Hoophall Classic: 2027 Player Evals

Earlier I took a look at lesser known prospects who participated at last weekend’s Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., who could be big-time college players, and today I break down my 2027 player evals from the event.

Davion Thompson, 6’3 PG – Link Academy (MO): Lefty guard that has high level craft and skill. Knows how to find the big-man on drives. Either that’s a lob or direct pass to their chest for the finish. His in-between game was on display as he has a soft touch on pull-ups and floaters. He plays with an adequate level of patience on ball-screens to survey the floor and makes the right play. Not bursty nor does Thompson hold great vertical pop, but he’s efficient and skilled.

Antonio Pemberton, 6’2 PG – Brewster Academy (NH): A gamer! Shifty guard that plays on and off the ball successfully. Can self create in isolation and finds open guys because of gravity he generates when the ball is in his hands. He’s one of the better guards in 2027 and climbing up the charts.

Brandon Woodard, 6’8 PF – Bishop McNamara (MD): Big-time athlete that played above the rim on his finishes. When Woodard was running and jumping, he impacted the game in a major way. Good second leap, agile and dunks everything. Finished his game vs. Rainier Beach (WA) with a loud 13 points and five rebounds.

Demarcus Henry, 6’7 SF – AZ Compass (AZ): Made a case for top 10 in the class based on his weekend play. Scored it off the triple threat, scored on the block, shot it well from deep and his motor stayed on. He played bigger than his listed height and his versatility as a scorer, blended with high energy and toughness, was eye popping. Averaged 15 ppg and 11 rpg in two games.

Darrell Davis, 6’0 PG – Spire Academy (OH): Shifty, tough, creates space and competes at a high level. Darrell is quick with the ball and guards it full length of the court. He makes winning basketball plays and will see his stock soar in the national rankings.

King Gibson, 6’5 SG – Spire Academy (OH): Twitchy, long armed guard that showed three level scoring prowess. Holds good positional size, the 3-point shooting has improved (spot-up mainly) but his off the dribble creation package stands out and looks more polished than it did in the summer.

Nasir Anderson, 6’3 PG – Prolific Prep (FL): Explosive and strong. Anderson struggled finishing at the rim vs. Dynamic Prep but he’s fast with the ball and uses his speed and strength to get a paint touch and he’s also one of the best on-ball defenders in 2027.

Marcus Spears, 6’9 PF/C – Dynamic Prep (FL): He impacted the game outside of scoring. He makes plays off of motor, will-power and athleticism. A very good cutter and interior play finisher. Defensively, is where he stands out because he covers ground well and is a big-time shot blocker.

Paul Osaruyi, 6’9 PF/C – CIA Bella Vista (AZ): Bella Vista convincingly defeated IMG Academy by 30 plus and Paul collected seven points and 10 rebounds. A big-time leaper that can guard four positions in the high school space. Plays above the rim on the glass and on finishes.

Beckham Black, 6’3 PG – Southeastern Prep (FL): He finished with 19 points and 10 assists. Has the highest I.Q. of anyone in 2027 in my opinion. Makes people around him better. Can make something happen in a stagnant offense. A pure pg that has improved as a leaper and shooter.

C.J. Rosser, 6’9 PF – Southeastern Prep (FL): Didn’t shoot it well at this event, but he has a smooth shooting stroke and isn’t fazed by a hard contest. Just didn’t make shots at the regularity he normally does but he had spurts. He’s gotten tougher but needs to be tougher. When he’s struggling, he should’ve hit the glass harder. Still, he’s deep in the No. 1 convo regardless of a so-so game.