2027 Rankings: Watch List Guards - Part 1

Few guards are as explosive with the basketball in their hands as Jennifer Xue. Her elite burst allows her to create separation almost instantly, making her a constant threat both in the open floor and attacking a set defense. Once she gets downhill, she displays outstanding body control and creativity around the basket, finishing through contact while comfortably using either hand. Xue is equally dangerous from the perimeter, knocking down shots off the catch or creating her own looks off the dribble. Even without the ball, defenses have to account for her shooting, making her one of the most difficult offensive players to contain.     Brooklyn Whittington has developed into one of the most complete two-way guards around. Defensively, she thrives by applying relentless pressure, forcing opponents into uncomfortable situations and turning anticipation into steals and deflections. Offensively, she combines a team-first mentality with exceptional court vision, consistently finding teammates with accurate passes that many players simply don't see. She's capable of attacking the basket and finishing with either hand while also keeping defenses honest with her perimeter shooting. Her ability to impact virtually every aspect of the game makes her an invaluable presence on the floor.     Eliza Nance plays with an energy that elevates everyone around her. She attacks the game with confidence, putting pressure on defenses by getting into the lane while also creating quality scoring opportunities for teammates. Her ability to read the game allows her to make smart decisions without sacrificing aggressiveness, giving her offense an efficient rhythm. On the defensive end, Nance competes with a high motor, disrupting plays through effort, instincts, and active hands. Whether she's attacking the rim or knocking down perimeter shots, she consistently provides the spark that every team needs.     Avery Cooke's relentless motor is evident from the opening tip until the final buzzer. She embraces the physical side of the game, attacking the glass with excellent timing and instincts to secure rebounds in traffic. Around the basket, she welcomes contact and uses her strength to convert difficult finishes in the paint. Beyond her scoring and rebounding, Cooke excels in the little things that help teams succeed, including setting strong, well-timed screens that create space for teammates to operate. Her toughness, effort, and willingness to do the dirty work make her a player every coach values.