Middle Tier Rankings Risers Class of 2027

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group of 2027 forwards and wings represent the grinders, the versatile pieces, and the athletes whose steady development is beginning to translate into production. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2404469"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6971b08180f6c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Griffin is one of those mid‑tier guys who's catching attention because the tools are there and the fundamentals give him a solid base to build on. He's got the size and mobility to hold his own inside, rebounds with effort, and shows flashes of touch around the rim. Nothing flashy yet, but you can see the progress. Griffin's steady improvement makes him one to keep tabs on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2965554"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6971b08180fda"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Littlejohn is the kind of prospect who wins you over the more you watch him. He's a swingman with the versatility to play inside‑out, using his frame to finish around the rim while also stepping out to keep defenses honest. What makes him stand out is his willingness to mix it up on defense. He competes, rotates, and doesn't shy away from physical matchups. More than anything, he's one of those players who consistently makes the right play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2790410"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6971b08181026"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Palermo is starting to rise thanks to his athleticism and attacking style. He plays as a slashing small forward, using quick first steps and strong finishes to put pressure on defenses. His ability to get downhill and finish through contact is. As his perimeter shooting confidence and decision‑making continue to develop, Palermo's blend of athletic tools and aggressive mindset shows potential moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2767216"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6971b08181071"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jaxsen shows how well his size and skill blend. At 6'6, he's got a decent handle for his frame and shows flashes as a three‑level scorer who is confident enough to attack off the bounce, knock down perimeter shots, and finish inside with touch. On defense, he tracks the ball well and uses his length to disrupt plays and chance shots. He's not fully polished yet, but the combination of size, scoring versatility, and defensive instincts gives him a clear path upward in the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2966630"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6971b081810ba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kirk has a clean shooting profile, paired with his frame and feel for the game. He's a true perimeter threat with a good motor, confident spotting up, and spacing the floor. He understands angles, moves well without the ball, and consistently puts himself in the right spots to make plays. As he continues to tighten his defense, Kirk's shooting and savvy give make him a standout in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2397908"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6971b08181102"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thomas earns his minutes through effort and physicality. He plays with an aggressive edge, running the floor hard and making himself available in transition. He works hard around the rim, hustling for loose balls and carving out space to rebound. His motor and toughness set the tone, and while his offensive polish is still developing, the foundation of energy and interior presence make him a riser worth watching.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3072085"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6971b0818114b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cochran is steadily climbing thanks to both his physical and mental growth. He's a slashing forward with the athletic tools to attack the rim, finish through contact, and put pressure on defenses in transition. What stands out is how he's maturing and learning to use his body more effectively, staying composed in tough spots, and showing a stronger feel for the game each time out. That combination makes him one of the more intriguing risers, with the potential to separate himself as defensive consistency catches up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2762100"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6971b08181193"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Collum is unique in this list because his football background. He brings toughness, physicality, and a willingness to battle, traits that translate to rebounding, defending, and making plays in the paint. His frame and athletic tools allow him to step out, knock down shots, and find teammates. As his footwork and offensive polish continue to catch up to his tools, Collum has the chance to turn into a real basketball asset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->