10 of Atlantic Canada's Top Class of 2027 Basketball Prospects to Watch This Season

As the 2026–27 basketball season gets underway, Atlantic Canada’s Class of 2027 features a talented group of prospects looking to make their mark. While some continue to compete in their home provinces, others have taken their talents to prep programs across Canada and beyond, with several reclassifying along the way to further their development and gain additional exposure. Despite taking different paths, these players all share Atlantic Canadian roots and are working toward the next stage of their basketball careers.

Although Atlantic Canada may not always receive the same level of national recruiting attention as larger basketball markets, the region continues to produce talented prospects capable of competing at the post secondary level. With recruitment opportunities ahead, these players are looking to showcase their abilities, build on their development, and attract attention from programs at the next level.

This watchlist highlights 10 Class of 2027 prospects from Atlantic Canada who are worth following throughout the 2026–27 season. While all are among the region’s top talents, this is not a ranking of the 10 best players, but rather a selection of prospects whose abilities, development, and potential make them worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses.

The following players are listed in no particular order.

Amari Upshaw

Height: 6’5” | Position: Wing 

School: Fort Erie International Academy

Province: Nova Scotia

Amari Upshaw is an explosive, highly athletic wing with an advanced offensive skill set. His game is built around his ability to create advantages off the dribble, combining his athleticism with a crafty and unpredictable attacking style. Upshaw uses misdirection, hesitations, and sudden changes of pace to keep defenders off balance and create separation. His shifty movements make him particularly difficult to contain when attacking downhill and around the basket. Beyond his ability to attack the rim, Upshaw is also a versatile shot creator who can get into his jumper off the dribble whenever. His perimeter shooting overall is still a developing part of his game, but in catch and shoot situations he has become very reliable. 

While Upshaw’s primary value comes from his scoring ability, he is also a capable passer who can make simple reads and contribute as a secondary ball handler without needing to operate as a primary playmaker. His handle allows him to create his own offence, although improving his ball handling consistency would help him become more effective when facing defensive pressure. Defensively, Upshaw possesses all the athletic tools to make an impact, but his activity and engagement on that end of the floor need to be consistent. Despite standing at 6’5”, he has a relatively slender frame, making additional physical development an important part of his progression. With all that said he is one of Canada’s more intriguing prospects, with further development in his physicality, defensive consistency, and ball handling helping him maximize his potential as a scoring wing.

Ryder English

Height: 6’3” | Position: Guard

School: The Academy of Central Florida

Province: Newfoundland and Labrador

Ryder English is a fundamentally sound scoring guard with an advanced offensive skill set and a highly developed perimeter game. English is particularly dangerous beyond the arc, where his exceptional shooting range and ability to create his own jumper make him difficult to contain. He is comfortable shooting from well beyond the three-point line, using hesitations, advanced ball handling, and controlled footwork to create separation from defenders, and makes them have to respect his shooting ability at extended distances. Rather than relying on explosive athleticism, English uses his great pace, body control, and offensive fundamentals to generate scoring opportunities. His strong frame and developed handle also allow him to attack downhill and create driving lanes. English operates with a score first mentality, primarily looking to generate his own offence rather than taking on traditional playmaking responsibilities.

While English’s offensive skill set is highly developed, his defensive impact remains an area for improvement. He does not possess exceptional athleticism or the physical tools to naturally establish himself as a disruptive defensive presence, making consistent effort, positioning, and defensive discipline especially important to his development. His defensive intensity can be inconsistent, limiting his effectiveness on that end of the floor compared to the impact he provides offensively. Despite these limitations, English’s scoring versatility makes him valuable both with and without the basketball, capable of creating his own jumper while also providing a reliable catch-and-shoot option within an offensive system. He has a strong foundation as a scoring guard, and with improved defensive consistency he can become a very effective player at the next level.

Max Machum

Height: 6’3” | Position: Guard

School: Spire Academy

Province: Nova Scotia

Max Machum is a polished, guard whose offensive game is built around his perimeter shooting and ability to create his own offence with the basketball in his hands. He is particularly dangerous from beyond the arc, where his confidence and shot making ability allow him to establish a rhythm and become a difficult player to contain. Machum is the type of scorer who can heat up quickly, knocking down multiple jumpers in a short stretch and putting immediate pressure on opposing defences. He thrives as an on ball scorer, comfortable creating his own shot off the dribble and getting into jumpers. Rather than relying on explosive athleticism, his game is built around a controlled pace and sound fundamentals. His ability to operate at his own tempo allows him to generate offence without needing to overpower his matchup physically.

Although Machum’s offensive game is centred around his perimeter scoring, he is also capable of attacking downhill and finishing around the basket. His shooting ability forces defenders to respect him beyond the arc, which creates opportunities to attack aggressive closeouts. Machum is comfortable taking difficult, self created jumpers that are clearly part of his offensive repertoire, although his reliance on these attempts can affect his efficiency when his shot isn’t falling. Defensively, Machum’s lack of explosive athleticism and inconsistent intensity limit his impact, making improved defensive engagement another important area for development. His offensive approach gives him a clear identity as an on ball scoring guard whose greatest value comes from his ability to generate his own offence.

