The Phenom Hoops 2027 rankings were released on Tuesday, and there is plenty of talk surrounding them. Whether you believe we got it right or wrong, there are always discussions to be had. Which is why I’m diving into them a bit more, as I (personally) will have my eyes on several players to see if they can continue their rise up the ranks when it is all said and done.
Rankings: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2027-north-carolina-rankings/
Again, this is solely based on my opinion alone, so read into that as much as you would like. But some players could continue to climb the ladder that I will be watching this upcoming season. Check out five players in the Top 30 that could fit that mold.
2027 6’5 Keyonee Terry (Southern Durham)
Terry is an interesting prospect to watch for and now helping lead at Southern Durham, he and his team will be back in the spotlight once again to compete for a championship. Terry, though, has had more of an eye-opening summer as far as showing off his development. Phenom Hoops introduced you to him a while back, but he has shown growth and maturity as a player as well as an understanding of his potential. He has length and athleticism as he flashes that throughout his game on both ends. Terry can finish at the rim with the best, but has shown that he can be a strong offensive weapon inside and out. He also does a great job impacting the game in other ways, filling up the stat sheet and doing what is needed to help his team. Terry has a chance to get better and really showcase more of his overall game this upcoming season.
2027 6’7 Jayon Connor (FCDS)
Now part of the Class of 2027, Connor is one to keep an eye on more as he has moved up rapidly in the rankings. There is a lot to like about what he offers to the table: size, mobility, strength, and fluidity on the court. As our own Jeff Bendel said, “He’s a powerful athlete with an excellent combination of size, physicality, and two-way versatility. Connor’s ability to do so many different things on the court allows him to effectively play multiple positions. He’s a switchable defender who can guard basically any position on the floor. Connor rebounds extremely well for his size and is skilled enough to reliably push the break in transition. Although his skillset continues to grow, he’s already capable of applying constant pressure at the rim, creating with the ball in his hands, and mixing it up as a scorer from all levels.” Connor is one, that if he continues to blossom and pop, could move up more in our rankings.
2027 6’7 Zeke Battier (Providence Day)
I feel like some just don’t talk as much about Battier, but I’m one who sees potential in the 6’7 forward, and I’m eager to see what he can show more this season. When watching him in the past this summer, Battier showed promise and skill with his size. He is comfortable in being operating and making plays down in the paint with strong footwork, but can be just as effective as a player to step out and stretch the floor. Battier has the skillset to put it on the deck, move around, and find open spots, and he shows a strong understanding of the game, especially with his family background. I do believe that this could be a big eye-opening season for the young man, and college programs should be taking more notice.
2027 6’3 Karon Watlington (TBS)
Watlington is another player to really watch out for, as he will be suiting up for a new team this year. There is a lot to his game that you have to like and now looking to help lead the offense, showcase more of his offensive game, and flourish for a program that will certainly be in the big spotlight this year should only help him after coming off an injury this summer. He handles the ball with poise and understanding, uses his length really well on both sides of the ball, can make unselfish plays for others but also be a strong offensive contributor for his team. He does a great job in mixing it on the court and should have a big season with his team at TBS.
2027 6’5 Thomas Vickery (Myers Park)
Vickery has already exploded up our rankings, but there may be room for more movement, especially now being the go-to option at Myers Park. But this summer, he had an eye-opening showing throughout, especially every time we watched him. Vickery brings size and strength, big-time athleticism, and is now proving that he can be a true offensive weapon with the ball in his hands. He is comfortable creating for himself, attacking and finishing at the rim with authority, but can also knock down open shots. What you have to like about his game, though is his comfort in playing multiple positions offensively, which allows him to be effective in so many areas on the court. I fully expect him to have a huge season at Myers Park and really show and take over as the go-to option for his team.