Rankings Release: Newcomers Break Through in 2027

Our first, post-spring, rankings update for the Class of 2027 not only contained a lot of movement throughout, but also a lot of Newcomers!   Today, we'll feature some prospects that are making their first appearance in the New England's 2027 rankings; prospects that either announced their intention to transfer into the region, reclassified upon transferring, caught our eye after appearing on the Watch List, or simply made the most out of the spring travel season to assert themselves into the rankings.   Our latest rankings update for the Class of 2027 featured a total of 35 Newcomers, below are 10 that have stood out in recent weeks.    Mitrovic, a talented big man, checks into the rankings for the first time at #6 after transferring into the region to attend CATS Academy. Mitrovic, at 7'0", impresses with his offensive versatility, fluidity of movement, and floor spacing potential. He's long and lean, so he'll obviously need to add strength to his frame, but he doesn't back down physically in the paint. He has nice mechanics on his jumper in catch and shoot situations, runs the floor well in transition, and is a capable finisher around the rim. Defensively, he uses his length to his advantage on the perimeter and does a nice job of protecting the rim. He's a high major prospect that conceivably still has his best basketball well ahead of him.     Blenman, a skilled forward, makes his first appearance in the rankings at #12 after transferring to Cushing Academy. Blenman suffered an unfortunate foot injury early in the travel season, but is a new name to watch in the region due to his combination of positional size, physicality, and skill. A first team all-state selection in New York last winter, the 6'8" forward has wide shoulder and a solid base, both of which help him to establish position in the paint and score physically through size around the rim. He can operate as an initiator out of the high post and elbows and does a nice job of passing out of double teams. As he continues to work on his conditioning, he'll become a more versatile defender, but right now shines with his motor on the defensive glass.     Ivy, a talented scoring guard out of Texas, makes his first appearance in the New England rankings at #17 after transferring into Lawrence Academy. An early priority target for high academic programs, Ivy has quickly asserted himself as one of the better perimeter shooters in his class. He's gifted in catch and shoot situations, but has also shown the ability to get open off screens and make movement threes with the ball in his hands. He's a plus athlete that has the ability to handle the ball in the half-court and uses a quick first step to his advantage when attacking the rim. Defensively, he has the size plus strength combo needed to guard either back-court position and makes plays by reading angles and timing his attempts to go for steals.     Maloney, a versatile big guard out of the Newman School, checks into the rankings at #34, after previously appearing on the Watch List. Maloney, a 6'7" wing, has been a major stock riser this spring while realing in recent offers from Ivies and High Majors alike. A big wing, he's a fluid mover in space and graceful finisher around the rim. Everything about his game is smooth, including his ability to handle the ball in the half-court. He doesn't get sped up, shows good instincts as an off-ball cutter, and has the ability to finish above the rim with plus athletic pop. Defensively, his combination of size, length, and lateral mobility allows him to guard ones through fours, making plays in passing lanes and rebounding both in traffic and in space.     Blankenberg, a native of New York, is new to the region after transferring into the Winchendon School and cracks the rankings at #78. A hybrid forward, the 6'8" Blankenburg is a nice athlete that has good burst around the rim as a slasher and off-ball cutter. He's a threat to finish above the rim off the bounce, in transition, and off lob plays. He can handle in space, makes good decisions as a passer from the top of the key, and has the ability to go by bigger defenders on the perimeter. Defensively, he uses his length and athleticism to block and deter shots around the rim, while also playing with a high motor that helps him to make a significant impact on the defensive glass.     Olasode, originally from Texas, transferred into the Brooks School and cracks the rankings at #79. An athletic forward with a budding skillset, Olasode has impressive physical tools including a plus wingspan and good instincts on the defensive end of the floor. He's a switchable defender in ball screens actions and provides a presence around the basket as a rim protector. On the other end of the floor, he runs well in transition and has the ability to score through contact at the rim. He's hard to guard off the bounce and has extended his range out to the three point line. He's still a little raw, but with next level physical gifts, a high motor, and a willingness to work, he has a high ceiling as a prospect.     Walford, now at the Brooks School, joined the Class of 2027 upon transferring and breaks into the rankings at #134. A heady combo guard, Walford has some wiggle off the bounce and the ability to finish with length at the rim. He does a nice job of getting by the initial defender in isolation situations and uses a variety of crafty finishes to score over size in the paint. He makes good reads out of ball screens, can quick change directions off the bounce, and makes tough shots in the mid-range. On top of that, he's a quality three point shooter that can get them off in catch and shoot situations or off the bounce. Defensively, he guards in the full court, making it hard for opposing ball-handlers to get a piece of the paint off the bounce.     Hunnicutt, a talented combo guard out of the Belmont Hill School, makes his first appearance in the rankings at #163. A high IQ defender, Hunnicutt is a capable on-ball defender that also makes plays in the passing lanes. He covers ground quickly and reads plays with good instincts on that end of the floor. Offensively, he's a quality mid-range scorer that also has the ability to get into the paint off the bounce. He moves well without the ball, does a nice job of using screens to get open, and continues to improve as a perimeter shooter. Beyond that, he plays with a high motor on both ends of the floor and displays impressive toughness out of the guard spot.     Boyd, a big guard out of Central Catholic High School in Massachusetts, makes his way into the rankings at #179, after previously appearing on the Watch List. A long and active 6'4" guard, Boyd appears in the rankings after a strong showing this spring on the travel circuit. He's a willing ball mover that does a nice job of moving without the ball, using screens to his advantage and showing a high IQ as a cutter. He does his work before the catch to get shot ready and shows deep range on his jumper in catch and shoot situations. Defensively, he has the ability to guard up and down a postion, showing off good instincts in passing lanes and the ability to rebound in space.     Daniels, a guard out of the Groton School, makes his way from the Watch List to the rankings, cracking this list for the first time at #189. At 6'4" with long arms, Daniels is an active defender that can make plays in passing lanes or protect the rim when coming from the help side. He's incredibly active on that end of the floor, making impact plays that lead to conversion offense. Offensively, he runs the floor hard in transition and uses his length as a scorer around the rim. He can score with his back to the basket and has continued to expand his range as a shooter. He's beginning to show signs of playmaking ability off the bounce and is willing to play through contact in the paint.    Keep an eye out this week as we roll out our positional breakdowns for the Class of 2027.

Our first, post-spring, rankings update for the Class of 2027 not only contained a lot of movement throughout, but also a lot of Newcomers!