2027 Rankings Update: Top Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2027 rankings update is here with a little over 250 prospects in the update. With every update, new prospects enter the update and this one is no different. Here are the top newcomers in the 2027 rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1493183' first='Drew' last='Corrao'], 6'9 C/PF Peddie</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Corrao is the top newcomer in the update as he joins the class with his postgrad season at Peddie. The 6'9 post has a good face-up game as he can put the ball on the floor and his range extends out to the three-point line. Corrao can also get position in the paint and has a nice touch around the rim. He moves well without the ball in his hands and is a solid rebounder. Corrao's ability to stretch the floor is something that will help his stock throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2633152' first='Ziyi' last='Xiong'], 6'11 PF Peddie</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Xiong has the potential to have a big spring and summer with his ability to play inside and out. The 6'11 forward has a high release on his jumper and can knock down open jumpers on the perimeter. Xiong moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open layups and jumpers in the half court. He skies for rebounds on both ends of the floor and uses his length to influence shots around the rim. Xiong's ability to control the paint is something that will help him in a big way over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1944384' first='Kahlik' last='Thomas'], 6'5 SF Roselle Catholic</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas looks to be joining the 2027 class as a postgrad after a strong 2025-26 season. The 6'5 forward uses his strong frame to get position down low and is unafraid of drawing contact around the rim. Thomas can also put the ball on the floor and sets his feet before he shoots. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and works hard on the defensive end. Thomas is a gritty forward prospect who should continue to make plays on the interior during the spring and summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3442900' first='Ricardo' last='Johnson'], 6'6 C/PF Vineland</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson established himself as a force in the paint for South Jersey as he was one of the top rim protectors. The 6'6 post swats almost everything around the rim and influences plenty of others as well. Johnson runs the floor hard, setting himself up for easy baskets in transition. He can get position in the paint and is an underrated passer out of the post. Johnson is a high level rim-protector, who should shoot up rankings with a strong AAU season on the offensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3270146' first='Daniel' last='Hinkov'], 6'4 SG St. Benedict's Prep</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hinkov is one of the top shooters in Essex County in the class, which he should put on display this spring and summer. The 6'4 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Hinkov moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open jumpers and layups in the half court. He is an underrated passer and slides his feet on the defensive end. Hinkov is a sharp-shooting guard prospect who should torch the nets from deep during the AAU seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3509541' first='Jayden' last='Doctor'], 6'3 SF Camden</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3544142' first='Adin' last='Goldschneider'], 6'1 PG/SG Tenafly</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3437162' first='AJ' last='Cruz'], 5'10 CG Bloomfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3271441' first='Bryce' last='Williams'], 6'0 CG Rutgers Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3544098' first='Antonio' last='Miccinilli'], 6'4 SF/SG Waldwick</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->