10 For 10 (Part 1) - Early July 2014 Issue

10 FOR 10 (Part 1)

From EarlyJuly 2014 Issue

During the month of July each week we will feature a short capsule on 10 prospects who might often seem overlooked.

1. Broderic Thomas    6’0”    2015    G    MM    Bolingbrook/IL Rise
   We recently viewed him again this week at the Morris Shoot-Out; he has a little west-coast flavor to his game; a clever ball handler who thinks the game through; excellent jump shooter; you can see his confidence growing; in addition he’s a quality defender and a good student; Western Michigan and Illinois State are the early leaders.  He might blow-up in July!
    
2. Donovan Franklin    6’4”    2015    G    MM    O’Fallon/St. Louis Eagles
   Performed well at the Morris Shoot-Out; He’s grown a tad in recent months; this smooth open-court player with some flair to his game has a variety of moves attacking the rim; he understands angles; also he’s a superb passer and very unselfish; needs some work on his J.  Don will become a full-time PG eventually; good student; SIU-C leads.
   
3. Julian Torres    6’9”    2015    F/C    MM+MM    Bolingbrook/Mac Irvin
   “I don’t care what critics say about him, he has a line-up full of them!”  Torres has started to arrive as an impact player.  He’s now starting to round himself into good physical shape.  He performed well enough during the FIBl trials in Colorado Springs to where Memphis has shown a great deal of interest for this talented big fella who can score.  A good athlete, his July on the circuit with the Mac Irvin Fire just might elevate his recruitment.
    
4.  Justin Smith    6’4”    2017    G/F    HM-MM+    Stevenson/Wis. Playground Elite
   “Doesn’t get much love now, but you wait!”  Big-time scripted all over him.  Probably for long-term success; he may have a higher value than either Brunson or Cashaw; skilled athlete who can beat defenders off the dribble and create for himself or his mates; good jump shooter and he’s unselfish; this kid has the package to be a star.  “Now he needs to stay thirsty and continue to improve.”  A top 5 rated prospect in a growing 2017 class.  I missed him in my last report featuring 2017 listing.
    
5.  Isaiah Roby    6’8”    2016    G/F    MM+    Dixon H.S./Quad City Elite
   “This youngster is quietly placing Dixon on the map!”  A modern day Bo Ellis (Marquette).  Is sure handed; skilled rarely turns-it-over; has excellent feel for the game; handles the rock; makes decisions/reads and he’s a capable scorer.  “Not a prime-time athlete, but he’ll surprise you from time to time.”  Isaiah is starting to get stronger, top 12-15 in 2016 class.  Potential stand-out . . . . . 
    
6.  James Jones    6’4”    2016    WG    HM-MM+    Chicago Bogan/Mean Streets
   “He brings it, a big-time talent, plays hard, very athletic and he has the abilities to spray jumpers all over the court.  Notably better than several players rated ahead of him in his class.”  He will finish the summer in the top 10 listing.  Superb student, now the Purnell/Garrett crew at DePaul should rent a place on his block!
    
7. David Sachs    6’2”    2015    G    MM    Highland Park/Rising Stars
   “Not going to pass the look exam, but this kid is a pure scorer and has a high academic profile.”  Skilled, can get to the rim on anyone, in addition he’s a deadeye shooter.  “A player to see in July.”
    
8. Alonzo Verge Jr.    6’3”    2017    G    -------    Willowbrook H.S./Unknown
   Once considered the top prospect in the class entering his freshman year; then he ran into some trouble last fall at the school which left him shelved for disciplinary reasons the whole season.  Mom carted him off to Virginia area for the summer, his return will cap off an exciting buzz for the western suburban school.  Verge is a high scoring combo guard a superb athlete superior ball handler with all things standing he’s a top 5 2017 choice.
    
9. Laytwan Porter    6’1”    2015    PG    MM    Rockford Auburn/Prym Tyme
   This youngster has another acceleration button to his quickness, unfortunately he will be missing in action during the July evaluation process.  “You can’t be upset with a teenager that chooses to kick-it in Hawaii for the summer with his family members oppose to auditioning his talents in front of hundreds of colleges while lodging in crummy hotels.”  Rumors swirl he knows where he wants to go.  I can spell Huskies in Dekalb, IL.  During Latwan’s absence the spot-light will shine on diminutive general Alonte Bjorlie a super exciting mighty mite who just might capitalize on a golden opportunity in July.
    
10. Josiah Wallace     6’3”    2017    WG    MM+    Marshall (IL)/George Hill (IN)
    This hot-shot laser shooter with quality athlete abilities will hone his talents around the Indianapolis area; can’t wait to view him soon.  Purdue, Indiana, Indiana State, Ball State, and Tennessee are rumored to be followers.  Veered as a top 10 prospect in the highly touted 2017 crop.