Top basketball freshman in California; CIF Southern Section, LA City Section

Best freshmen (2027 class) boys basketball players to watch in the CIF Southern Section and LA City Section

Dick Vitale calls standout freshmen at the college level 'Diaper Dandies'. The famous nickname for precocious phenoms can apply to high school freshmen, too.

Here are the top boys basketball freshmen (class of 2027) expected to contribute at the varsity level in the CIF Southern Section and LA City Section this upcoming 2023-24 season.

Gene Roebuck La Mirada, G/F

Roebuck is a 6-foot-5 guard ranked among the top prospects in the 2027 class. Coach Randy Oronoz says he's adapted to the high school game fast and been averaging more than 20 points per game in the fall.

Oronoz says Roebuck is an elite shot maker and finisher.

Josiah Nance, Heritage Christian, G

Nance was one of the most coveted 8th graders in the San Fernando Valley, but decided to stay at Heritage Christian (where he went to junior high). Nance is a long, left-handed player that can shoot, drive and create. He's listed at 6-foot-5.

Zaire Rasshan, Damien, PG

Rasshan is expected to contribute for the Spartans immediately. The 6-foot-1 point guard has created some buzz in La Verne and is already getting high praise from longtime, veteran coach Mike LeDuc.

Chris Sanders, Redondo Union, G/F

Sanders has been impressive through the fall, showing he can score at the rim and is ready for the physicality at the varsity level. Sanders will only improve under the watchful eye of coach Reggie Morris.

Jeremiah Profit, Temecula Valley, G

Profit might be the most skilled of the bunch. He has a smooth, confident game that helps him make shots from distance and push the tempo in the open floor. Profit is listed at 6-foot-4.

MORE FRESHMEN TO WATCH

TJ Wansa, Cleveland, G

Terron Williams, Bishop Montgomery, F

Tarron Williams, Bishop Montgomery, F

Hunter Caplan, Brentwood, G

Grayson Coleman, Calabasas, G

Carter Barnes, Crespi, G

Isaiah Barnes, Crespi, G

Carter Johnson, Colony, C

Caden Jones, Crean Lutheran, PG

Sloane Harris, Etiwanda, PG

Jasiah Williams, Hesperia, G

Earl Bryson, JSerra, G

Semaj Howard, King/Drew, G

Andrew Logan, Oaks Christian, F

Connor Saye, Oak Park, G

Top 25 CIF Southern Section preseason rankings

Lucas Gaspar, Oakwood, G

Nick Welch Jr., Rolling Hills Prep, C

Niko D'Angora, St. Francis, G

Omari Cuffe, St. Pius X, G

Johnny Thyfault, Viewpoint, G

Deion Lewis, Village Christian, PG

BJ Evans, West Ranch, G

Jordan Hampton, Windward, PG

Bronson Schmidt-Uili transfers to Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks; teams up with Bryce James