It’s the Friday of the Live Period of the May Live Period and this week, you can tell there’s a focus from NCAA Division 1 Coaches to check out the high school players and excitement from club coaches and parents about the opportunity to play in front of coaches for the first time this spring. It’s a big weekend for evaluations and scholarship opportunities and here are some of the top storylines entering the weekend for Texas’ rising senior prospects.
Reese Alston #1 in Texas?
Reese Alston of Cooz Elite Pro16 is making a compelling case as the top player in the state of Texas for the 2027 class, and his trajectory continues to trend upward. Arguably one of the shiftiest guards in the country, Alston consistently breaks down defenders with elite change of direction, pace, and ball control. He’s extremely difficult to keep in front, creating advantages at will and putting constant pressure on opposing defenses.
What separates him even more now is his improved vertical pop, allowing him to finish above the rim and add another dimension to his already dynamic scoring arsenal. He’s not just crafty, he’s explosive, and that combination is dangerous. Alston’s ability to score at all three levels, paired with his playmaking instincts, makes him a true offensive engine.
With a loud live period, he has a real chance to solidify himself as the No. 1 player in the state and elevate into national top-tier conversations. His production, skill set, and continued physical development are aligning, and he’s quickly cementing himself as a legitimate five-star prospect with high-level upside.
Big Weekend For Shaq Kizzee
Shaq is a 4-star 6’10 wing that plays on the Under Armour Circuit for Texas Impact whose return to full health makes him one of the more intriguing prospects to track heading into the May viewing period. With his size and perimeter skill set, his ceiling is undeniable, but his current projection still carries a wide range depending on consistency and production. Kizzee has the tools of a modern high-major wing, capable of stretching the floor and creating matchup problems, but this stretch will be critical in defining his trajectory.
If he can knock down shots from deep with efficiency, it immediately elevates his value as a floor-spacing threat at his size. Despite a lean frame, showing the ability to rebound and alter shots defensively will be just as important. A strong, productive May live period could solidify the Dallas Carter product as a no-brainer high-major prospect.
2027 wing Shaq Kizzee showcased some of his unlimited potential with The Circuit All-Stars in Vegas
@athleteaiapp @Shaq32k @YGC_Hoops pic.twitter.com/9VFW701mjd
— The Circuit (@TheCircuit) July 31, 2025
Big Weekend For Malik Parrish
Malik Parrish of JL3 EYBL heads into a big weekend with higher-end Division I programs showing interest, making this a key opportunity to solidify his standing. A hyper-athletic forward, he plays with an edge and flashes real two-way impact. Parrish rebounds, pushes the ball in transition, and can knock down open threes while making athletic plays around the rim. His upside is clear, but maintaining a consistent motor and playing under control defensively will be crucial to maximizing his impact
Gulf Coast Blue Chips UAA Backcourt
Payton Jones, a 6’3 combo guard with long arms, has a real opportunity to elevate himself into the national top 50 conversation with a major showing. He’s a high-volume scorer who thrives with the ball in his hands, showcasing advanced self-creation skills and the ability to generate offense in a variety of ways. Jones uses his length effectively, scoring over bigger defenders and finishing in tough spots. His confidence as a shot maker stands out, especially when he gets into rhythm. The next step for him will be showing more consistent intent on the defensive end—locking in, competing, and using his tools to impact both sides of the ball.
2027 4-star guard Payton Jones is getting busy at UAA Session 1 in Kansas City
@Joneswrld9
Controlling the game and dictating the pace
pic.twitter.com/paUJiRkQwH
— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) April 19, 2026
Tyson Forrest brings a different, but equally valuable, profile. A sturdy-built 6-foot guard, he plays with strength and purpose, especially when attacking downhill. Forrest uses his physicality to create space on drives and finish through contact, making him a tough cover. He has a natural scoring instinct and knows how to get to his spots, whether in transition or the half court.
Josiah McGowin’s Rising Stock
Jojo McGowin of RL9 P32 is steadily emerging as a legitimate Division I prospect, fueled by his scoring ability and late-game reliability. He has a knack for delivering in key moments, showing confidence and composure as a bucket getter when it matters most. McGowin can create his own shot, operate in tight spaces, and convert tough looks under pressure. His offensive polish continues to improve, making him a dependable option down the stretch. As he builds consistency in other areas of his game, his overall impact rises, but his ability to score and close games already stands out.
2027 Players to Note
Mason Shephard, 6’1 PG – Southern Assault (3SSB): A 6’1 point guard who’s been part of consistent winning, bringing leadership and poise. He’s a true floor general who controls tempo and makes smart decisions. A plus defender, he applies pressure and competes, impacting games with toughness, IQ, and reliability on both ends.
Lucai Anderson, 6’5 SG – Southern Assault (3SSB): Lucai Anderson, younger brother of Christian Anderson, is a legit 6’5 scorer who brings real offensive firepower. He has a natural feel for putting the ball in the basket, creating his own shot and producing in a variety of ways. His size and scoring instincts make him a name to track closely.
Cadarian Urune, 6’4 SG – Texas Impact (UAA): An athletic utility guard who impacts the game in multiple ways. He’s effective as a slasher and transition finisher, while his defensive versatility allows him to switch and guard multiple positions consistently.
James McCall Spears, 6’7 PF – Dallas Mustangs (Recruit Look): An intriguing big-bodied post who graduates at 17. He seals defenders well, creates paint position, and shows solid awareness passing out of the post under pressure.
