2027 Rankings Update: Notable Backcourt Threats Outside the T-25

An especially intriguing guard, Bethel boasts two-way upside within the backcourt. Possessing a wide reach, they do an excellent job of getting into their opponents’ space, creating deflections and pressuring the ball handler. On the opposite end, Bethel is an effective downhill scoring option, with long strides that get by plenty of opposing defenders. Her quickness while getting downhill is undoubtedly a area of value for the guard, possessing good vision finding teammates out of those scenarios. If the lane has been taken away, Bethel showed promise as a mid-range shotmaker, rising up into shots should the defense stay too low.

Halton showed plenty of value scoring the ball, possessing a consistent jumper across the floor. Effective rising up into spot-up threes even through an incoming contest, the guard showed notable poise under pressure. Another area of intrigue was Halton’s consistency scoring on pull-ups in the mid-range, drawing quite a few fouls on those attempts. If needed to be a threat at the rim, the guard has been actively maneuvering off-ball to create an opening for herself.

Wetterling looks to be a steady complementary guard, capable of spacing the floor and attacking ideal matchups. Effective at utilizing a crossover to create space on the drive, the guard was active attacking downhill for ambidextrous finishes around the rim. Alongside her willingness to attack the paint, Wetterling showed notable intrigue as a perimeter shooter. When provided just enough space, the guard could let shots up quickly off the catch. One area of intrigue will be the guard’s defensive impact, who showed plenty of value on aggressive help side defense.

Moon is an active playmaker, proactive pushing the pace to help out teammates in transition. An effective ball handler with either hand, the guard is especially dependable finding open teammates. Whether it be an extra swing pass for an open shooter or a dime to cutter in traffic, the guard has great floor awareness. Equally capable of leveraging skills to attack the paint, the guard showed value scoring around the rim past incoming contests. Additionally effective along the perimeter, Moon knocked down a few spot-up threes throughout various showcase events this summer. Defensively, Moon see’s the floor at a high level, actively cutting off passing lanes for steals.

Howard was an active complementary shotmaker, especially steady while flowing into jumpers off the catch. Staying ready at all times, the guard’s quick footwork made her a dynamic shotmaker while flowing into shots. Typically from a standstill or while getting an attempt following the weak side action, Howard should be an impactful floor spacer out of the gates. Another area of impact was the guard’s willingness to push the pace in transition, getting up outlet passes quickly to set up easy layups. The guard should flourish in transition, active at reading a quickly progressing defense.