The potential for a breakout summer continues to build for Taylor, who at 6-foot-5, possesses some of the most violent vertical athleticism that you’ll find in the 2027 class for a player his size. He’s built like a linebacker, but has the mobility, foot speed and power that is unlike any other prospect in the DMV. His rim activity is something that demands your attention and he uses his two-foot jumping ability to abuse rims on dump-off passes or lobs. What was even more encouraging to see both for Team Melo and Taylor’s stock as a college prospect was stepping out beyond the arc and knocking down a handful of three’s on the weekend.

If this theme becomes more consistent, there will be more reason for college programs to overlook his ‘lack of size’ as a forward. He’s a versatile, strong player who can impact winning at a level that many others cannot when competing against him.

He averaged 17PPG, 10.5RPG, 3APG and 2 stocks (steals + blocks) per outing.

Taylor took the floor looking like he was out to prove a point. There was a sense of intent that he brought to violently snagging rebounds above the rim and finishing strong with two hands on the offensive end that just brought more of a ferocity than anyone else on the floor. This isn’t to say that Taylor never brings this type of edge, but it fueled him to dominate this scrimmage in the paint and if its a sign for what’s to come on a consistent basis, there are going to be a slew of college programs vying for his services. While the majority of his impact took place inside, the 6-foot-5 forward also took the time to show off a cleaner, more confident release from three as he buried one in a drive-and-kick scenario from the right wing. If he wasn’t finishing the job himself, Taylor was bullying his way to the rim off a couple bounces and forcing the defense to collapse before zipping passes to teammates spotting up. Really good showing from Taylor, who could easily find himself back in the top-10 in the next rankings update.

Jordan Taylor’s otherworldly athleticism was a huge factor, and he dominated the glass. Another thing that he brought was that he did an outstanding job the few times he was switched on Jordan Smith Jordan Smith 6'1" | SG Robinson | 2028 State VA . St. John’s has good defensive personnel with their athleticism and ability to switch, and Jordan Taylor is a good example of that. Jordan had 14 points and 15 rebounds in the final and finished with double-digit boards in both games.

It’s been a bit of an up-and-down year thus far for Taylor since transferring in from Bishop McNamara (MD), and while he struggled in the scoring column on Saturday, Taylor was still key toward holding off a high-octane Clinton Grace team for a big win. With a consistent ability to play bigger than his size thanks to a powerful frame and explosive leaping ability, Taylor grinded his way to 10 rebounds, including 6 on the offensive end that created a series of key extra possessions. He was also effective defensively against a smaller Clinton Grace team. Most important towards his long-term projection, Taylor looked comfortable on a pair of spotup 3s, converting on one of them to go along with a smooth elbow turnaround as he works to expand his game out toward the perimeter. He’s a clear D1 prospect but his level will largely be determined by how that development progresses over the course of time.

Taylor maintains his stay in the top-10 despite some hurdles here to start his junior campaign. He’s one of the more explosive athletes playing off two feet and can command the rim similar to a player who is 6-foot-8 rather than 6-foot-5. His finishing around or above the rim has remained strong, but we are still waiting on some signs of a game from 15-feet and out as he’ll need to develop that aspect to produce at the Division I level. He’s a strong-framed forward who can use his strength and athleticism to guard 2-5 at the high school level. His production and overall development will be an x-factor to St. John’s competing for a potential WCAC title this season.

After watching Jordan play throughout the two-day event, Taylor finds himself as the clear, undisputed inside/mid-range scorer for the Cadets scoring a combine 21 points, 17 rebounds in two games over the weekend. Jordan’s a natural glue-guy who can do a little bit of everything on the court. Taylor is a strong forward with a quality skillset, switchable defensive presence, and the ability to alter his approach based on team needs. He can reliably score comfortably from 15 feet and in, explosive finisher at the rim, and scorer in a variety of ways. Taylor ability to be featured from several areas allows him to regularly exploit openings and mismatches. He’s a willing passer and active rebounder who finds production in every type of setting.

-Veney’s backcourt mate also played with him on the circuit this year with Melo and looks good in new threads with SJC. Taylor is a physically-imposing wing prospect that bullies his matchup on drives to the rim, hits the glass extremely hard at both ends of the floor, and has improved his standstill jumper quite a bit. Taylor’s consistency and productivity set him aside from the pack and boost him into the top 5 for the class.

Previous Ranking: 7

-Taylor has looked good in new threads with the Cadets as he is showing off an improved perimeter skillset. His value still lies within hitting the glass extremely hard and providing his team with consistent slashing that opens up shots from the perimeter for his teammates. Taylor is a willing passer but the next step in his game will be using those paint touches to reverse pivot and kick to a shooter or pass across the paint to shift the defense. Also think that he has another level to get to as a versatile and physical defender that will eventually be capable of guarding 1-4 at the HS level.