Jailyn Bear

Height: 6’4” | Position: Guard

School: Canada Topflight Academy West

Province: Nova Scotia

Jailyn Bear is a crafty combo guard with an advanced offensive skill set and the ability to create offence at all three levels. His game is built around his excellent ball handling, footwork, and creativity, allowing him to generate scoring opportunities in a variety of ways. He is particularly effective when he’s attacking downhill, where his ability to use his body and find different finishing angles makes him difficult to contain around the basket. He is also dangerous in transition, using his handle and creativity to attack before the defence can get set. Beyond his downhill scoring, Bear is a skilled perimeter shot creator who is comfortable dribbling into his jumper, using step backs, and creating separation from beyond the arc. Rather than relying primarily on catch and shoot opportunities, he thrives when given the freedom to create his own offence.

While Bear operates with a scoring mentality, he is also a capable playmaker who can take on primary ball handling responsibilities and make effective reads to find teammates. His offensive versatility allows him to contribute as both a scorer and facilitator. Defensively, Bear is active with his hands and possesses the tools to be an effective presence on that end of the floor. Although greater consistency in his defensive intensity would further improve his overall impact, he already contributes defensively while carrying significant offensive responsibilities. Bear has a relatively complete foundation, with continued refinement across both ends of the floor being the next step in his progression. His combination of three level scoring, playmaking ability, and defensive instincts makes him a well rounded combo guard with multiple ways to impact the game.

Malachi Brentumi

Height: 6’7” | Position: Forward

School: Leo Hayes High School

Province: New Brunswick

Malachi Brentumi is an explosive, high energy forward whose offensive game is centred around attacking downhill and putting pressure on the basket. His combination of athleticism, physicality, and aggressive scoring mentality makes him a difficult player to contain when moving toward the rim. Beyond his downhill scoring, he is also effective operating as a traditional big, contributing through post actions, whether receiving dump off passes around the basket or getting touches through designed post plays. His ability to operate both as an attacking forward and an interior scoring presence gives him versatility offensively.

Beyond his effectiveness around the basket, Brentumi has continued to develop his offensive skill set, particularly his shooting and mid post game. His jump shot has shown growing reliability both off the dribble in the midrange and in catch and shoot situations from three. One area of his offensive game that still requires development is his decision making, particularly recognizing when to attack and when to let the offence develop. At times, Brentumi can become overly aggressive in looking to create his own scoring opportunities, forcing attacks rather than recognizing what the defence is giving him. Improving this will make him a more efficient offensive player. On the defensive end, his athleticism, physicality, and high motor allow him to make an impact, while his ability to compete on the glass adds value on both ends of the floor. With continued development in his shooting and offensive decision making, Brentumi has the tools to become an even more complete and versatile forward.

Deion Coward

Height: 6’4’ | Position: Guard

School: Brooklyn College

Province: Nova Scotia

Deion Coward is an efficient, fundamentally sound 3 and D guard whose game is built around simplicity and effectiveness. Rather than relying on complicated offensive moves, Coward consistently makes the most of his opportunities through reliable perimeter shooting and effective downhill attacks. He is particularly effective in catch and shoot situations, where his ability to contribute without needing the basketball in his hands makes him a valuable offensive piece. Coward also possesses a tight handle that allows him to create his own offence when necessary. He is a strong downhill attacker, particularly in transition and when attacking closeouts, recognizing openings in the defence to get into the paint. He has shown effective shot creation ability, allowing him to get into his jumper off the dribble without overcomplicating possessions.

Defensively, Coward is a reliable on ball defender who uses his active hands and defensive instincts to disrupt opposing ball handlers. He is particularly effective at generating strip steals, recognizing opportunities to attack the basketball and force turnovers. What stands out most about Coward is his ability to understand his role while remaining effective in multiple areas of the game. He has no glaring weaknesses within his responsibilities as a 3 and D guard, although tightening his handle would allow him to become more comfortable creating against defensive pressure and expand his offensive versatility. His combination of perimeter shooting, downhill attacking, defensive activity, and fundamentally sound decision making gives him a well rounded skill set that can translate effectively to higher levels of competition.

Travae Jones

Height: 6’6” | Position: Forward

School: Edge School Prep

Province: Nova Scotia

Travae Jones is a high energy, athletic forward who impacts the game through his physicality and relentless effort. Offensively, Jones thrives operating around the basket, where he uses his athleticism and physical presence to create scoring opportunities. He is particularly effective moving without the basketball, finding open space around the rim and positioning himself to capitalize on dump off passes and interior scoring opportunities. Jones is also a consistent option in pick and roll actions, using his ability to roll toward the basket and establish himself as a finishing threat. Rather than relying on creating his own offence, he excels at playing within a system and making the most of his opportunities.

