2027 Watchlist: Evaluation Report

The BTN 2027 Watchlist is designed to spotlight rising basketball talent poised to make a significant impact on the high school circuit and beyond. In this evaluation, we take a closer look at 2027 prospects.

Player Spotlight: Lillie Graves

• Position: Guard
• Height: 6'0"
• High School: McCutcheon High School, Indiana
• AAU Team: WV Thunder UAA
• Projection: High Major Prospect

Skillset & Offensive Versatility

Lillie Graves has all the tools necessary to excel at the next level. At 6'0", she combines size and skill in a way that makes her a versatile threat on the court. A natural spot-up shooter, Graves thrives in offenses with a ball-dominant point guard or a facilitating forward, seamlessly finding her shots within the flow of the game. Her shooting mechanics stand out as precise and consistent, making her a reliable perimeter threat who can stretch defenses and create spacing for her teammates.

Graves also demonstrates a strong basketball IQ, understanding when and how to position herself to maximize scoring opportunities. Her ability to read the floor and operate efficiently off the ball ensures she remains a key contributor, even in highly structured offensive systems.

Transition Excellence

One of Graves' most impressive traits is her effort and discipline in transition. She runs the floor with purpose, constantly looking to create fast-break opportunities or position herself for an easy bucket. This level of effort reflects her high motor and determination to impact the game in multiple facets.

Defensive Potential

With her 6'0" frame and fluid athleticism, Graves has the physical attributes to become an elite defender. While her offensive skillset often takes center stage, her defensive potential should not be overlooked. She has the tools to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes, particularly in high-pressure defensive schemes. Her effort on the floor suggests that with continued development, she could evolve into a two-way player capable of locking down opponents at the next level.

Projection: High Major Prospect

Lillie Graves is a name to watch in the Class of 2027. Her combination of size, shooting ability, and effort makes her a highly valuable prospect. She fits seamlessly into modern basketball systems and has the skillset to thrive in both transition-heavy and half-court schemes.

Player Spotlight: Lily Fisher

• Position: Guard (Combo/Lead)
• Height: 6'1"
• High School: Libertyville High School, Illinois
• AAU Team: Wolverinas
• Projection: High Major Prospect

Versatility and Offensive Impact

Lily Fisher is a prototypical combo guard with the ability to dominate as a lead guard. At 6'1", she possesses the size and versatility to impact the game in multiple ways. Fisher plays with impressive pace, effortlessly controlling the flow of the game in both full-court and half-court settings. Her game is defined by simplicity and effectiveness, ensuring that her decision-making enhances team efficiency.

Fisher’s offensive arsenal is expansive. She is highly skilled at finishing around the rim, using her length and soft touch to score in traffic. When attacking downhill, she shows an impressive ability to read defenses and create opportunities for her teammates. Fisher can also stretch the floor as a reliable shooter, capable of knocking down shots off the catch, off screens, or in isolation situations. This dual-threat nature makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Defensive Presence

On the defensive end, Fisher’s ability to generate live-ball turnovers is nothing short of elite. Her instincts and length allow her to disrupt passing lanes, intercept passes, and turn defense into instant offense. Her ability to convert steals into transition opportunities consistently puts her team in a position to succeed. Whether guarding on-ball or in help defense, Fisher’s presence is a significant asset.

Positionless Versatility

Fisher’s unique blend of skills allows her to play multiple roles effectively. While she often serves as the lead guard for the Wolverinas, she can also shift seamlessly to the wing, where her catch-and-shoot ability and off-ball movement create additional scoring opportunities. This versatility ensures that she can adapt to any system and thrive alongside a variety of teammates.

Projection: High Major Prospect

Lily Fisher’s combination of size, skill, and versatility makes her a standout prospect in the Class of 2027. Her ability to create offense, both for herself and her teammates, while maintaining a high basketball IQ, positions her as a high-major recruit. Fisher’s defensive energy and knack for creating turnovers add another layer to her value, making her a complete two-way player.

Player Spotlight: Jax Edelman

• Position: Guard
• Height: 6'0"
• High School: Morris Catholic, New Jersey
• AAU Team: HUrban Legends
• Projection: Mid Major + to High Major Prospect

Shooting and Offensive Savvy

Jax Edelman is a savvy, smart, and tough spot-up guard whose shooting ability immediately stands out. Her natural feel for the game allows her to effortlessly find her shots within the flow of the offense. Edelman’s ability to consistently space the floor and knock down perimeter shots makes her a valuable offensive weapon, particularly when paired with playmaking guards who excel in creating off the dribble.

