Update: First Ever Hoop Vibe 2027 Rankings
The Hoop Vibe class rankings have been rolling out over the last month. Here is the debut of the 2027 rankings for the Top 100.
2027 Hoop Vibe Rankings (VIEW HERE)
Here is a look at the Top 5 list with analysis below.
No. 1: 6-2 G Martay Barnes – Holy Trinity
Martay Barnes has been a varsity starter since the 8th grade and it is clear that he loves the game of basketball. Over the last year, he has taken the biggest step of any 2027 prospect in my opinion. Barnes has a pull-up mid-range that is insanely hard to stop. He has learned to collapse on defenses and draw attention and dish it out to teammates rather than force a shot. Barnes can score all over the floor, push in transition and is a mature leader for his age. Expect a major summer for him with Austin Rivers SE Elite.
Offers: N/A
No. 2: 6-3 G O’Neal Delancy – Gibbs
Win a state championship as a freshman. Check. That was high on O’Neal Delancy’s wish list as he helped Gibbs capture its fourth ever state title and first since 1969. The 6-foot-3 guard is one of the most dangerous jump shooters in the country, not just in Florida. Delancy can hit jumpers over and over if you don’t focus in on him and he has become a finesse and confident slasher. His stock is on the rise as a main scorer for the Florida Rebels.
Offers: USF, Kennesaw State, Georgia Southern, Florida Memorial
No. 3: 6-5 G Gabe Nesmith – Montverde
With Montverde dominating yet again, but now graduating a deep 2024 class it is time for some younger pieces to step up. Gabe Nesmith is in line for big minutes next season and has been impressive this summer with the Nightrydas on the EYBL Circuit. The 6-foot-5 guard has all the tools to attack the rim, connect as a shooter and play hard nosed defense. He is an emerging talent.
Offers: N/A
No. 4: 5-11 G Cayden Daughtry – Ft. Lauderdale Calvary Christian
Cayden Daughtry is a gamer, simple and plain. At Ft. Lauderdale Calvary Christian, the 5-foot-11 guard is sneaky quick and his handles are superb. Daughtry has a dangerous jumper that hurts defenses from 3-point land and the mid-range. His shiftiness helps him thrive in transition and if he can grow further in height, he will only raise his stock this summer with the Florida Rebels. Daughtry has an all-around game.
Offers: FSU, Arizona State, Mississippi State
No. 5: 6-11 F James Rivera – Academy of Central Florida
A rising talent since the 7th grade, James Rivera continues to grow in height and maturity. At the Academy of Central Florida, the 6-foot-11 big man can flat out shoot it and is capable of getting to the rim often on his own accord. As long as he is able to get tougher and stronger, then he will only go up from here. He is a feature piece for Austin Rivers SE Elite.
Offers: Georgia, Arizona State, Jacksonville, Hofstra, USC Upstate, St. Bonaventure, UCF
ICYMI:
Jake Perper has been a sports writer since 2010 and a basketball scout since 2015. Before launching The Hoop Vibe in August 2022, he was the Southeast Scouting Director for the Prep Hoops Circuit and the lead scout for Prep Hoops’ Florida site for seven years. You can follo