Stock Up: 2027 Prospects on the Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we transition into fall, this is the perfect time to mark the end of summer by identifying a few guys who upped their game over the last couple months. Here are five:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2529631' first='Jaden' last='Craft'] | 6'0 G 2027 Devon Prep + [program_tooltip program_id='2423459' first='PA' last='Hoops Academy']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although growing into his body is like trying to hit a moving target, Craft is already an intriguing prospect. He plays the game from the neck up, looking to take advantage of any leak in the defense. His jumper is also good from anywhere, off-the-catch and off-the-dribble. With another growth spurt looking, Craft could be one of the top local prospects, long-term.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2364684' first='Aven' last='Diamond'] | 6'2 G 2027 Polytech + [program_tooltip program_id='2450598' first='WeR1' last=''] UAA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Diamond's displays of elite athleticism from April to June resulted in him getting the “call-up” to [program_tooltip program_id='2450598' first='WeR1' last=''] for July, where his talent popped just the same. As the tip of the spear on defense, Diamond won defensively as a havoc creator. He disrupted passing lanes with deflections and high-pointed the ball for blocks. This fall, he's lacking up the cleats as a wideout on the football field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2364683' first='Shane' last='Lopez'] | 6'3 G/W 2027 Conrad + [program_tooltip program_id='2450598' first='WeR1' last=''] HGSL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a team defender, Lopez flashes sneaky athleticism and lateral mobility. He causes issues for offenses on the help side and makes good rotations away from the point-of-attack. But his biggest impact is as a floor spacer. Getting off catch-and-shoot threes before his man can get a hand up, Lopez is good for at least two per game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2427981' first='Eric' last='Scott'] | 5'9 G 2027 West Catholic + Philly Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scott stepped onto the scene in a major way as a freshman at New Foundations, then transitioned to West Catholic and got on additional radars in June and July. With a deep bag, whoever is guarding Scott is always off balance because he counters so quickly and decisively. More importantly, he's a true competitor who plays with a lot of heart. No matter the score or matchup, Scott goes full throttle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2427311' first='Cole' last='Zalewski'] | 6'2 G 2027 Conwell-Egan + [program_tooltip program_id='2428023' first='Philly' last='Revolution'] HGSL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Proving that he's more than just a shooter, Zalewski has the ability to run point. He's already taller for a lead guard as he can see over or around the defense and set up teammates for open looks. Beyond the skill, he has the will to be a facilitator first. And, of course, it's “hand down, man down” for three if he sees a slither of daylight.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->