The State’s Top Available Senior’s 2016

The State’s Top Available Senior’s 2016

1.       Nick Rakocevic       6-9          SF  MM+-MM      St. Joseph – “The big fella has bounced back with an admirable season thus far, leading his team to a surprising 12-3 start, averaging 18 points & close to 14 boards.  Rakocevic has to be more efficient passing out of double teams and a little better with his decision making process.  Most of us positive skeptics are frowning on any opportunities that may arrive for a high-major situation, which could land him on the pine, his slender frame & some other aspects of his game wouldn’t benefit him in such an environment.  System & conference should be his circle’s vision.  Sean O’Mara at Xavier should be replica of his decision.  Missouri has shown interest.”

2.       Lorenzo Edwards    6-7          F    MM     Lake Forest – “Butler University has been in recently to see this rapidly rising front-courter.  Not many observers would be surprised if the Blue Demons become his destination next season.  He plays hard and he’s competitive.  Averages 19 points & 13 rebounds nightly.”

3.       Nick Robinson        6-5          WF MM     Chicago Kenwood – “Recently de-committed from Indiana State, while most of us felt Greg Lansing & program was the ideal setting for the 16 year old lad.  Nick’s numbers aren’t gaudy but he does possess some all-around talents.  As he matures I see him flourishing down-the-road as a scorer.  A-10, Conference USA, Missouri Valley, MAC, and Horizon League as true fits.”

4.       George Willborn     6-3          WG            MM     De La Salle – “Has grown into a leader, superb athlete with a rising game.  Willborn could be terrific in the right system as he continues to learn concepts & climate.  Bethune Cookman, Eastern Illinois, Texas El Paso monitoring.”

5.       Zion Morgan 6-1    G             MM           Chicago Kenwood – “Combo type, gave Valpo a verbal, but did not sign during early period.  Morgan actually fits the Crusader’s profile.  Coincidently the Horizon League is scripted for his game, he could potentially mask as a defensive ace at the next level.  This season he looks more poised and comfortable while gaining big-game experience, his offensive game has become a healthier package.  His team is 12-1.”

6.       Mike Smith    5-9    PG           MM           Fenwick – “Excellent student lusting for greener pastures.  Turned down several suitable mid-major slots.  Smith, has proven he’s capable of managing a system, he’s a shrewd ball-handler with the ability to make others around him better.  His size scares off some pursuers.  Fenwick is 13-2.”

7.       Darias Oliver  6-5    F              MM           Chicago Leo – “Sparkled in the last few outings with 27 points & 13 boards while also registering a couple 30 point games.  Oliver is a good athlete who can score.  Texas El-Paso’s Tim Floyd recently came in to see him.  Leo has an 11-3 mark.”

8.       Tajuan Agee  6-7    F              MM           Chicago Hyde Park – “Still learning how to play, but possess a wealth of potential; but a glaring area of concern at this juncture of his development is his motor/energy which he needs to plug up more frequently.  Tajuan has good length and is an above average athlete who does a variety of things offensively.  He may need a red-shirt situation.”

9.       Kevin Kreiger 6-6    F              MM-LM+  Plainfield North – “All tourney at Pontiac, this kid we’ve continued to talk about the last several seasons, a gifted athlete who can jump over defenders in transition, can bury jumpers on perimeter with range, but he’s been a tad inconsistent at times.  Is he tough enough most frequently asked?  MAC, Summit, OVC & Horizon should check in on him!”

Xavier Bishop 5-8       PG       LM+    Springfield Lanphier – “He’s got game and the little lefty showed it while guiding his Lanphier squad to a title at the Pekin Holiday Event.  He can stroke-it consistently from deep and he’s improved his play-making abilities.  Size could be a factor in where he lands, just look at Western Illinois’ second year diminutive PG C.J. Carr, it’s hard for small guards at any level unless you are special.  Lanphier is one of the top teams in the state.”