Top 2016 Prospects(By Position)A class that seems to dwindle significantly by the week, unfortunately there aren’t very many sure-fire high-major recruits. It appears that some front-court players will emerge within the next few months. In fact several of them could develop into key contributors by their sophomore year. Sometimes these young players today need a place/fit where they can mature and learn, while developing aspects of their game, patience is required especially with the progression of the big guys. Look at Rob Covington for an example he wasn’t some budding star at Proviso West nor at Tennessee State but now he starts for the Philadelphia 76er’s as a result he went to a setting which allowed him to develop and polish his game. Eastern Illinois forward Chris Oliver is another example, he could be in the hunt for player of the year in the Ohio Valley Conference, viewers in our area would never have projected that for him. 3 or 4 players in the class have been embattled by inconsistency and East Moline swingman Jerry Miles has yet to suit-up this season due to disciplinary reasons, while he was once considered to be a top 5 player in the class. There are quality prospects on the board, I think we need to keep early expectations under-wraps. I’m going to attempt to identify our Top 10 Players:
- Rapolis Ivanukas 6-9, F, Barrington
- Nick Rakocevic 6-9, SF, St. Joes
- Barret Benson 6-9, C, Hinsdale Central
- Isaiah Roby 6-8, F, Dixon
- Devon Gage 6-3, G, Curie
- Micah Bradford 6-2, PG, Bradley
- Darias Oliver 6-5, WF, Leo 8.
- Charlie Moore 5-10, PG, Morgan Park
- Zach Norvell 6-4, WF, Simeon
- Brandon Johnson 6-7, SF, T.F. North
Point Guards
- Micah Bradford 6-1 MM+-MM Bradley Bourbonnais – “Averaged 29.5 points and 5 assists per game in leading his team to the Kankakee Championship; he’s a legit prospect.”
- Charlie Moore 5-11 MM Chicago Morgan Park – “A winner, reliable gamer, knows how to perform on the big-stage; besides he already has 2 state championships under his belt.”
- Rodney Herenton 6-1 MM Chicago Young – “Solid performer, knows how to play, not going to woo you with spectacular plays; he’s a system type; dynamite student.”
- Matty Smith 5-9 MM South-Elgin – “Yes he can quarterback a team, but he’s capable of having huge scoring nights. MAC & Horizon has turned-up the interest.”
- Mike Smith 5-9 MM Fenwick – “Value has slipped a tad, he did enjoy a solid showing at Proviso Xmas Tourney. He’s proven & knows how to run a team; 3 year starter.”
- Bryce Barnes 5-10 MM Chicago Bogan – “Surprising he has sputtered in some big games recently. Bryce has not been as sure-handed as we once anticipated; he’s going to have to prove himself again.”
- Xavier Bishop 5-8 MM Springfield Lanphier – “It hasn’t resonated with the little lefty that creating opportunities for his mates should be a priority; Bishop has to show he can play PG.”
- D’Angelo Hughes 5-10 MM Springfield Southeast – “Didn’t take advantage of the stage at Collinsville; has talent, but seems to lack the maturity of putting it together.”
- Jarrin Randle 5-10 MM-LM+ Chicago Morgan Park – “Bogan killer; plays his best when matched against their core of guards; makes big shots; excels in big game settings.”
- Jason Jones 5-10 LM+ Rock-Island – “Averaging in double figures; had a quality showing at State Farm; Summit League could be a good fit for him to suit-up in.
Players to Watch in the Position – Some Need More Viewing
Immanual Rugamba 6-1 LM Naperville Central – “Strong ball-handler; doesn’t turn-it-over.”
D’Aaron Owens 5-10 LM Centralia – “He’s steadily improving; he might be under-valued.”
Breshawn Wilkerson 6-0 LM Oak-Park – “More of a scoring lead; has to prove himself nightly.”
Daniko Jackson 5-9 LM-D2 Riverside-Brookfield – “Playing a supporting role for a good team.”
Tommy Lucca 5-9 LM Genoa Kingston – “Off to exceptional start scoring a lot, but I’d like to see if he can create for his mates.”
Darius Branch 5-5 LM-D2 Chicago Leo – “Has to show more point guard skills nightly.”
Shooting Guards
- Devon Gage 6-2 MM+-MM Chicago Curie – “Combo now, still learning the game; has talent; as he displayed at Pontiac; he just has to become consistent; DePaul loves him.”
- James Jones 6-3 MM Chicago Bogan – “To say the least, his early performances hasn’t lived-up to the expectations we had billed-up for him; confidence has seemed to waver lately.”
