Now that the prospects of the 2026 NBA Draft have been selected by their teams, it is time to turn our eyes to the 2027 NBA Draft. While next year’s draft is far weaker in terms of talent compared to the 2026 class, there are still intriguing prospects in that group. Particularly, the incoming freshmen have multiple prospects who will headline the top of the draft. Let’s dive into a sneak peek into the top five freshmen prospects of the 2027 NBA Draft.
2027 NBA Draft: Sneak Peek Into The Top 5 Freshmen Prospects
Tyran Stokes
Out of any freshman prospect in the 2027 NBA Draft, Rainier Beach and Kansas-commit forward Tyran Stokes is the most well-known of the bunch. After having Darryn Peterson as their star this past season, the Kansas Jayhawks get to replace Peterson with perhaps the most talented prospect in the upcoming draft cycle. Standing at six-foot-seven, Stokes is an athletic forward who thrives as a driver using his burst and power to break down opposing players and finish through contact. He also demonstrates strong footwork and solid ball-handling that allow him to create separation when going to the rim. He operates best in transition, where he can blaze down the floor and throw down thunderous dunks.
Beyond his rim pressure, Stokes brings additional value offensively as an impressive passer who possesses solid court vision and passing ability. He can keep the ball moving and get it to the right player, though Stokes can be turnover-prone with the ball. Defensively, Stokes has the ideal size and athleticism to be an impactful defender. In fact, Stokes uses his length well to be a great defensive playmaker who consistently disrupts passing lanes and alters shots. His size also signals the potential to defend across multiple positions. To add more to his overall package, Stokes is a great rebounder on both ends for his size.
Stokes will need to work on his shooting, as he can be inconsistent from beyond the arc despite showing flashes as a shooter. His motor on the defensive end can rev a bit harder. Additionally, Stokes does have concerns surrounding his decision-making and maturity. However, it is difficult to deny his talent level in a class lacking overall talent.
Caleb Holt
Prolific Prep and Arizona-commit guard Caleb Holt is one of the better freshmen prospects in this upcoming class. At six-foot-five with a sturdy frame, Holt blends strength, athleticism, skill, and motor to be a prospect with two-way potential. His size, length, and frame allow him to be a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. He consistently hounds opposing players with his physicality while also using his long arms to be disruptive in the passing lanes. He is also impactful as a rebounder for his position, using said length.
Offensively, Holt stands out as a talented driver who uses his strength to outmuscle the competition and play through contact. While his three-point shot still needs development, Holt has done a good job in improving as a shooter. Plus, Holt has demonstrated solid flashes as a passer and ball-handler, though both areas can still use improvement.
Jordan Smith Jr.
Replacing Darius Acuff Jr. on the Arkansas Razorbacks this upcoming season is Jordan Smith Jr., a guard from Paul IV Catholic High School. Just like Acuff, Smith is a highly talented guard who will be the best player on the Razorbacks’ roster. Unlike Acuff, however, Smith has the potential to be impactful on both ends of the floor, even if his offense isn’t as potent. Standing at six-foot-two, Smith possesses long arms and a sturdy frame that allow him to handle contact effectively. He is great at combining his strength and burst to blow by the opposing defense and get to the rim. Smith also uses screens well to free himself up for his rim attack.
Smith can contribute offensively in other ways, with his playmaking being particularly sharp. He can handle the ball and initiate the offense, using impressive court vision to find open teammates. Plus, he uses his rim pressure to create open looks for his team. However, where Smith really shines is on the defensive end. He uses his length and physicality well to be a pest defensively, demonstrating high motor as a defender. His level of strength allows him to deal with bigger players as well. He will need to work on his overall shooting, but Smith has real value as a two-way guard.
Anthony Thompson
Western Reserve Academy and Ohio State-commit forward Anthony Thompson is one of the better wings in the class. At six-foot-eight, Thompson is a versatile wing player who can be a great shot-maker and score on all three levels. He has a smooth jump shot that allows him to effortlessly knock down threes, on or off the ball. What’s more impressive about Thompson is his intersection of size and length, as his wingspan is reportedly seven-foot-three, which gives him the tools to be a great wing defender. He has shown great flashes of using those tools to be disruptive as a defensive playmaker.
He still needs to continue to develop his body, and Thompson isn’t someone who possesses great passing abilities. Not only that, but Thompson doesn’t have the most consistent motor defensively. However, his physical gifts and impressive shot-making easily make him an intriguing prospect in the upcoming draft.
Bruce Branch III
Another wing that is one of the better freshmen in the class is Prolific Prep and BYU-commit forward Bruce Branch III. The six-foot-seven forward will serve as BYU’s replacement for AJ Dybantsa as he enters the league. While he is not on that level as a prospect, the six-foot-seven wing has an intriguing blend of size, athleticism, and skill that makes him a good prospect.
For his size, Branch is a great shooter in both the mid-range and from three, both in an on-ball and off-ball capacity. His size and athleticism give him the potential to be a strong defender on the wings. Branch will definitely need to get stronger, and his handle needs to improve, but there is major potential in the young wing.
Featured Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
