THE STATE’S TOP AVAILABLE SENIORS

THE STATE’S TOP AVAILABLE SENIORS

“Actually a surplus talent still looms on the board here; I’m predicting several will likely go over their head, and then be re-routed into more conductive environment.”

1.    Mark Smith           6-4          G             MM+                      Edwardsville

This season’s top head-liner for the state’s acclaimed No.1 late signee, Indiana just offered; arguably one of the top 10 players in our subpar 2017 Class. He should be able to play immediately next season in the right situation.

2.    Alonzo Verge Jr.      6-3          PG           MM+-MM            Thornton

He has the distinction of being the top player in the South-Suburbs. Verge is an electric talent that need to be managed at a high-rate daily. His coach Tai Streets says he can qualify academically.

3.    Lucas Williamson      6-4          F              Chicago Young

High character kid with some talent; he’s been the leader for one of the public league’s top teams this season, and Lucas has emerged as the No.1 un-signed senior in the P.L. Likely will stay close to home, NIU on his heels strong. 

4.    Kawansie Wilkins     6-4          MM        Chicago Farragut

Terrific offensive player, the kid can get buckets in a flurry while watching the Colorado State – U.N.L.V. game recently, I thought of this kid. Wilkins, could flourish in that kind of setting, he has the mental make-up & the talent.

5.    Tai Bibbs                  6-3          G             MM                        West Chicago

Good looking lad; wiry frame, elevates over defenders while hoisting-up jumpers. Superb athlete, more of a wing than actually PG. For his depleted team he takes a lot of tough shots, Bibbs does display the ability to score. What league or level best suits him? My lens says Patriot. The night we viewed him 7 or 8 division one schools were lined up to see him including PAC 12 Stanford. Hmmm..

6.    Teyvion Kirk        6-3          PG           MM                        Joliet West

Slender talent, still enjoying the rock-star status he is currently filtered with. He’s still learning on the move the necessary intricacies of how to play, particularly with leading & managing his squad. His team has sputtered in several big games thus far. Success could eventually come in a up & down setting (Mountain West/West Coast Conf.).

7.    Lenell Henry       6-7          F              MM                   Chicago Morgan Park

SIU just went to St. Louis to see him over the weekend; plays a supporting role for a very good Morgan Park Squad. Better days await for this shot-blocker, his offensive game needs some polish, but Henry could be a valuable contributor for the right program in a few years. “His journey should start in the weight room.”

8.    Jack Nolan         6-1          PG           MM                        Benet Academy

If this kid doesn’t succumb to the late pressures of recruiting, he could land on a good division one roster. Nolan has demonstrated big game capabilities the last few seasons and he’s just as good as any ball-handling guard we’ve saw all season. He’s a T.J. McConnell clone and after watching Loyola-Chicago recently, he could become just as good as the Cluster/Richardson tandem. Just my take!

9.    Rod Henry Hayes       6-4          G             MM                        Zion-Benton

Hasn’t enjoyed the kind of season he’d hoped for, due to whatever reasoning. Rod, is a marvelous talent with a huge up-side, he combines good length with the ability to make shots on the perimeter. One of the sleepers in the 2017 Class.

10. Jacob Keller                          6-2          PG           MM-LM+              Fenwick

Brings winning intangibles, he consistently has them on display when you view him and his Friar team. Keller has some attractive football interest & may opt for that route. It would be gratifying for him if there was a program he could suit-up with for both.”