- Zion Morgan 6-1 MM Chicago Kenwood – “Solid prospect; good defender; has limited offensive ability now; could be a really good system type in the right league; MAC, Horizon, OVC, A10 and Valley.”
- Nate Kennell 6-5 MM Metamora – “He can stretch the floor well for his mates; under-the-radar type; does have a few mid-major offers. Has his squad off to a good start; knock-down shooter.”
- Christopher Harris 6-3 MM Lake Forest Academy – “Since transferring out of Loyola Academy, Chris has kind of hooped in obscurity. A big body athlete who has the capabilities of being explosive at times; potential 2 way player. He’s playing in Canada this weekend.”
- George Wilbourn 6-3 MM DeLaSalle – “Silk smooth scorer, can make big shots, has a tendency to drift at times. We envision him playing on both sides of the ball at the next level. MAC, OVC, Horizon should pursue.”
- C.J. Duff 6-1 MM Carmel – “More of a scorer than actual true point-guard. Duff broke the tournament scoring record held by Mundelein’s Ben Brust, he averaged a 27.8 clip in 5 games at Jacobs Holiday Event. Non-emotional leader on his squad; has to do more than just be a scorer.”
- Kevin Kreiger 6-5 MM Plainfield North – “Has shined as Trevor Stumpe’s side-kick, proven outside shooter, good passer & has the ability to score.”
- Ethan Meeker 6-2 MM-LM+ Galesburg – “He’s consistently shown the ability to knock-down shots; he and teammates Grant Gibson and Joe Williams has the Silver-Streaks off to a 15-0 start.
- Evan Hines 6-4 MM-LM+ Niles West – “Intriguing jump shooter, has range, needs to work on some emotional issues, spends too much time sulking, absorbing everyone’s attention.”
Other WG’s to Follow
Daniel Hoekstra 6-4 LM+ Bishop McNamara – “Good athlete; vastly under-rated player.”
Antonio Johnson 6-4 LM+-LM East St. Louis – “Athletic; has to cut-back on turn-overs & improve decision making.”
Antonio Williams 6-1 LM+ Proviso East – “Talented; plays in the shadows of others.”
Travon Bell 6-1 LM+-LM Chicago Mather – “Once heralded shooter, we need to see him soon.”
Tyler Houston 6-3 LM+ Knoxville – “Good motor; makes shots; I like his future.”
Jake Rhode 5-11 ------ Mount Carmel – “Making shots; enjoying a good season; will see soon.”
Isaac Nelson 6-1 LM Springfield High – “Lefty; can score; he’s improving.”
Leron Williams 6-3 LM+-LM Tinley Park – “Talented; needs to improve motor; with work future could be bright; unfortunately it can’t happen within that program.”
Mike Pollack 6-4 LM DeKalb – “Respected perimeter shooter; we will watch his progress.”
Wing Forwards
- Rapolis Ivanaukas 6-9 HM Barrington – “Exceptional talent will only improve as he gains strength; arguably the no. 1 player in the class; had high-scoring games in the semi’s & championship at Jacob’s Tourney. We will see what position his future holds.”
- Darias Oliver 6-6 MM+-MM Chicago Leo – “His numbers don’t lie, averages close to 25.3 without hoisting-up a ton of shots; good athlete & shooter; maybe the best scorer in the class outside of Rapolis.”
- Brendon Gooch 6-6 MM Belleville Althoff – “Teases you with his length and ability to drain jumpers on the perimeter; he has to keep his motor energized and prove to colleges his game is for real.”
- Zach Norvell 6-4 MM Chicago Simeon – “A very productive player; doesn’t always shoot-it-well on the perimeter, but compensates by playing hard & making plays. I envision him playing some four-man in some situations. He’s a threat in the post. OVC, Valley, A10, Conference USA, MAC.”
- Nick Robinson 6-5 MM Chicago Kenwood – “Still hasn’t put all the parts to his game together; it seems all mental with him; has the necessary tools to be a solid player.”
- Keymonta Johnson 6-4 MM Decatur MacArthur – “One of my favorites; brings winning intangibles to the floor; right now he sacrifices his offense for others; he still manages a double-double most nights; a long-armed lefty; stat stuffer; all tourney at Collinsville; future bright; needs to add strength to his frame.”
- Ben Coupet 6-7 MM Chicago Simeon – “We saw first-hand at Pontiac how frustrated he’s becoming with the Platoon system. He’s got talent, just caught in the numbers game.”
