2027 Rankings: Two-Way Guys

The value of playing both sides of the basketball is incredibly important to the success of a team and it's vital that next level programs are able to identify and recruit these guys in order to maintain excellence on the defensive end of the floor while maintaining a real threat on the offensive one as well. Let's take a deeper look at some of the top two way players in the State of North Carolina's 2027 Class!    [player_tooltip player_id='1931994' first='Tyler' last='Brown'] continues to elevate his game as a versatile big man who can really help a team at both ends of the floor as his mobility, anticipation, and size give him an excellent set of tools to work with on the defensive end of the floor. Brown continues to progress with his ability to catch and finish in traffic at the rim as he's poised for a big Senior season at Ambassador Christian. In the last UAA Session of the Summer, Brown helped Top Shot 17u perform at a really high level. Operating as a lob threat offensively and an anchor defensively, Brown understands and embraces his role on the floor as that style truly highlights his strengths and allow him to maximize his minutes on the floor. He still has a lot of upside to grow into and is on the trajectory to continue getting there. Keep an eye out for Brown this season with Ambassador Christian.     Emerson is a guy that has the physical gifts and feel to be a really impactful player on the defensive end of the floor while possessing the ability to make plays in transition and the half court on the offensive end. It was on display for [program_tooltip program_id='2375668' first='SW15H' last='Elite'] 17u on the UA Rise Circuit as he was able to show the ability to guard multiple positions at a high level. Emerson brings a ton of energy to the lineup as well, making momentum shifting plays with his athletic pop, along with being a general disruptor defensively. Emerson also shows flashes of a game that can continue to emerge offensively as he continues to improve his overall feel, outside touch, and ability to play through contact on the inside. He's a bonafide next level prospect and recently received an offer from Winston-Salem State!     Wright is another piece from this 1 of 1 17u team that really emerged as a bonafide next level guy in the month of July with the effort and selfless approach allowing his game to shine bright on a really big stage. When we watched them up in Richmond, Wright was absolutely all over the floor with this two way impact on full display as a strong and physical defender who used those same traits to have an impact on the glass at both ends of the floor. Wright made timely plays all weekend long and was vital in 1 of 1's victory over Cooz Elite. He showed exactly where he fits in over the course of those high level matchups and he's simply a guy you want on your side in those type of games. Look out for Wright at East Meck as he has a chance for a really big senior season as he continues to make his next level case!     Crayton is one of the most underrated shot blockers in the class of 2027 here in North Carolina and that was on display for both Orange HS last season along with [program_tooltip program_id='2078543' first='Team' last='Stacked'] over the course of the Summer. Crayton possesses excellent timing at the rim defensively with a great first and/or second jump that allows him to contest almost everything at the rim. He's also quite mobile for his size, allowing him to switch onto other guys with relative ease. Crayton is improving his game on the offensive end of the floor as he's an increasingly reliable finisher around the basket with true above the rim capabilities along with being able to catch the ball in traffic. Crayton is a guy that could be a next level steal due to his natural abilities and emerging skillset.     King does a great job for whatever team he's suiting up for as a guy that can help your team at both ends of the floor with the ability to play on or off the ball. King gets downhill with his left hand where he can make plays for himself or others and also embraces his role as a feature defender on the perimeter. He does a great job showcasing his strengths at both ends of the floor amongst the other talented players on his roster at Ambassador Christian while being capable of carrying a team offensively for stretches like we saw with Top Shot UA Grind. King is a bonafide next level prospect and should be in some big spots with this Ambassador Christian this upcoming season where that ability will be on full display!

The value of playing both sides of the basketball is incredibly important to the success of a team and it's vital that next level programs are able to identify and recruit these guys in order to maintain excellence on the defensive end of the floor while maintaining a real threat on the offensive one as well. Let's take a deeper look at some of the top two way players in the State of North Carolina's 2027 Class!