2027 Rankings: High Risers That Earned It

Last week we dropped the 2027 rankings for the first time since I've taken over the site and there was naturally going to be a massive change with new leadership but there were also a batch of guys that would've risen regardless of who was making the decisions. The Junior season is a vital one, guys start to develop physically and become who they really are in a lot of ways. Without further delay, let's take a deeper look at some guys who have risen up through this latest rankings update!    Nicholson rose over 50 spots as he provides a very unique blend of rim protection + the ability to make outside shots and is showing real progress in his overall game at both ends of the floor. Nicholson had a great Junior season in what was his first at The Burlington School, he averaged 6.4 Points, 5.0 Rebounds, 0.7 Assists, and 3.4 Blocks per game on 50/40/63 splits. He played a complimentary role offensively but showed a ton of positive trajectory in his ability to finish around the rim in traffic as the season went along. He can dive to the rim or pop off of setting a ball screen, hit the trail three, and be a quality dunker spot guy as he's improving his strength to battle on the inside. Nicholson is mobile, you can switch with him out there, it also allows him to play with all types of different personnel groups with that versatility. Nicholson will likely be the feature big on [program_tooltip program_id='2227286' first='Team' last='Loaded South'] 3SSB 17u this summer where I think his recruitment will really pop.     West rose almost 60 spots in this latest update as the steady progression of his game and body are starting to mold him into the player we all thought he could be. West has grown to 6'5", he's a capable outside shooter with an improving on-ball game. With the increased physical measurables, West still shot it at a 48% clip from beyond the arc with over 100 attempts on the season. His ability to score consistently without deviating from the game plan make him an efficient option in any backcourt. West simply plays the game the right way, he always has, now that he's growing into his frame and displaying the confidence the way that he should, there's no doubt that he'll start to garner a lot more attention this spring and summer. He'll be back with [program_tooltip program_id='2078500' first='Garner' last='Road'] 3SSB 17u where he'll be playing for his father, NBA veteran and one of NC's best talent developers, David West. West will have a big spotlight on him this summer, one that I truly believe he's ready for.     Dobyns made a big jump as he rose over 40 spots in the most recent update. Dobyns possesses a versatile two way game with consistent production and plenty of room to grow his game/body to another level. Potential and production are a dynamic duo, Dobyns possesses both at this stage. With his positional size, emerging skillset, and runway of improvement as he adds strength, there is a lot to be excited about with his development and trajectory over the next couple of years. As that development occurs with his strength, I think we'll see Dobyns really continue to identify what kind of player he's going to be with his game having the chance to go in so many different directions. This kid is too good right now and has too much upside to ignore to be ranked much lower than he currently is.     [player_tooltip player_id='2415809' first='Sean' last='Nix'] made a leap of exactly 40 spots due to the growth he showed in his game over the course of the last year. He had to do it all at Cannon School this year and proved he was more than capable of living up to the challenge. In his Junior season, Nix averaged 27.4 Points, 7.3 Rebounds, 2.2 Assists, and 2.3 Steals per game on 45/36/85 shooting splits. Nix proved he can be the primary option and maintain great efficiency in the process which is a great sign for a young player. Nix is really good at finding his spots in ball screens situations where he can get to his strong hand at the cup or pull up from anywhere on the floor for a jumper. His steady physical progression has lined up with the way his skillset has come along, leading to Nix really finding his stride as a winner and producer in his junior season. Expect a big summer and senior year from him, the recruting attention is bound to really pick up.     White is a very very gifted shot maker that had his ability on full display as he rose up from being a Watch List guy to being ranked inside of the top 60 in the class. White averaged 15.1 Points, 3.3 Rebounds, 1.4 Assists, 1.9 Steals, and 0.9 Blocks on 42/40/84 shooting splits on the season. White has been somewhat of a late bloomer physically but is now starting to grow into his body and it's showing in his confidence on the floor. Deep range, a high IQ, and unwavering confidence is a monster trio of traits to possess. It will be very intriguing to see what next steps we witness White make in his game, I think there's still a lot of untapped potential and could see another pop in production as he adds strength and experience heading into his senior season. White will undoubtedly be a coveted player for travel ball programs this summer and should see more next level attention come his way really soon. Shot-making translates, White hits shots, he's a bonafide next level guy.

Last week we dropped the 2027 rankings for the first time since I've taken over the site and there was naturally going to be a massive change with new leadership but there were also a batch of guys that would've risen regardless of who was making the decisions. The Junior season is a vital one, guys start to develop physically and become who they really are in a lot of ways. Without further delay, let's take a deeper look at some guys who have risen up through this latest rankings update!