- A.J. Beckett 6-8 MM+ Champaign Central – “Probably one of the more talented players in the class; sitting out this season after transferring over from Centennial.”
- Jack Clausen 6-5 MM-LM+ Newark – “Out to prove he’s legit; shelved in July with an injury, but has continued to work the rust-off; Clausen is a proven scorer.”
- Karon Randolph 6-4 LM+ East St. Louis – “Hampered by poor decision-making; good athlete; has some scoring ability; needs polish. Might be a football prospect!”
Wing Forwards to Watch
Marcus Cole 6-4 LM+-LM Chicago Bogan – “Starting to play significant minutes; needs to be more productive when called upon; promising prospect.”
Donovan Oliver 6-3 LM+-LM Kewancee – “Had 40 in a game over break; looks like a summit league recruit; plays with a good motor.”
Jalen Adams 6-5 LM+-LM Plainfield East – “Promising prospect; patience may be his best virtue.”
Miles Curry 6-4 LM Chicago Lincoln Park – “High volume shooter; needs polish in other areas.”
Josh Thomas 6-4 LM Chicago Simeon – “His game evolves around slashing to the rim and playing with a high energy; limited shooter & scorer; could specialize as a defender.”
Sidney Mason 6-5 LM Chicago Vocational – “Great body; plays hard but doesn’t always get the production he needs to post; decision-making must improve.”
Strong Forwards
At this position, patience will be required, we envision 4 or 5 could one day become all league players in the right environment. I’m high on the potential of Jordan Bell, Myles Howard and Ansar Muhammed.
- Nick Rakocevic 6-9 HM St. Joseph – “Had a stellar showing at Proviso; I finally saw why certain colleges covet his services. Rakocevic has to eliminate some of the immature & emotional rants. He knows how to score around the rim!”
- Isaiah Roby 6-8 HM-MM+ Dixon – “Guided his team to a holiday title at Plano; verbal to Nebraska in October which allows him to focus on his game.”
- Brandon Johnson 6-7 MM+ T.F. South – “After a break-out spring/summer he’s gotten out of the gate slowly at least statistically; good athlete; skills need polishing; will see him soon.”
- Terrell Phipps 6-7 MM+-MM Chicago Al Raby – “Good athlete with a huge upside; has started to add some offensive ingredients to his ever improving play; good shot blocker.”
- Jordan Bell 6-7 MM Chicago Vocational – “Plays within limitations; a rising prospect with a good motor; passes well out of the post; offensive game isn’t a threat yet, but his future seems bright. MAC, OVC, Sun-Belt, Horizon and Valley should pursue.”
- Ansar Muhammed 6-6 MM Hales Franciscan – “Explosive around the rim; game starting to take some shape; terrific rebounder in traffic superb shots-blocker; rising prospect.”
- Myles Howard 6-7 MM Marian Catholic – “All tournament selection at the McDipper; excellent frame; competes at both ends. He’s still a work in progress, but his future could be very bright. Howard plays with intelligence.”
- Liam Shannon 6-7 LM Oak-Park – “Intriguing prospect; played well in Pontiac; we will continue to watch his development. I like the way he competes & he has a good frame.”
- Zach Grady 6-6 LM Bolingbrook – “Big-body athlete; maneuvers around well in the paint; he might be more suited for high-level D2 program.”
Other 4 men to Watch
Ammar Becar 6-6 LM Niles Notre Dame – “Plays tough in the paint even though undersized.”
Rashawn Epting 6-6 LM Immaculate Conception – “He thinks the game is all about scoring.”
Alonzo Chatman 6-6 LM Chicago Morgan Park – “The last 2 games, he’s shown signs of confidence.”
Mark Smith 6-7 LM Riverside-Brookfield – “Bourdreaux was a nightmare for him at Wheeling.”
Austin Trice 6-5 LM Chicago Morgan Park – “Still raw skill wise; work in progress.”
Post-Men
- Barret Benson 6-9 MM+ Hinsdale South – “The big fella has a feathery touch around the rim; clogs up space inside, but we’d like to see him rebound the ball more and protect the rim defensively.”
- Tawong King 6-8 ------- Chicago Orr – “A big strapping young player; has to continue working on his post-game; he competes well; last season he was at Marshall H.S.; he’s currently sitting out this season; promising prospect.”
- Meshach Obafemi 6-8 ------- St. Rita – “Weighs about 260, but manages to anchor the paint effectively; he does not back down from anyone; he’s physical and rebounds well; the work he does on his body will determine what level he can suit-up at collegiately.”
