These will be the Top Available Seniors come Spring 2015

These will be the Top Available Seniors come Spring 2015

With the early signing period just a week or so away, here’s a rear view capsule of the players who will be on the most sought after things truly shake-out in a few years.  More than a handful of the prospects we are about to list will create quite a profile for themselves. Once the season gets underway, many of them have a more of an upside than some of the players who have signed on early.  “We understand that so many college coaches are faced with an enormous task of winning immediately, therefore the luxury of waiting on a kid who might be 2 years away is ill-fated in this day and time.”  That’s okay, most coaches circle-back anyhow.  We’ll sit back and watch the maneuvering take place down-the-road.

Joshua Stamps    6-5    WG    MM+    Chicago Curie
His recruiting will take a life of its own, once his academic status unfolds.  Probably one of the more gifted players in the 2015 class.  His future could be awful bright.

James Claar    6-9    SF    MM    Plainfield East
Has an offer from Chicago State; wants to major in engineering.  This stretch four type hasn’t garnered the love yet, but in a few years observers will be gasping for answers on why he made it out of Illinois.  Old Dominion – Texas El Paso may pursue aggressively.

Jachi Taylor    6-6    WF    MM    Waukegan
Rapidly improving player; one of our states best athletes.  His game/upside resembles some players that have developed out of San Diego State and U. New Mexico.  Jachi could be a red-shirt candidate at a good mid-major situation, “but then maybe not!”

Ken Perkins Jr.    6-9    F    MM    Chicago North-Lawndale
Certainly a red-shirt candidate, this south-paw continues to impress observers with his ability to play on the perimeter effectively.  Pencil thin now, “shooting needs some polish, but his future looks grand.”

Tom Johnson    5-8    PG    MM    Chicago Bogan
“What else needs to be said about this kid?”  Shrewd play-maker; tough as nails; great kid; throwback type; game reminds me of the traditional lead guards Chicago was often noted for.  Tom also is a dynamite student.  Horizon, MAC, OVC & WAC conferences.

Broderic Thomas    6-1    G    MM    Bolingbrook
This slender performer is vastly underrated; highly skilled/knows how to play.  MAC, Horizon league and WAC conferences should be beating his door down.  “Trust me, coaches will be circling back for his services.  Once he gains some strength, it’s going to be hard to guard him offensively.  His arsenal of instant offense will only improve.

Matt Rafferty    6-7    SF    MM-LM+    Hinsdale Central
Vastly unappreciated abilities; a system type who could shine in the right setting.  His recruitment has diminished some, but this hard-working forward just may be up for the task of proving himself during the school season.  University Hartford, Toledo, & James Madison may provide what he’s looking for.

Allen Billinger    6-0    PG    MM    Carbondale
“Once the season starts, he’s going to blow-up.”  Clever general who knows how to run a team as well as manage a game.  Superb midrange jump shooter.  It would not surprise me if Barry Henson’s crew at SIU nabbed him or Jim Crew’s St. Louis program gave him a scholarship.

Harrison Niego    6-0    PG    MM-LM+    Lyon’s Township
Last year this time we weren’t sold on him, but after viewing him all summer his value grew on me.  “I’m not smitten, but the kid brings some nice intangibles to the floor in terms of winning ingredients.”  Loyola-Chicago recently offered; UIC seems in the mix as well; if the Ivy League or Patriot league don’t play out, he’d be suited for success in the MAC or Horizon league situation.  “Just my view from the top!”

Kain Harris    6-2    G    MM    Chicago St. Rita
One-time Morgan Park darling can put his past aside where he won a 3A state title last season with the Mustangs and focus on having a terrific season teaming with Kentucky recruit Charles Matthews heightening the ante for lofty team expectations.  Pittsburgh just did a home visit last month at the school.  “Kain has a lot to prove this upcoming season, he could quiet some critics regarding his play.

Christian Williams    6-5    WG    MM+-MM    Decatur St. Teresa
Arguably one of our states more talented prospects.  Christian is currently embattled in a situation where he’s petitioning the IHSA for his eligibility to play this season.  Remember, he had the masses in Springfield all wired-up for his debut at Lanphier, spending a week or so there before returning to St. Teresa.  His recruiting has cooled some, in fact expect a little down-state politics to help reinstate his eligibility.

Marcus LoVett    6-1    PG    HM    Chicago Morgan Park
Arguably the No. 1 player in the senior class.  The California import has Kansas, Illinois, DePaul, Georgetown, and Tennessee.  Unfortunately he hasn’t taken his ACT so he’s paying his on freight to visit some campuses.

Fred Sims Jr.    6-2    G    MM-LM+    Chicago North-Lawndale
He has D2’s gasping for an opportunity to land him on campus, but Sims will produce the kind of numbers during the season that will engage division one coaches.  The WAC, MAC, Horizon & OVC conferences should pursue hard.

David Sachs    6-1    WG    MM-LM+    Highland Park
Proven scorer, now he needs to exhibit the same energy on the defensive end.  I’m surprised some Patriot league schools haven’t patrolled the North-Shore for his services.

Noah Karras    6-4    WG    LM+    Lake Forest
The sharp shooter just recovered from a bout with an illness.  Noah has an offer from UIC.  He may opt to sign during the April period.