ALONG THE SURFACE

ALONG THE SURFACE

Bollingbrook’s six foot nine forward/center Julian Torres, considered by many of us a top 25 prospect in our states 2015 class gave a verbal over the weekend to University Wisconsin Green-Bay.  The talented big fella with a huge upside will silence critics whom often questioned his desire and non-emotional play at times.  Torres is skilled and athletic, in addition he can step out as far as the three point arc and drain jumpers, and he has an assortment of post-moves including a jump hook.  I think the kid’s future is bright; Wis.-Green-Bay landed a steal.  Chris “Corn” Cornelius went back to his old stomping grounds and came through with another gem.  While in print Green-Bay received a verbal from Rockford Auburn’s stud guard Antoine Pittman a six foot three match-up nightmare.  He rose to acclaim with a very good summer.  He’s a top 12-15 guy in the 2015 class.  That’s two players they acquired that will instantly be a part of their rotation during the 2015-16 campaign.  Heck of a job by their staff!  “Keep an eye on Providence St. Mel grad Khalil Small, this 6-2 freshman guard may come as a surprise to Horizon League foes.”  He was another steal for Green-Bay - Look-out!

Loyola-Chicago just received a commitment from 6-9, 240 pound Maurice Kirby a Virginia Tech transfer (RS)/Coffeyville Junior College prospect.  Kirby will have 3 years of eligibility with the Rambler program, he’s equipped with a big body and excellent hands more importantly his post presence will be a major plus for the Ramblers, a rising Missouri Valley program.  They continue to add quality pieces to already talented roster.  Roosevelt Smart, formally of St. Viator H.S. currently enrolled at Sunrise Prep will make a campus visit on Sept. 19th-21st.  “Stay tuned.”

Top 2015 prospect Christian Williams an all-stater at Decatur St. Teresa last season announced in August he was enrolling in Springfield Lanphier in which he did, spending a few weeks there before electing to return back to St. Teresa which means Williams won’t be able to play hoops during his senior season.  Foregoing his last season of athletic eligibility was a decision for this young student athlete who felt moving into the Springfield school district just didn’t fit his profile.  Christian exudes big-time potential as we all know, dynamite frame, quality athlete; he just lacks the necessary overdrive to take his game to lengthier heights.  He surely left the Lanphier fan base puzzled, after being super excited about his arrival to their school which has a rich tradition with hoops.  This could become a tale of a sad saga, in fact he looks to be heading towards Illinois State, the alignment leads directly towards Bloomington.

Some other notable players committed today ----- Springfield High 6-7 high jumping forward Obediah Church gave Missouri State a verbal which is a very good grab for that program.  Church had spent the weekend down in Green-Bay on his visit.  Paul Lusk/Brad Korn crew at it again. 

Tyler Hall 6-4 sweet shooting wing guard from Rock Island decided that Montana State was the perfect setting for him to showcase his abilities.  He could have done so much better than that.

Carlos Anderson Alton’s six foot four forward elected to stay close to home heading towards Southern Illinois Edwardsville, a powerful athletic scorer.  For some reason I think this may have another ending.

Collinsville six foot nine rapidly improving post player Emondre Rickman will take his services to Indiana State joining Greg Lansing’s program.  In two years this kid could be a player that we have an asterisk by his name indicating “where was he in high school?”  I like the fit there for him.