At 6'0", Edelman possesses positional size that will translate well to the next level. This, combined with her shooting prowess, makes her a key contributor in offenses that rely on ball movement and spacing.

Crafty Finishing at the Rim

While Edelman is known for her shooting, her ability to attack the rim should not be overlooked. She has a unique skillset when it comes to finishing in traffic, relying on two-footed moves like spin moves and step-throughs to navigate tight spaces. Her composure and footwork allow her to create openings and finish effectively around the basket, adding another layer to her offensive game.

Synergy with Playmakers

Edelman’s game thrives alongside dynamic playmakers who can draw defensive attention and create opportunities for teammates. She excels at positioning herself to capitalize on kick-outs, catch-and-shoot opportunities, and secondary drives, making her an ideal fit for systems that emphasize ball movement and unselfish play. Her basketball IQ ensures that she is always in the right spot to make a play.

Projection: Mid Major to High Major Prospect

Jax Edelman has the tools to succeed at the collegiate level. Her combination of size, shooting ability, and offensive craftiness positions her as a mid-major plus to high-major prospect. She brings toughness and intelligence to the game, traits that will allow her to adapt and thrive in a variety of systems.

Player Spotlight: Campbell Thulin

• Position: Guard
• Height: 5'10"
• High School: Downers Grove North, Illinois
• AAU Team: Wolverinas
• Projection: Mid Major+ to High Major Prospect

High-IQ Offensive Contributor

Campbell Thulin is a quick, controlled, and intelligent guard who thrives in off-ball roles. She excels at playing aggressively from slot and wing positions, using her exceptional understanding of spacing and movement to stay effective without needing constant ball touches. Thulin’s ability to cut, fill open spots, and adapt to offensive schemes makes her a perfect fit for a wide range of systems. Her basketball IQ ensures she can seamlessly integrate into structured offenses while still creating opportunities for herself and her teammates.

Versatility on Offense

Thulin’s off-ball prowess is a rare trait among guards her age. She consistently positions herself to be a scoring threat, whether spotting up, cutting to the rim, or capitalizing on defensive lapses. Her adaptability allows her to complement a variety of playstyles, whether paired with a ball-dominant point guard or a forward-focused offense.

Defensive Energy and Awareness

Defensively, Thulin sets herself apart with energy, effort, and an acute sense of awareness. Her defensive instincts are advanced for a 2027 prospect, allowing her to disrupt passing lanes, anticipate offensive actions, and apply pressure on the ball. Thulin’s defensive impact extends beyond effort; her ability to read plays and stay one step ahead of opponents makes her an invaluable asset on that side of the court.

Projection: Mid Major+ to High Major Prospect

Campbell Thulin combines high-level basketball intelligence with versatility and defensive effort, making her a standout among the Class of 2027. Her ability to adapt to various offensive schemes while maintaining a strong defensive presence positions her as a top-tier prospect. With continued development, she has the potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level, whether in a mid-major or high-major program.

Player Spotlight: Pressley Watkins

• Position: Guard
• Height: 6'0"
• High School: Benilde-St. Margaret's, Minnesota
• AAU Team: MN Fury UAA
• Projection: High Major Prospect

Dynamic Guard with Elite Positional Size

Pressley Watkins is a 6'0" guard with the perfect blend of size, skill, and basketball instincts. Her physical profile makes her a matchup problem for opponents, while her refined skillset ensures she remains a consistent scoring threat. Watkins is a dynamic offensive player who thrives in multiple roles, making her an incredibly versatile prospect.

Elite Shooting Profile

Watkins’ shooting ability is among the best in her class. She possesses a quick release and can get her shot off in almost any situation. Whether spotting up or attacking off the dribble, she has the confidence and mechanics to score efficiently. Off the catch, she uses her jab step and explosive first step to create separation, effortlessly driving past defenders. Her craftiness and sharp ball-handling skills allow her to dominate in the mid-range area, where she’s particularly lethal.

Smooth Transition Play

Watkins has a natural ability to make the game look easy, particularly in transition. Her size and quickness make her a standout in fast-break situations, where she can either finish at the rim or pull up for a mid-range jumper. Her composure and decision-making in these moments highlight her advanced basketball IQ and court vision.

