2027 Rankings: Guys We're Watching Closely

Every time rankings get released there are some guys happy with where they are and others that are frustrated which is 100% understandable. It's an imperfect science of trying to accurately predict a bunch of kids future with a direct comparison to their peers. My advice to those with frustration is to use it as a method of motivation and another reason to dig deep and work on your game. As I updated these, there were definitely some guys that have a chance to really rise up the ranks as they enter a truly big stage for the first time or are really turning that potential into production. We're going to take a closer look at this group right here!    Brown is a big that is showed immense growth over the course of this season as his identity is fully embraced and the steady improvement in his game is showing in his production/impact. Brown is a very switchable and athletic big man who is a vertical spacer as a lob threat on the offensive end of the floor. His hands and feet have shown considerable progress as he's catching and finishing in traffic with more consistency + even able to show some touch on the block from time to time. Brown's role as a low usage, high energy front-court piece is something that programs all around the country are looking for. He averaged 9.4 Points, 7.0 Rebounds, 0.9 Assists, 0.9 Steals, and 2.1 Blocks. If he can find a way to average numbers like that on UAA this summer, his recruitment will skyrocket. Once bigs start to figure it out, they typically really figure it out. I expect Brown to show even more improvement once we roll the balls out for circuit ball and that could vault him into the top 5 of the class here in NC.     Allen has been a great addition to North Carolina as he enjoyed a really strong season at Moravian Prep and in the OTE league. With deep range and above the rim pop, Allen fits the mold of a few other guys to come to Moravian and see their recruitment skyrocket after going all in on development. There's a good chance that happens here as Allen has an incredible foundation to build upon and from all accounts is a real worker in the gym. He showed that he can be a feature guy when needed and when his teammates got hurt he delivered signature performances in big spots. He averaged 11.9 Points, 6.2 Rebounds, 1.7 Assists, and 1.3 Steals per game on 42/31/68 splits. If Allen can improve his efficiency as his usage also goes up next season, his ranking will surely rise as it will be undeniable at that point.     Terry is a guy that I think has a chance to really pop this summer as he'll be playing on the 3SSB circuit with [program_tooltip program_id='2227286' first='Team' last='Loaded South']. He had a great season at Southern Durham as he helped lead his team to a 7A State Championship, finishing with 16 Points and 13 Rebounds in the State Championship game. His slight drop in ranking is more reflective of a "factory reset" than anything he did to cause that. With all of that said, if he produces the way that he's capable of this spring/summer while showing the growth in his game at that level, he will surely rise in our late spring update. His size, skillset, and motor are all aligned to help you go win a game. Establishing his identity and proving his production vs elite competition will only set up Terry to get more and more next level opportunities. It feels like that is inevitable and we'll make the adjustments when it happens. The experience he had in big stages at Southern Durham this year have only made him more ready for the most pivotal summer of his basketball career up to this point.     Conti's steady improvement in his physique over the course of this year has been an incredible addition to his foundation as a big with legit 3 level touch. At Millbrook this season, Conti averaged 15.0 Points, 7.5 Rebounds, 1.4 Assists, and 1.1 Steals per game on 52/43/80 shooting splits. As Conti tones his frame up, it will make him more mobile and versatile, allowing him to slide in and play the four with that improved ability to move in space. His jump shooting is simply elite for his size. He's got a quick and pure release with deep range + a ton of confidence in his ability to make shots. He's extended the range to beyond the three point line after being more of a mid range guy in recent years. Conti also possesses great hands and touch around the rim, making him and easy safety valve for dump-offs along with being a reliable low post scorer vs most matchups. Conti's improved body will allow him to be a more impactful defensive player as well. He's poised for a big summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2078500' first='Garner' last='Road'] and should be a guy that attracts more and more next level attention as people see what he can do.     Frye is a very unique prospect with his positional size, athletic gifts, and steadily improving skillset. Fyre proved to be a consistent producer for Southern Wake Academy this year as he was really able to show his ability in high school ball on a team that did a whole lot of winning. Frye will be playing on the UA Rise Circuit for [program_tooltip program_id='2078516' first='No' last='Guts No Glory'] this spring/summer and I think he'll get a chance to prove he can be a productive part of a winning team vs really quality competition. Frye averaged 12.7 Points, 3.5 Rebounds, 2.0 Assists, 1.1 Steals, and 0.5 Blocks per game with 55/34/52 shooting splits. Frye developed just from getting the experience he did this season at Southern Wake in a primary role. He's got real above the rim pop, outside touch, and the improving skillset. If he can maintain similar production, be a more impactful rebounder, and just continue to progress during this spring/summer, he will undoubtedly rise in the next update.

Every time rankings get released there are some guys happy with where they are and others that are frustrated which is 100% understandable. It's an imperfect science of trying to accurately predict a bunch of kids future with a direct comparison to their peers. My advice to those with frustration is to use it as a method of motivation and another reason to dig deep and work on your game. As I updated these, there were definitely some guys that have a chance to really rise up the ranks as they enter a truly big stage for the first time or are really turning that potential into production. We're going to take a closer look at this group right here!