Class of 2027: Guards To Watch

The Class of 2027 is loaded with talent at the guard position. The players on this list have the ability to impact the game in multiple ways and consistently make a difference for their teams night in and night out. Whether it's passing, shooting, rebounding, athleticism, or creating opportunities for others, each of these guards brings something different to the floor. These are players who continue to make their presence felt and are worth keeping an eye on.    [player_tooltip player_id='2215040' first='Zac' last='Borrego'] is a calm and collected guard who does whatever is needed to help his team win. The Northern Arizona University commit uses his ability to get paint touches and pairs it with strong court vision to create open looks for his teammates. He consistently plays under control and is rarely bothered by what opposing defenses throw at him.   Zac does a great job balancing creating opportunities for his teammates with knowing when to look for his own shot. When defenders sag off, he has the ability to rise up and knock down three-point shots. His combination of slashing, shot-making, and playmaking makes him a tough matchup for opposing defenders.     [player_tooltip player_id='2980447' first='Malachi' last='Knox'] is an athletic guard who can score points in a hurry. When attacking the lane, he can finish tough layups through traffic or elevate and finish above the rim with force. His combination of speed, power, and explosiveness makes him a difficult matchup when he gets downhill.   Malachi is also a capable shooter who can turn hard drives into controlled mid-range pull-ups. He does a great job keeping defenders off balance and adjusting when defenses try to take away different parts of his game. His versatility as a scorer allows him to find different ways to produce throughout the game.   Malachi pairs his athleticism with a high motor. As opponents begin to wear down, he maintains the same energy and pace he brings at the start of the game. Defensively, his length, quickness, and activity allow him to get into passing lanes and disrupt possessions. Even when opponents appear to have a clear path to the basket, Malachi has the speed and explosiveness to recover from behind and challenge shots at the rim.     [player_tooltip player_id='2217079' first='Charlie' last='Wills'] does whatever is needed to make winning plays. He uses his positioning and instincts well to secure rebounds against taller players, while his footwork and discipline on the defensive end make it difficult for opposing guards to get to their preferred spots on the floor.   Offensively, Charlie's shooting ability makes him a threat from multiple areas of the court. He combines that with strong court vision, consistently looking to get his teammates involved while taking care of the basketball and limiting turnovers. He does a great job balancing when to look for his own shot and when to create the best available opportunity for a teammate.   Charlie has the versatility and basketball IQ to impact every area of the game and fill the stat sheet with points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Look for Charlie to have a big season for Eldorado this year.     [player_tooltip player_id='2216708' first='Michael' last='Marr'] plays with an edge that is hard to match. He embraces every challenge thrown his way and consistently looks to be a catalyst on the offensive end of the floor. Michael has the ability to score at all three levels, and once he crosses half court, he always seems to be in attack mode looking to create a scoring opportunity for his team.   His explosive first step allows him to get defenders off balance and put constant pressure on the defense. Michael does a great job using his scoring ability to keep opponents on their heels while still looking for opportunities to get his teammates involved.   Michael's combination of competitiveness, scoring ability, and attacking mentality makes him a guard who can change the momentum of a game quickly. He plays with confidence, embraces big moments, and continues to look for ways to elevate his game. After a strong summer showing, Michael has positioned himself for a big season and is a 2027 guard worth keeping an eye on as he continues to develop.     [player_tooltip player_id='2215899' first='Pedro' last='Padron'] is a hard-nosed guard who brings a strong combination of athleticism, physicality, and toughness to the floor. He uses those tools effectively on both ends of the court and consistently finds ways to impact the game.   Offensively, Pedro is constantly moving and searching for openings in the defense. His ability to find space allows him to get his shot off quickly, making him a reliable option in the catch-and-shoot game. When the ball is in his hands, he does a good job of making the pass and immediately relocating to create another scoring opportunity. Pedro has continued to develop his perimeter shooting and showcased that improvement throughout the summer. He can also attack the basket off the dribble and has the strength to finish through contact.   Defensively, Pedro uses his physical tools and lateral quickness to make life difficult for opposing ball handlers. He does an excellent job staying in front of his assignment, fighting through screens, and defending aggressively without fouling.   Pedro's ability to contribute on both ends of the floor makes him the type of guard who can impact a game even when his shot is not falling. His toughness, activity, and willingness to compete allow him to take on whatever role his team needs. Look for Pedro to embrace any challenge thrown his way this season and continue establishing himself as a strong two-way guard in the Class of 2027.

The Class of 2027 is loaded with talent at the guard position. The players on this list have the ability to impact the game in multiple ways and consistently make a difference for their teams night in and night out. Whether it's passing, shooting, rebounding, athleticism, or creating opportunities for others, each of these guards brings something different to the floor. These are players who continue to make their presence felt and are worth keeping an eye on.