Projection: High Major Prospect

Pressley Watkins is a high-level prospect with a game built for success at the collegiate level. Her ability to score from multiple levels, paired with her positional size and craftiness, positions her as a top target for high-major programs.

Player Spotlight: Nylah Webster

• Position: Guard
• Height: 6'0"
• High School: Nelson High School, Oregon
• AAU Team: Jason Kidd Select
• Projection: High Major Prospect

Athletic and Versatile Guard

Nylah Webster is a 6'0" guard with an impressive combination of athleticism, skill, and versatility. She is a dynamic offensive weapon who thrives in one-on-one situations, transition play, and overpowering defenders in the mid-post. Her blend of size and skill allows her to be effective in multiple roles, making her a highly valuable prospect at the next level.

Offensive Arsenal

Webster’s offensive game is as versatile as it is effective. She excels in transition, where her athleticism and ball-handling allow her to create scoring opportunities on the break. In half-court sets, she has a refined mid-post game, using her strength to overpower defenders and score efficiently. Her shooting ability extends to the three-point line, where she’s dangerous both in trail positions and as a spot-up shooter on the wing.

Her advanced ball-handling sets her apart from many players her size. Webster utilizes a variety of moves to create space and get to her preferred scoring spots, whether in the paint, mid-range, or beyond the arc.

Defensive Impact

Defensively, Webster uses her athleticism to make a significant impact. Her ability to block shots at the rim forces opponents to adjust their shots and rethink attacking her area. She leverages her length and athleticism to disrupt offensive players, whether on the perimeter or in help defense situations. Her ability to defend multiple positions adds to her overall value as a two-way player.

Projection: High Major Prospect

Nylah Webster’s combination of size, skill, and athleticism makes her an ideal prospect for high-major programs. Her versatility on offense, paired with her ability to impact the game defensively, positions her as one of the most exciting players in the Class of 2027.

Player Spotlight: Marley Spiers

• Position: Post
• Height: 6'5"
• High School: Clarksville Christian, Tennessee
• AAU Team: TN SOL United
• Projection: High Major Prospect

Dominant Post Presence

Marley Spiers is a 6'5" post player with a strong frame and a high ceiling for growth. Her physicality and natural size make her a commanding presence in the paint, capable of clearing space and finishing plays around the rim with consistency. Spiers possesses the foundational traits to become a dominant post prospect as she continues to refine her game.

Rebounding Prowess

Rebounding is Spiers’ standout skill and the hallmark of her game. Whether it’s securing defensive boards or crashing the glass on the offensive end, her ability to control the boards makes her an invaluable asset to her team. Her instincts and strength allow her to establish position and outwork opponents for second-chance opportunities.

Offensive Impact

Spiers contributes offensively with her ability to finish efficiently around the basket. She sets solid screens and rolls hard to the rim, creating high-percentage scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. As her motor and feel for the game continue to develop, Spiers will become an even more impactful offensive threat, particularly in pick-and-roll situations.

Room for Growth

While Spiers already has the tools to be effective, her potential lies in improving her motor and overall court awareness. With added polish and a more aggressive approach, she has the capability to dominate not just at the high school level but also on the AAU circuit and eventually in college. Her combination of size, strength, and rebounding makes her a unique prospect with a bright future.

Projection: High Major Prospect

Marley Spiers is a high-major post prospect with the potential to be a game-changer at the next level. Her rebounding, physicality, and size position her as a cornerstone player for any team.

Player Spotlight: Natalie Barton

• Position: Point Guard
• Height: 5'9"
• High School: Saint James, Alabama
• AAU Team: Southeastern Basketball
• Projection: Low Major Prospect

Floor General with High Basketball IQ

Natalie Barton is a smart and composed point guard who excels at setting up her teammates and controlling the tempo of the game. Her ability to manage pace, read defenses, and make sound decisions with the ball makes her a reliable floor general. Barton’s leadership on the court ensures her team operates efficiently on both ends.

Strengths in Ball Screen Situations

Barton is particularly effective in ball screen scenarios. She uses her high basketball IQ to create opportunities for her teammates, either by delivering crisp passes or finding her own scoring opportunities. Her downhill attacks force defenses to collapse, allowing her to dish out quality assists that lead to easy buckets.

