Rising Basketball Talents: Key Players from the 2027 Rankings

The 2027 Rankings dropped today and there are some big surprises on the prephoops landscape. We have introduced a couple new players to the top 10, as well as announced a new top player. There was a lot of movement, but here are some of the players to know for their high school performances and to watch out for this upcoming AAU season.    [player_tooltip player_id='2883422' first='Jabari' last='Levingston'] made a big jump in the rankings based on his stellar sophomore campaign. Levingston lead the Lincoln Prep Panthers to their first state championship in 34 years along with winning, Lincoln Parish MVP, Ruston Daily Leader MVP, Division lV MVP and State Championship game MVP. He is a serious competitor that constantly challenges himself to improve. He is a two-sport threat, and a work horse. He is still developing which makes him a scary prospect for anybody ahead of him. Just remember the name, because Levingston has the size, mentality, mindset and work ethic to chase down anyone ahead of him.     [player_tooltip player_id='2532091' first='David' last='Thomas'] is the purest shooter in the class, but his energy is what stands out with this special hooper. He is long, aggressive and earns every bucket the hard way. His game has a sort of finesse to it because he is a long-range sniper, but he also loves to get in the paint and finish. Thomas is another player with more room to move up, and as his athleticism comes along, I think him getting on the rim will be the next step to his path to the top. If you have watched him play, then you know two things. DT is gonna get a bucket, and he is gonna get in your face and defend.     [player_tooltip player_id='2990514' first='Dreylon' last='O'Key'] jumps in the rankings as the biggest stock riser, coming from unranked to #4. Okey has grown, sharpened his skills, added muscle to his frame, demonstrated his basketball IQ and plays the game like a kid that loves to compete. He looks to be 6'6, and with his overall versatility could challenge for the number one spot in the state. He could still be growing, but if not, his game continues to grow and at this size and skill level he has a clear path to Division l opportunities. Keep an eye on Dreylon. He is coming for the top spot.     [player_tooltip player_id='2890103' first='Skyler' last='Hudson'] has an aggressive and high IQ game. He works to get downhill and put pressure on the defense, but also knows how to use his weapons on the court. He is part of a young three headed monster and will be the one to watch next season as he will be the point guard leading the most dangerous group on Juniors in the state after this summer. He has the skills and the mentality to do it, and if he can bring it all together would make him a highly visible point man.     [player_tooltip player_id='3592441' first='Byron' last='Jackson'] is a new player to the rankings, but one to watch based on his in game production and visible upside. He is a true three level scorer with a high motor and all the intangibles coaches look for at the next level. He is kind of a hybrid guard because he is equally efficient on or off the ball, but either way his jump into the rankings is no surprise to those that have watched him compete. More to follow on this young upstart as we look to see more from him in the summer.

The 2027 Rankings dropped today and there are some big surprises on the prephoops landscape. We have introduced a couple new players to the top 10, as well as announced a new top player. There was a lot of movement, but here are some of the players to know for their high school performances and to watch out for this upcoming AAU season.