875540629409990?s=20">https://x.com/TraAleem/status/2014875540629409990?s=20</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tra plays the point guard spot with a maturity you don't usually see in a sophomore. He's the kind of lead guard who just gets it... pace, reads, timing, all the little things that separate a “good young guard” from a true floor general. Central hands him the keys, and he runs the show like a vet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aleem's handle is tight and efficient, never flashy just to be flashy. He's constantly probing, shifting gears, and putting defenders in trouble off ball screens. What really pops is how comfortable he is manipulating coverages with snake dribbles, pocket passes, skip reads, all in rhythm. When he wants to score, he's got a smooth pull‑up, real touch in the mid‑range, and enough burst to get downhill and finish through contact. Defensively, he competes with edge. He takes matchups personally and uses quick hands to disrupt possessions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aleem is the NEW top point guard in Arkansas' 2027 class because he blends feel, toughness, and decision‑making with real long‑term upside. He's a connector, a creator, and a guy who makes winning plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2441317' first='Ethan' last='Polite'] – North Little Rock</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#5 Overall • #2 Point Guard (2027) RECENT UPDATE: <a href="https://x.com/juicepolite/status/2012558768832123334?s=20">https://x.com/juicepolite/status/2012558768832123334?s=20</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Polite is a true pass‑first point guard who plays the game with a calm, controlled tempo. North Little Rock leans on him to be a smart playmaker, and he embraces that role with a mature approach. He doesn't get sped up, doesn't force bad shots often, and doesn't chase highlights. He just runs a team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Polite's feel is mature. He sees the floor early and always looks to make the right read one pass ahead of the defense. Whether it's hitting the roller or just the hockey assist. He's a facilitator who keeps possessions clean. At 6'5", he brings great size to the point guard spot, allowing him to see over traps and rebound at a high level for his position. When he does look to score, it's efficient: strong takes, smart cuts, and a jumper that's becoming more reliable. Defensively, Polite uses his length to bother ball‑handlers and shrink passing lanes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Polite is the definition of a big play, unselfish playmaker who values possessions, elevates teammates, and brings a coach's mindset to the floor. That's why he sits firmly as the #2 point guard in Arkansas' 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2389952' first='Karl' last='Johnson'] – Conway</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#7 Overall • #3 Point Guard (2027) RECENT UPDATE: <a href="https://x.com/Karljr2008/status/2009019349785620762?s=20">https://x.com/Karljr2008/status/2009019349785620762?s=20</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>KJ is the heartbeat of Conway's backcourt. A solid point guard who plays with command, toughness, and a competitive edge that shows up every possession. He's the kind of guard who doesn't need the spotlight to control a game. He leads, he defends, and he makes sure everyone around him is in the right spots. That's real PG stuff.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson's scoring comes from a mix of craft and confidence. He's comfortable getting downhill, uses his body well to finish through traffic, and has a pull‑up that keeps defenders honest. What really defines him is his ability to read the floor with anticipation. He finds shooters, hits cutters, and consistently makes the simple play. Johnson takes pride in fighting over screens, and he's physical at the point of attack. That blend of scoring, playmaking, and defensive buy‑in is why coaches trust him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Te'Jay Daley – Nettleton</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#9 Overall • #4 Point Guard (2027) RECENT UPDATE: <a href="https://x.com/TejayDaley3/status/2010181810639221089?s=20">https://x.com/TejayDaley3/status/2010181810639221089?s=20</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Te'Jay Daley is wired to score. A volume shooter and aggressive point guard who plays like he's trying to break the game open. He brings a level of confidence and competitive fire that jumps off the floor immediately. When he gets rolling, he puts real pressure on defenses with his shot‑making, his willingness to hunt his own offense, and his ability to attack off the bounce. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daley's scoring mentality is his calling card. He's comfortable pulling from deep or getting downhill seeking contact. He doesn't shy away from tough shots, and he lives for moments where his team needs someone to take control. That aggression carries over to the defensive end too. He gets into the ball, plays with active hands, and competes with an edge that fits his overall identity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes Daley intriguing long‑term is that he's not just a gunner. He can facilitate when needed, find teammates out of dribble penetration, and keep the offense moving when defenses overcommit to his scoring. His ability to blend shot creation with playmaking flashes gives him a real ceiling as a dynamic point guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->