Pushing Transition Offense

One of Barton’s standout traits is her ability to push the ball quickly in transition. She looks to advance the ball up the floor at every opportunity, putting her teammates in positions to score efficiently. This quick decision-making and willingness to prioritize team success make her a key asset in fast-paced offensive schemes.

Fundamentals and Decision-Making

Barton plays with a level of maturity and fundamentals that stand out among her peers. She rarely forces plays, instead opting for smart, calculated decisions. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure and make the right plays makes her a dependable and steady presence on the floor.

Projection: Low Major Prospect

Natalie Barton’s skillset, basketball IQ, and ability to run the offense make her a strong candidate for low-major programs. Her advanced understanding of the game and selfless playstyle will be a valuable addition to any college team looking for a reliable point guard.

Player Spotlight: Alaina Diamond

• Position: Wing
• Height: 6'3"
• High School: Loogootee, Indiana
• AAU Team: SCA EYBL
• Projection: Mid Major+ to High Major Prospect

Elite Positional Size and Athleticism

Alaina Diamond is a 6'3" wing who combines positional size, length, and a strong athletic frame with natural fluidity. Her volleyball background translates seamlessly onto the basketball court, where her jumping ability and overall athleticism set her apart. She is a phenomenal athlete who continues to make strides in her development, especially on the wing, where her versatility shines.

Defensive Versatility and Rebounding Dominance

Diamond’s defensive impact is one of her defining traits. Her length and athleticism allow her to dominate the boards on both ends of the floor. She’s a dynamic rebounder who consistently elevates above opponents to secure possessions, and her ability to disrupt passing lanes and challenge shots adds to her defensive value. Her quickness and agility make her effective in both half-court and transition defensive schemes.

Offensive Efficiency

Offensively, Diamond is a multifaceted threat. She scores efficiently around the rim with her soft touch and ability to finish over defenders. Her ability to attack in straight lines, combined with her physical tools, makes her difficult to stop when driving to the basket. In the open court, she is an explosive player who thrives in transition, often creating scoring opportunities for herself and teammates with her speed and control.

Steady Development

What stands out about Diamond is her consistent improvement. Every time she’s evaluated, she showcases growth in her game, whether it’s refining her scoring moves, improving her shooting, or becoming more effective defensively. Her work ethic and ability to adapt highlight her potential to continue progressing at a high level.

Projection: Mid Major+ to High Major Prospect

Alaina Diamond’s combination of size, athleticism, and versatility makes her a standout in the Class of 2027. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, coupled with her steady improvement, positions her as a highly sought-after prospect for both mid-major+ and high-major programs.

Player Spotlight: Samari Holmen

• Position: Guard
• Height: 5'7"
• High School: Duncanville, Texas
• AAU Team: Team Moriah Jefferson
• Projection: High Major Prospect

Dynamic and Crafty Guard Play

Samari Holmen is a natural guard prospect with the ability to excel in multiple roles on the perimeter. As a primary ball handler, she is a savant on the court, combining creativity and control to dictate the flow of the game. Holmen’s ball-handling ability is nothing short of magical, allowing her to create scoring opportunities for herself or her teammates anywhere on the floor.

Offensive Versatility

Holmen’s offensive game is dynamic and multifaceted. She is a force when driving downhill, using her strong shoulders to bump defenders off balance and create space for her shot. Her ability to score at all three levels makes her a constant threat, and her high basketball IQ ensures that she consistently makes the right play. Whether breaking down defenses in isolation or orchestrating the offense, Holmen is a reliable and impactful presence on the court.

Disruptive Defensive Presence

Defensively, Holmen is equally impressive. She has a knack for deflecting passes and disrupting plays, always staying active and alert on that side of the ball. Her quick hands and instincts make her a nightmare for opposing guards, and her energy translates into a relentless defensive effort that sets the tone for her team.

Natural Leadership

Holmen’s poise and playmaking abilities make her a natural leader on the court. Her presence elevates her teammates, as she consistently puts them in positions to succeed. Her combination of confidence, skill, and unselfishness makes her an invaluable asset for any team.

Projection: High Major Prospect

Samari Holmen’s elite skillset and dynamic two-way play position her as a top-tier prospect in the Class of 2027. Her ability to create offense, control the tempo, and disrupt defensively make her a standout guard who can excel at the high-major level.