OTR Hoops News: 2027 Breakout Players to Watch in Florida During 2025-2026 Season- Part 2

By: Ross Van De Griek

2027 6-4 SG Julian Fox, Edgewater

The 6-foot-4 shooting guard is one of the top catch-and-shoot guards in the state, where he has a high release from behind the arc. Fox also has a good change in direction where he can blow by defenders with his speed and ability to finish around the rim. On defense, Fox is a long and lanky athlete who plays with contagious energy as well as being an above-average rebounder for his size.

2027 6-3 CG Ryan Gornto, Providence School

Gornto is one of the most dependable three-point shooters in the state, regardless of class, as he can stop on a dime as well as knock down shots off the bounce at a high percentage. He also plays at an efficient pace where he doesn’t get rattled when opposing defenses blitz him on the perimeter, as his high IQ separates him from most guards in his class. On defense, he is very active when it comes to applying heavy pressure on the ball and can jump the passing lanes, forcing turnovers, leading to scores on the other end.

2027 6-7 SG Carson Crawford, Fleming Island

Over the summer, Crawford’s recruitment started to heat up, and he has picked up offers from Cincinnati, Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic, Florida State, Jacksonville, and Virginia Tech. Crawford is a multi-versatile athlete, whether he is the primary ball-handler, able to facilitate for his teammates, or his ability to attack downhill and finish above the rim. On defense, his upside continues to rise as he can guard multiple positions, showcasing his length and athleticism, where he can play above the rim and have elite footwork to defend out on the perimeter. Look for Crawford’s recruitment to continue to heat up as he goes through his junior season.

2027 6-6 SG Bryce Hoffert, The First Academy (Orlando)

Hoffert demonstrates a strong basketball IQ, where he doesn’t turn the ball over very often. On the offensive end, he is a reliable three-level scorer and knows when to make the right decisions when he has the basketball in his hands. He can make defenders pay with his footwork down in the paint, as well as having the ability to expand his range, where he is becoming more comfortable taking jump shots from the mid-range as well as from behind the arc. On the defensive end, he plays with a ton of energy, where he gets after the 50/50 ball as well as grabs the rebound and gets out in transition. He has picked up an offer from the University of North Florida, but we can expect the offer list to grow as his junior season rolls on.

2027 6-3 PG Christian Fuller, Victory Christian Academy

Fuller plays with hard-nose energy on the defensive end, where his scrappiness and physicality frustrate the offense as he can be active when guarding on or off the ball. His athleticism has taken huge strides this summer and fall, where he can be active in the passing lanes or the ability to alter shots at the front of the rim. On the offensive end, he has a great feel for the game and is a floor spacer where he can make an impact with or without the ball in his hands. As his jump shot continues to gain more consistency, look for Fuller to be a main option this season for Victory Christian after playing the last two seasons at Tampa Prep.

2027 6-1 PG Kade Manley, Mainland

The 6-foot-1 point guard has an ultra-quick release where he can make defenders pay with his unlimited range from behind the arc. He can score in bunches on all three levels, whether it’s as the primary ball-handler or the ability to get to his spots playing off the ball. On the defensive end, Manley is quick and switchable, where he is very active around the rim as well as in the passing lanes. Manley averaged 16.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game during his sophomore season at Mainland.

2027 6-3 PG Johnny Lackaff, Sarasota

Lackaff is one of the top spot shooters when it comes to being effective off the catch. He can knock down tough mid-range jump shots as well as make you pay with his ability to shoot from the perimeter. He has taken a huge jump from his sophomore season to this season, where his recruitment has started to take notice, picking up his first handful of offers from Duquesne, Florida State, and Jacksonville. He is also very smart when it comes to the defensive end, where his vocality shows true leadership and is very active when guarding the ball, as well as quick to react in the passing lanes.

2027 6-7 SF Ryan Hampton, DME Academy

Hampton comes over to the Sunshine State after playing last season at Dynamic Prep, where he led the Bearkats one win shy of winning the Chipotle Nationals for the first time in school history. Hampton has basketball in his bloodlines as he is the younger brother of RJ Hampton and has already had his recruitment take off. He brings three-level scoring along with his length, athleticism, and versatility on the offensive end. On the defensive end, he is very twitchy and can play above the rim as well as guard out on the perimeter. He is one of the top two-way players to keep an eye on in the Sunshine State this season.

Ross Van De Griek has been a Southeast Region Scout & Writer for On the Radar Hoops since 2024. He has been involved in basketball scouting with stops at Prep Hoops since 2022. You can follow him on X @RossVDG14 or reach him via email at rossvdg14@gmail.com