Landon Veal, 6’8 Post – JL3 (EYBL) A gangly, hyper-athletic post who thrives as a play finisher and rim protector. He blocks shots at a high rate, runs the floor well, and brings energy as a vertical lob threat.
Isaiah Santos, 6’5 SF – AB Elite (EYBL): Hard playing wing with endless motor and also one that’s hard to match. If Santos can show he can make open perimeter shots and has more perimeter game, it could be a monster weekend.
Ebube Joseph, 6’5 PF – RL9 (P32): Hard-playing post who brings physicality and production every time out. Strong as an ox, he establishes deep position, finishes through contact, and battles relentlessly on the glass. His motor and toughness stand out, making him a dependable interior presence who consistently impacts games with effort and strength.
Broderick Wyatt, 6’3 Guard – Cooz Elite (Pro16): Powerfully built guard drawing interest from multiple programs. Continued productivity and consistency could elevate his recruitment, as his physical tools and ability to impact games make him an intriguing prospect.
High Academic 2027 Players of Note
Cash Davis, 6’3 SG – RL9 P32: A reliable perimeter threat who excels as a 3-point shooter. He consistently connects on both standstill and movement threes, showing great footwork, balance, and shot preparation. Davis understands spacing and works well off the ball to find open looks. His quick release and confidence make him a constant threat from deep. As he continues to expand his overall game, his shooting alone provides immediate value to any lineup
Briggs Hoffman, 6’5 SF – Team Blessed: A 6’5 wing with a dependable shooting stroke that makes him a consistent perimeter threat. He shows solid decision-making with the ball, keeping things simple and effective. Hoffman understands his role, spaces the floor well, and adds value with his ability to knock down shots and make smart plays.
Ghaven Mittal, 6’5 Guard – BTS: A tall guard who thrives as a connective piece within a team structure. He moves the ball well, makes smart reads, and keeps the offense flowing. Mittal leverages his size to see over defenses, contribute across multiple areas, and brings steady, unselfishness that impacts winning basketball.
Gavin Green, 5’10 PG – Team Blessed: Is a steady, smart point guard who keeps the game organized and under control. He moves the ball well, makes sound decisions, and consistently gets teammates involved. Green is also a reliable catch-and-shoot threat, spacing the floor and capitalizing on open looks within the flow of the offense.
John Joseph Joern III, 6’3 SG – Team Awake: An aggressive scorer who brings energy on both ends. He plays hard every possession and finds ways to impact the game beyond scoring, contributing defensively, competing on the glass, and setting the tone with his effort.
Evan Bhatia, 6’0 PG – TMA NXT Pro: Polished offensive threat who plays with control. He can run a team effectively, making smart decisions and keeping the offense organized. Bhatia scores within the flow, shows good touch, and balances playmaking with scoring, making him a dependable lead guard with strong offensive feel.
Brayden Celestine, 6’3 SG – Team Blessed: Effective off-ball scoring threat who understands how to find open space and capitalize on opportunities. Shows an adequate mid-range pull-up game, knocking down shots with confidence. Celestine plays within the flow and provides reliable scoring without needing high usage to impact the game.
Zane Gustafson, 5’11 PG – FYN: Southpaw shooter who brings a unique scoring angle and confidence from the perimeter. He pairs that with pesky on-ball defense, applying pressure and disrupting rhythm. Can find value with his shot-making, effort and IQ.
Charlie Moser, 6’5 Forward – ATX Future E32: A hard-playing, rugged forward who thrives on effort and physicality. He rebounds at a high level and excels as a clean-up finisher around the rim. His motor and toughness consistently show, but it’s his play-finishing on offense that helps him a lot.
Aiden Olivarez, 6’4 Wing – Gulf Coast Blue Chips Grind: Olivarez is a driving guard who thrives attacking downhill and by putting pressure on the rim. A decent athlete, he’s at his best in transition as a finisher. In the half court, he excels as a cutter and slasher, finding gaps and converting efficiently.
Chase Night, 6’2 CG (2028) – Livon EYBL: Versatile combo guard comfortable on and off the ball. He shows promise as a self-creator, using control and feel to generate looks, while also fitting seamlessly into team-oriented offensive structures consistently.
Ayden Harvey, 6’4 SG – Miles Select Pro16: 6’4 attacking guard who consistently puts pressure on the defense with his downhill play. He rebounds well for his size, showing effort and instincts, and brings a physical presence that impacts the game on both ends.
Hans Patagoc, 6’0 PG – BTS P32: Guard who plays with pace and edge. He’s scrappy, hunts paint touches, and consistently makes sound decisions once he gets to his spots. His pressure and instincts keep defenses on their heels and helps drive efficient offense.
Collin Elkins, 6’4 Wing – RTX Hoops: 6’4 physical downhill guard who consistently pressures the rim. He uses his size and strength to attack gaps, finish through contact, and create advantages as a slasher. Has a lot of fight in him.
Cayden Burse, 6’2 CG – GOE: A playmaking guard who thrives at a fast pace, bringing energy and an edge every possession. He creates for others, pushes tempo, and applies constant pressure, setting the tone offensively.
Marcellous Tavares, 6’7 Forward – Gulf Coast Blue Chips UA Grind: A 6’7 active forward who brings energy and effort every possession. He runs the floor well, impacts the glass consistently, and shows flashes of skill. His motor and activity level make him a valuable front court piece.
Editor’s Pick
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