June Recap Part 1: Overlooked 2027 Guards Who Produced

As always is the case, June was a busy and filled up month for Illinois Hoops. Between live periods, shootouts, camps, and leagues there was a lot of good basketball played throughout the state. Although we are a week into July and players are back on their travel teams, PHI will take you through part 1 of a 3 part series today that recaps players from June who had positive showings. In this first of three segments, we will dive into a handful of overlooked 2027 guards that next level coaches need to have on their radars to see during their senior year. Let's get into it!    Will be the main threat again this year for the Titans. I caught Ambrose at the East Summer League in June where he showcased a plethora of skill sets. Defensively has a nose for the ball and will sniff out turnover opportunities with anticipation while playing with an edge. Ambrose continues to be in attack mode off the bounce while sharing it with others. He has a disciplined handle throughout in multiple facets to go along with a pure jumper. Scoring wise he is comfortable from all 3 levels going off the bounce or in catch and shoot opportunities. His feel and rhythm seems to always be in tune. He will be one of the main 2027 players to watch this upcoming season in the NIC 10 and should gain more traction on the recruiting trail through his senior campaign.     I caught Brannan play in his teams' final week at the Rockford East League where he handles primary ball handling responsibilities. He consistently creates advantages with a shifty yet disciplined handle at a smooth pace. Systematically the team runs a lot of well orchestrated action and he ensures the components are ran efficiently. Brannan scores it from all 3 levels while being able to finish with either hand at the rim. He will mix in fake dribble hand offs to hit gaps quickly off the bounce, finish on soft floaters or runners vs more size, and attack the basket while fighting through contact. I was most impressed with his court vision which isn't surprising granted the fact he broke the schools' single season assist record as a junior last year playing in a conference that had 2 teams in a 4A sectional final. On this night during league play he delivered timely passes to back door cutters, made quick one handed swing passes, and retrieved outlets quickly to get it out and go. His high motor and humble approach while remaining tough throughout will provide plenty of value for the Blue Thunder during his senior campaign.     Hicks will serve as a primary ball handler for a newer look but reloaded Auburn squad. He brings a high-energy presence on both ends of the floor. Defensively his hustle and willingness to compete on or off the ball is evident. On the offensive side of things he can knock down 3's at an efficient marker while consistently helping team play with pace and orchestrating efficient flow. He showcased his vision in the East Summer League during June with smart swing passes that led to open 3's or quick pitch ahead passes to his bigs for easy transition buckets. His hustle and leadership will help drive team on both sides.     Golden is an under the radar guard who can fit into a 1 or 2 slot. He flashes intriguing upside as a bigger sized lead or combo. He uses his length well while contributing on both ends. He has a confident three off the dibble or catch in the ½ court setting. In the transition phase he runs the floor adequately and helps speed up pace while converting on simple finishes at the rim. Defensively his length comes into effect with his ability to anticipate and show instinct to create offense from defense. His combination of positional size and activity throughout will impact overall for a new look but reloaded Indian squad.     Simms proves to be a valuable secondary playmaker who compliments well in the Titans back court. He can be utilized as another ball handler while also showcasing his ability to score with confidence. Offensively Simms provides a quick and smooth dribble and is able to knock down catch and shoot opportunities from 3 or help push for pace in transition opportunities. Defensively he establishes as a perimeter challenge as well to provide on ball pressure or 1 pass away utilizing his quickness to advantage. Overall his decision making and energy is equipped to provide assets on both sides.

As always is the case, June was a busy and filled up month for Illinois Hoops. Between live periods, shootouts, camps, and leagues there was a lot of good basketball played throughout the state. Although we are a week into July and players are back on their travel teams, PHI will take you through part 1 of a 3 part series today that recaps players from June who had positive showings. In this first of three segments, we will dive into a handful of overlooked 2027 guards that next level coaches need to have on their radars to see during their senior year. Let's get into it!