The Top Players Still Available in the 2016 Class

The Top Players Still Available in the 2016 Class

“We will start early by identifying the top players left on the grid at each position.  Area hoop junkies have pegged this class to be a replica of our low-achieving 2012 cast.  “We ain’t drop’n no names.”  The 2016 group will likely have some under-the-radar type’s surface at some schools where they will be coached & developed in the right system/setting.  Right now we have slim pickings at the pivot slot.  Blah, Blah, Blah.  We’ll reaffirm their growth at a later date.

Point Guards

Charlie Moore     5-11         HM-MM+          Chicago Hyde Park – “One of the top-ranked PG’s in the country.”  Had a recent visit to Memphis, has California still involved, while a recent unexpected family matter put the brakes on some scheduled visits.  There’s a bandwagon of locals hoping he will opt to stay close to home.

Mike Smith         5-9           MM          Fenwick – A 4 year starter, a system type performer, excellent student; likely will sign in the spring period.  Obviously angling for greener pastures.  We feel he’s more suited for a mid-major setting.

Micah Bradford   6-0           MM          Bradley Bourbonnais – Skilled, has a nice flair to his game with superb quickness & speed. His test score & grades have steadily improved.  Bradford will be highly sought after come spring, you can bank on it!

Bryce Barnes       5-10         LM+-LM Chicago Bogan – Quality student, likely could garner interest from Ivy League schools.  Bryce is seeking academic situation.  He could compile a pretty good career in a Patriot/Ivy or Summit League setting.

Xavier Bishop     5-7           LM+-LM Springfield Lanphier – Exciting lil player; can bomb away deep on the perimeter.  Has dazzled as a play-maker most recently; his recruitment has hit a slight pause of late.  IUPUI, Central Arkansas, U.C. Davis have stayed in touch.  Missouri-St. Louis could emerge as a serious pursuer.

Marcus Latham   6-1           LM+-LM Alton – This lefty has a wealth of scoring ability, he recognizes he’s going to have to improve his facilitating skills.  Latham can string together a flurry buckets in a hurry.  “Could qualify.”

Tyrone Rivers     5-10         LM+-LM Chicago North-Lawndale – “Jet speed & quickness; sees the floor well; outside shooting could use some polish.  One of the cities’ top guards.  Wright State, Chicago State, Eastern IL on his radar.  Classroom work to do.

Antonio Williams                5-11         LM    Proviso East – This talented lead can make some plays; hampered by academic woes the last several years, so he may need some games under his belt to work the rust off.  Likely Juco recruit!

The Next Notable Prospects to watch at the position:

Ethan Meeker, 6-2, LM-D2, Galesburg – “Likely may opt to walk-on at a DI setting; shooter converted to a PG.”

Rodney Herenton, 6-1, LM, Stevenson – “The Whitney Young transfer will get an opportunity to express his value.”

Marquise Chairs, 5-9, LM, East St. Louis – “Dazzling, lightening quick, grades on track; needs polish.”

Shooting Guards

Zach Norvell       6-5           MM+-MM         Chicago Simeon – We view this versatile lefty somewhat differently than other services.  We envision him more as a 3-man who is comfortable with the ball in his hands and who can make plays.  Zach potentially has the ability to defend multiple positions, he recently visited Florida State and Iowa State, while Georgetown may be waiting in the wings as well as Oregon.  Gonzaga may be his dark horse.  “Has classroom work to complete.”

Jerry Miles          6-5           MM+-MM         East Moline – Unfortunately we hear this talented left-hander faces the likely uncertainty of not playing at all his senior season.  Myles has exhausted a few options.  He may need a guidance counselor to literally help him work through a rough stretch and his next rout.

George Willborn 6-3           MM          DeLaSalle – Silk-smooth, a better athlete than most recognized.  He’s starting to attack the rim with authority.  Eastern Illinois, Bethune-Cookman working their way with scheduled official visits.

Kevin Kreiger      6-6           MM          Plainfield North – Can he become the late-bloomer Ryan Anderson became out of high-school in California 2006?  We’ve been pumping this kid since the beginning of his junior campaign.  He’s a sneaky athlete & a streaky outside marksman.  UIC, Valpo, Toledo have shown some interest.  His stock may climb.

Corielle Robinson                6-4 LM+-LM     Chicago Phillips – Untapped talent, played in obscurity last season.  This kid has good length, he can handle the ball and make plays & he’s a capable scorer.  Good student & a player to watch.

Deshawn Jackson                6-3 LM+-LM     Peoria Central – Vastly under-rated, a versatile combo with nice length and a good feel for the game.  He has grown since last season.  Could be one of the sleepers in the class.  Western IL, Eastern IL, SUI-E involved.

Drew Evans        6-3           LM+-LM Thornwood – “Has had some eye-popping performances on the gridiron this fall.  This has disabled his stock on the hardwood due to a lack of floor time.  A wiry athlete with a huge upside.”

The Next Notable Group of Prospects to Watch at the Position:

Isaac Nelson, 5-9, LM-D2, Springfield High – “Lefty can really get buckets.”

Isaac Gassman, 6-5, LM-D2, Ottawa – “Wis-Park-Side & Lewis U. might be his destination.”

Antonio Johnson, 6-3, LM-D2, East S.t Louis – “Powerfully built athlete may opt Juco.”

Travon Bell, 6-1, LM-D2, Chiacago Mather – “Streaky shooter, 4 year starter, probably Juco route.”

