As we head into the new year, and to the mid portion of the 2025-26 scholastic season, I think there is an interesting race going on in the 2027 national class. I believe there are multiple players that have a legitimate argument for number No. 1 in that class. Let’s take a deeper look.
Starting At The Top
Marcus Spears Jr, 6’8 PF/C – Dynamic Prep (TX)
Marcus wears the crown right now and there’s a lot to like about him. Tall, long arms, highly mobile, athletic, has a nose for the ball and can impose his will on games without a play drawn for him. Spears may be the best in the country as someone that can track the ball. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions and he covers ground well on defense, which subsequently leads to blocks. Offensively, you see flashes of what he can be as a shooter but it’s not there yet. Most of his points come from a diet of offensive rebounds, dunker spot/lob finishes and the occasional straight line drive.
A coach wouldn’t be reliant on him to shoot at a higher volume and connect efficiency from deep and right now he’s fairly limited as a one-on-one scorer, but he’s an automatic double-double. The upside is still tremendous as a two-way guy that could space the floor one day, but right now he’s a energy/hard working forward that’s just going to play harder than the person matched up against him.
#1 junior Marcus Spears Jr. & #1 senior Tyran Stokes clashed in Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/fFXcwXN8zf
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 9, 2025
The Challengers For No. 1
C.J. Rosser, 6’9 PF – Southeastern Prep (FL)
A scoring wing that has translatable shooting touch. Isn’t fazed nor needs he need much space to launch shots. His versatility as a shooter stands out and Rosser just launches it over defenders without even acknowledging they exist. The move to play for head coach David Peavy and FAB 50 No. 7 Southeastern Prep (Orlando, Fla.) is proving to be a great one. He has adequate balance when operating off the bounce. His intent on the glass has improved and he’s communicating noticeably more on defense. Rosser’s energy and willingness to play through contact was what I’ve been looking to see out of him and it’s improved. When the jumper isn’t falling, he’ll still have to find way to impact games but offensively, his shot creating and shot making prowess at his size puts him in serious contention as the No. 1 player in the junior class.
Beckham Black, 6’3 PG – Southeastern Prep (FL)
CJ’s teammate at Southeastern Prep, Beckham’s IQ for the game is tremendous and in my opinion he’s the best guard in 2027. A pure point guard that has improved as a jump shooter and vertical threat. Knocking down open threes and showing more fluidity getting into his mid-range pull-up. Athletically is where you will see the biggest jump. Playing above the rim in traffic, still exploding for dunks, even after euro steps or without having to take a dribble, Black’s game is going to the next level
With the additions to his game, defenses can’t play the pass as much as they did in the summer. Black creates advantages on offense, sees the play before the play and manipulates defenses. His poise, improved scoring chops blended with his advanced passing skills and strong vertical pop has been on display makes him a legitimate candidate for No. 1 in 2027. He’s been that good, guys.
Paul Osaruyi, 6’10 C – CIA Bella Vista (AZ)
The best overall athlete in 2027 and maybe in the country, regardless of class. At the Tarkanian Classic Osaruyi had a block, and I’m not joking, he almost touched the top of the backboard to reject the shot. At the high school level, he can legitimately guard each position on the floor and he’s a defensive anchor. Offensively, there’s flashes as a face-up, spot up shooting threat but his defense is ahead of the offense right now. He makes freakish plays on both ends and at his size, athleticism, length and mobility coupled with tantalizing upside, Paul is in the discussion.
Photo: Ani Umana/Athlete AI
Ryan Hampton, 6’6 SF – DME Academy (FL)
Seeing Ryan at the Dallas Grind Session stop, I saw someone that has noticeably improved. Hampton’s jumper looked faster and was consistently going in. He would come off pin-downs and knock down shots or attack and get to the rim. He’s added a dependable mid-post game and his patience and ability to score in the half-court setting has seen an up-tick as well. He was attacking the defensive glass more and made passes and reads last week that he couldn’t see nor make in the summer. Hampton’s intent on the defensive end still needs to improve and I don’t ever see him being this super intuitive passer, but as he improves and dots guys, his offensive game will open up more. He’s as talented of a scorer that we got in the country and has a legit argument of being No. 1 in the class. Tthere are rumors he could potentially class up in 2026, as the tires are being kicked. More to be posted after the holidays, as another 5-star prospect is potentially eyeing an early appearance to the college ranks.
Obinna Okezie, 7’0 C – Southeastern Prep (FL)
A rim protecting stalwart equipped with a big frame that will seamlessly receive muscle. Offensively, he’s a high-level interior play finisher and lob threat. There’s work needed with Okezie’s post game, but there’s a lot of promise in that department. He holds a very high ceiling and when he’s locked in, Obinna is the most intimidating interior defender in the country. He’s been hurt for the majority of the spring and so far in the school year as well. When he’s back in the fold and playing, he’ll end up back in the conversation for the top spot.
Editor’s Pick
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