2027 Stock Watch: Movers Reshaping the Rankings

Which 2027 prospects are changing the board? This cycle has been full of breakout performances, and these juniors are pushing their way into the spotlight. Two dropped out of the Top 10 and one surged from the Watch List to Top 25, find out how and why here. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR & @VortexSportsArkansas.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Point Guards</h3>    Previous Range: AR Top 10 Current Range: AR #12, PG #5   Hicks' slight slide in the rankings has far more to do with availability than ability. Injuries have limited his reps this winter, giving other guards in the class more opportunities to showcase growth and consistency. When Hicks is on the floor, he still looks like the same poised, smart, pace‑controlling guard. Out there defending, facilitating, and running the break with confidence. As he gets healthy and logs more minutes, he's a strong candidate to climb again.     Previous Range: AR Mid‑30s Current Range: AR #24, PG/SG #6   Gill's rise is tied to his scoring versatility. He's become a reliable threat and has shown he can toggle between lead guard and off‑ball roles. His confidence as a shot‑maker has surged, and his ability to quickly create separation has made him one of the more impactful combo guards in the class.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Shooting Guards</h3>    Previous Range: AR Mid‑40s Current Range: AR #26, SG #8   Bullock's physicality and downhill pressure have elevated his stock. He's defending at a higher level, finishing through contact, and showing flashes of quiet leadership. Coaches value guards who compete on both ends, and Bullock's motor has pushed him into the top‑30 conversation.     Previous Range: AR #18 Current Range: AR #18, SG #7   Franklin's rise comes from improved consistency throughout the season. His shot selection has tightened, and he's become a dependable scoring option in Bentonville's system. Add in his length and defensive upside, and Franklin is trending toward becoming one of the more complete guards in the class.     Previous Range: AR #15 Current Range: AR #17, SG #6   Cox's two‑spot slide isn't a reflection of decline. It shows how competitive the class has become. His skill level continues to show and steadily grow, especially as a confident scorer who can create his own looks. The shift comes from other prospects stacking bigger numbers, playing in higher‑profile matchups, and picking up wins against tougher opponents. Cox remains firmly on track developmentally, and his long‑term projection hasn't changed.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Combo Guards</h3>    Previous Range: AR Watch List Current Range: AR #23, CG #5   Williams' blend of size and guard skills has started to separate him, along with his scoring prowess. He's making better reads, defending multiple spots, and showing improved pace as a handler. His consistent ability to push the pace offensively and lead his team with effort anf efficiency, plus his versatility, is turning him into a real prospect, pushing him into the 20s.     Previous Range: AR Mid-30s Current Range: AR #22, CG #4   Johnson's rise is tied to his leadership and playmaking jump since the beginning of the season. He's seeing the floor better, creating advantages with his handle, and showing he can initiate offense against pressure. With his improved shooting confidence, defensive output, and maturing IQ, Johnson is trending upward quickly.     Previous Range: AR #21 Current Range: AR #21, CG #3   Bell has been one of the most reliable performers in the class. His ability to score and facilitate makes him a plug‑and‑play guard to track. The steadiness of his production has kept him in the top‑20 mix.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Forwards</h3>    Previous Range: AR #20 Current Range: AR #20, SF/SG #4   Jude has aimed to improve his perimeter skill set. He's shooting it efficiently without needing tons of touches, attacking closeouts better, and being a dynamic role player this season. His frame and feel give him inside-out upside, and his well-rounded play reflects that.     Previous Range: AR Top 10 Current Range: AR #16, SF/SG #3   Shepard's slide is more about context than concern. His numbers have fluctuated from game to game, often because Riverview's blowout wins limit his fourth‑quarter minutes or because his role shifts based on what the team needs that night. He's one of the few prospects in the class who can truly do a little bit of everything... defend multiple spots, initiate offense, finish plays, and make winning reads that don't always show up in a box score. The movement comes from other prospects stacking bigger stat lines, gaining recruiting traction, and producing more consistently in high‑leverage situations. Shepard remains a high‑upside, impact‑driven wing whose versatility still projects extremely well.     Previous Range: AR Mid-20s Current Range: AR #19, PF/SF #2   Ball's combination of size, mobility, shooting, and touch has fueled his rise. He's rebounding at a higher rate, finishing more efficiently, and showing flashes of perimeter skill. As his confidence and consistency grow, so does his ranking.

Which 2027 prospects are changing the board? This cycle has been full of breakout performances, and these juniors are pushing their way into the spotlight. Two dropped out of the Top 10 and one surged from the Watch List to Top 25, find out how and why here. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR & @VortexSportsArkansas.