Matt Cappemetti, 6-4, LM-D2, Romeoville – “Came into his own late season & this summer, a player to follow.”

Wing Forwards

Nick Robinson    6-5           MM          Chicago Kenwood – Likely will decide on a college in the April signing period.  Valparaiso was a key player as of a week or so ago, where he appeared on campus.  St. Louis could be a suitable avenue.

Darius Oliver      6-5           MM          Chicago Leo – Topsy-turvy summer hurt his value some.  One of the area’s top scorers, a better athlete than observers give him credit.  Oliver is a respectable mid-range shooter.  Potential late signee.  He could be a gem.

Ben Coupet         6-6           MM-LM+ Chicago Simeon – Has length & versatility – offensive game still hasn’t arrived yet, lacks consistency -but he possess a wealth of potential.  He seems to have never embraced his role in the Simeon system, Coupet’s calling-card could be as a lock-down defender.  He just may be one to watch down-the-road.

Josh Thomas       6-3           LM+        Chicago Simeon – We don’t view him as a wing guard like some others, we actually see him playing in a variety of slots in a college including a 4 man.  He’s still learning tempo & understanding situations when to use his slashing abilities.  Josh should labor as a defensive stopper.  Recruiting tailed-off a bit, but grades need to come-up too.

Dulan Scott         6-4           LM+        Chicago Farragut – Big body perimeter threat, good athlete & student.  Saw him in September and he was fatigued.  Never-the-less, he will be a sought-after prospect during the late signing period.

Evan Hines          6-4           LM+        Niles West – “He can easily be misunderstood by some of his on the court antics.  Clearly has some game, doesn’t lack confidence by any stretch.  Hines can handle the rock some, but he’s a shot-maker.  Academically unknown now.  Chicago State likes him.”

Samson Oladimeji               6-4 LM    Fremd – Excellent size & length on the perimeter, 1^st caught my eye at the UIC elite camp, but in September he missed some court time due to a sickness.  Good student & player to watch.

Miles Curry         6-4           LM Chicago Kenwood – “A promising prospect at Lincoln Park H.S. the last several years, now will face-the-music on a different stage at Kenwood this upcoming season.  Out with an injury in July, he might be thirsty for a breakout year playing a supporting role in the Zion-Nick-Manny casting.”

Strong Forwards

Nick Rakocevic   6-9           MM+-MM         St. Joseph – Plagued by immaturity issues, kinda got muffed with all the hype surrounding him the last few years.  Seems more humble these days, the slender forward could pack some much needed muscle as he battles larger interior guys.  Nick can impact a game with his scoring ability, West Virginia may have interest, he could be the kind of recruit Huggs loves.

Lorenzo Edwards                6-7 MM   Lake Forest – Competes at a high-level, don’t be surprised to see his value soar once the season begins he will be highly sought-after by a bandwagon of mid-major suitors.  There will be a high-major academic situation awaiting in the spring.

Anthony D’Avanzo             6-8 MM-LM+    Niles Notre Dame – “This kid could end-up being one of the real gems of the class.  A run & jumper with surprising athleticism, came on late in the season, looked like a diamond in-the-rough at Loyola-Chicago’s elite camp early summer.  Likely headed to U-Cal-Davis.”

Tajuan Agee        6-7           MM-LM+ Chicago Hyde Park – “This late bloomer is a versatile performer, he can take you in the post or drift you out on the perimeter and drain 3’s.”  Now he needs to put-it-all together.  His stock is rising – South-Florida was recently in as well as Bethune Cookman.  Texas El Paso has shown interest.  Good Student!

Brandon Suggs   6-8           LM+        Winnebago – Reliable rebounder, okay defender-offensive game in the development stages.  Playing hard all the time is the key to him being successful.  Has offers from Chicago State, Northern Colorado – been on NIU, UIC and Lewis Univ. campuses.

Myles Howard    6-7           LM Marian Catholic – “He could be a real intangible piece in the right setting.  Runs the floor, just adequate rebounder & defender – could be a terrific shot-blocker – passes well for a big-man.  Holy Cross & other Patriot league schools should pursue him.”

The Next Notable Prospects to Watch:

Alonzo Chatman, 6-7, LM, Morgan Park – “If I’m him, I’m going to a situation where I can play right away and continue to develop my game.  A good D2 fits perfectly.”

Jordan Bell, 6-7, LM, Chicago Vocational – “Slowly developing; a strong D2 fits.”

John Marrotta, 6-7, LM, Lincoln Way West – “Whispers continue to surface about his passion for the game.”

Terrell Phipps, 6-7, LM, Chicago Simeon – “Will be a player one day after 2 yr Juco stint.”

Peter Blust, 6-7, LM-D2, Hinsdale Central – “Has nice size & skill, someone to watch.”

Sidney Mason, 6-5 LM-D2, Chicago Vocational – “Thrives as a scorer along the baseline.”

Post-Men

Loudon Vollbretch              6-8 MM   Geneva – This bruiser is a throw-back-type.  He’s a punishing rebounder, setting screens he terrorizes high school opponents.  DePaul and some other high-majors have shown interest.  “Big-time football prospect.”

Tawone Keith      6-8           LM Chicago Farragut – “Gives you blemishes of what his future may hold; big body – strong rebounder – he does possess some toughness, he’s raw offensively right now but his body is starting to resemble some much needed muscle.