One of Jones’s most valuable qualities is his rebounding ability and relentless motor on both ends of the floor. He is particularly effective on the offensive glass, aggressively pursuing missed shots and creating second chance scoring opportunities for his team. His combination of athleticism, physicality, and energy allows him to play bigger than his 6’6” frame may suggest, consistently making his presence felt around the basket. While Jones is highly productive in his current role, his perimeter game remains an area for development, as he has yet to establish a reliable jump shot. Developing a more consistent midrange jumper or extending his shooting range beyond the three point line would expand his offensive versatility and make him less dependent on scoring opportunities around the rim. Despite this limitation, Jones remains an effective interior finisher, rebounder, and off ball contributor whose impact extends well beyond traditional scoring statistics.

Cohen McDonald

Height: 6’4” | Position: Guard

School: Edge School Prep

Province: Nova Scotia

Cohen McDonald is a fundamentally sound guard whose offensive game is built around his perimeter shooting, efficiency, and ability to create scoring opportunities. He is a reliable off ball scorer who thrives in catch and shoot situations, providing a consistent shooting threat within an offensive system. McDonald is also comfortable getting into his jumper on the move, allowing him to contribute through different off ball actions rather than relying solely on stationary shooting opportunities. While much of his offensive production comes without the basketball, he is also a capable ball handler who can take on additional responsibilities when needed, although his mentality remains primarily focused on finding ways to score rather than operating as a playmaker.

Beyond his perimeter shooting, McDonald is an effective downhill attacker who takes advantage of defenders playing too aggressively on the perimeter. His shooting ability forces defenders to respect him beyond the arc, creating opportunities to attack closeouts and get into the paint. While his offensive approach is generally straightforward and effective, his shot selection can become inconsistent, particularly when trying to establish a shooting rhythm early in games. At times, McDonald can rush into unnecessary jumpers or force scoring opportunities rather than allowing the offence to develop. Improving his patience and recognizing when to pass up contested shots would help him become a more consistent and efficient scorer. Despite this tendency, McDonald’s combination of perimeter shooting, downhill attacking, and ability to contribute as a secondary ball handler makes him a versatile scoring guard who can operate both with and without the basketball.

Victorien Oliver

Height: 6’2” | Position: Guard

School: Canada Topflight Academy West

Province: Nova Scotia

Victorien Oliver is an attacking point guard whose offensive game is built around his ability to get downhill and create advantages off the dribble. Comfortable facilitating offensive sets, Oliver combines his responsibilities as a primary ball handler with an aggressive scoring mentality. He is a crafty guard with a shifty and unpredictable rhythm to keep defenders off balance. Rather than relying solely on speed, Oliver uses his ball handling ability and creativity to find openings in the defence and generate scoring opportunities. His downhill pressure serves as the foundation of his game, allowing him to operate as both a scorer and facilitator.

Beyond his ability to attack the basket, Oliver is also effective in the midrange, where he is comfortable dribbling into pull up jumpers and creating his own shot. From beyond the arc, Oliver has shown the ability to knock down catch and shoot opportunities, although developing greater consistency from three remains an important area of growth. Becoming a more reliable perimeter shooter would complement his downhill scoring and make defenders less comfortable playing off him. With his crafty attacking style, midrange scoring ability, and experience facilitating the offence, Oliver possesses an intriguing foundation as a developing point guard.

James Mackay

Height: 6’4” | Position: Guard

School: North Nova Education Centre

Province: Nova Scotia

James Mackay is an efficient off ball scoring guard whose offensive game is built around his perimeter shooting and ability to contribute within the flow of an offence. He is particularly effective beyond the three point line and in the midrange, where his ability to consistently knock down jump shots makes him a reliable scoring threat. Mackay thrives in catch and shoot situations, providing valuable floor spacing without needing to dominate the basketball. One of his greatest strengths is his offensive discipline and understanding of when to take advantage of scoring opportunities. When defenders close out aggressively to take away his jumper, he is capable of attacking with just a few dribbles, either getting into a pull up jumper or attacking all the way to the basket. While he isn’t a primary playmaker, Mackay possesses a capable handle in scoring situations and consistently makes simple, effective passing reads. 

What makes Mackay particularly valuable is how easily his offensive skill set can fit within different systems. He doesn’t require a high volume of touches to make an impact, instead contributing through his shooting, off ball movement, and efficient decision making. Defensively, Mackay is an active and capable defender who competes on that end of the floor, although his relatively slender frame can limit his effectiveness against bigger, more physical competition. Developing additional strength would help him against stronger matchups. Despite this physical limitation, Mackay already provides many of the qualities teams look for in an off ball scoring guard. His combination of perimeter shooting, offensive efficiency, decision making, and ability to contribute within a defined role makes him a valuable prospect whose game can complement a wide variety of team systems.

The 2026–27 season represents an important opportunity for Atlantic Canada’s Class of 2027 to showcase its talent and take the next step in their basketball careers. Whether competing at home or representing the region at prep programs across Canada and beyond, these prospects have the opportunity to strengthen their recruiting profiles and prove themselves against high-level competition.

For post-secondary programs looking to identify talent, Atlantic Canada remains a region worth paying attention to. These 10 prospects represent just a portion of the talent emerging from the region, each bringing a different skill set and potential to contribute at the next level. As the season progresses, their performances and continued development will help shape the opportunities that await them beyond high school basketball.