2027 Watchlist: Rising Names Making Early Noise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2027 class continues to impress as several players are beginning to carve out roles for themselves and show why they belong on the watchlist. Each of these young talents has demonstrated growth, competitiveness, and a clear understanding of what it takes to impact the game on both ends of the floor. From skilled guards to versatile forwards, this group is proving that their development is trending in the right direction. Here are five players who are already making a name for themselves as the season approaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["903720"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68fee5ca12f02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ashanti is coming off a strong summer and looks ready to build on that heading into the season. She's shown the ability to handle the ball against pressure and make smart plays. Ashanti can knock down threes both in transition and when spotted up while also attacking off the dribble to get to the rim. Her versatility and confidence continue to elevate her game to another level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["903748"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68fee5ca12f9b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Emma is an aggressive guard who sets the tone with her style of play. Defensively she pressures the ball full court and forces mistakes with her quick feet. Offensively she uses her speed to attack and knocks down shots when left open. Emma's motor makes her a difficult matchup for opponents on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["903708"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68fee5ca13011"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Malaya has shown tremendous improvement over the past year, and it's starting to pay off. She brings energy off the bench providing a spark with her rebounding and defensive. Malaya alters shots at the rim and capitalizes on second-chance opportunities by finishing through contact. Her hustle and growing confidence make her a key contributor in any game setting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["896498"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68fee5ca13080"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reyna is a smaller guard who refuses to let size define her. She stays aggressive on the offensive end, applying pressure with her quickness. On defense, she's a pesky presence finding ways to force turnovers and frustrate guards. Her approach makes her a tone setter for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["899657"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68fee5ca130eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stella plays the game the right way and impacts winning with her effort. She rebounds the ball crashes the boards on both ends, and finds ways to make her presence felt. Stella also knocks down open shots keeping defenses honest. Her ability to do the little things right will make her a valuable piece for her team this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->