SUMMER FINDINGS

When College Coaches take the road this week, some are often fixated on finding that necessary locator, which could guide them right into a gym where some less heralded-diamond in the rough type demonstrates his game and what it can evolve to in the future. Sometimes that kind of prospect is regulated to the corridors of auxiliary gym. “Recruiting can be an art…”

SLEEPERS IN 2019 & 2020 CLASS

1. Tujautae Williams (10) 2019 6-6 G/F MM+MM Chicago Demons

His future is in the back-court, where he excels as a ball handler & passer. Plays above the rim, can defend multiple positions. The catch & shoot aspect of his game hasn’t arrived just yet. Memphis could be in the picture.

2. Anthony Roberts (19) 2019 6-5 F MM Made Men

Demonstrates good motor, versatility and athleticism. His defensive presence is a plus, makes big plays often. Every winning team has a dude like him. Once his ball handling sharpens, his game will soar to new heights.

3. Chance Love (28) 2019 6-6 WF MM Next Level Elite

Son of former Bull Bob Love; he projects to be a scorer, has shown versatility while improving as a 3-point shooter. This kid has a wiry frame with a huge upside and poised for a breakout July. Played well at the NIU Camp. 

4. Terrion Murdix (23) 2019 5-11 PG MM Springfield South-East

Little known outside of the Central Illinois circles, but Colleges are starting to become quite acquainted with this talented youngster. A pure play-maker sees the floor & finds open mates timely. He had a sensational June with his school team. Superb slasher needs to improve his out-side shooting. A winner!

5. Cortez Mosley (18) 2019 6-4 G MM Team Manimal

Played well at the Northern Illinois Team Camp, displayed the ability to take defenders off-the-dribble, while creating offensive for himself on the perimeter. Future PG. This kid can flat-out play. 

6. Jacquan Binion (50) 2019 5-8 PG LM Old Gold

Slick left-hander with a lil razzle-dazzle to his game. Saw him out at the Morris Shoot-Out where his confidence & floor game looks to be surging at the right time. A play-maker who can score in a variety of ways.

7. Beau Frericks (24) 2020 6-1 G MM RWA-A.J.

Un-assuming lookin cager until he busts defenders apart! Makes shots & plays, his game revolves around heady team play & precision. Nothing sexy about his play, he’s the modern-day version of Scott Skiles.

8. Kaleb Fennelus-Williams (23) 2020 6-6 WF MM RWA-Burford

Represents every meaning of the label sleeper! Has performed mostly in obscurity, but we had a rare opportunity to size-up his game closely at ISL Pre-Eval Event last week. The kid can push the rock & see the floor. Makes good decisions on the fly. Perimeter shooting needs consistency. A good prospect.

9. Ricky Kirby (36) 2020 6-7 F MM-LM+ Full Package

Perhaps could arrive to stardom in a disguise. Mega athleticism, still raw in certain areas of his game. Never-the-less he possesses those certain intangibles that indicate flashes of what his future may hold.

10. Tarone Kirkwood (25) 2020 5-8 PG MM T.S. Wolverines

Slithery general, with a deadly pull-up jumper. Calming floor game, which we saw on surface at the ISL Pre-Eval Casting, we’ve viewed him now a few times, the key for kirk, is not taking a back-seat to his more publicized back-court mates at school. Very talented prospect plays with extreme poise.

11. Kameron Battle (71) 2019 6-6 WF LM Oswego East

We’re looking for a big July for this wiry forward who has shown intriguing skills. We last saw him at the Loyola Team Camp. With added strength he will be able to complete some of the things he tries to do today. A good summer will increase his stock and ranking. Son of Kenny Battle, former West Aurora and Illinois Star. 

12. Davis Walker (16) 2020 6-2 PG MM RWA-A.J.

Strong body with a floor game that exhibits pass first mentality. Sure handed with the rock, makes good decisions and can score. Currently home schooled. Vastly one of the more under the radar prospects in the class. 

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From the late news bureau, Bolingbrook’s Tyler Cochran’s tip-in at the buzzer finished off the defending state champs Belleville West 60-59 at the 33rd Annual Morris Shoot-Out. West stand out forward E.J. Liddle, renowning Illinois Mr. Basketball and Gatorade player of the year, didn’t play the second half due to leg cramps. The Morris Shoot-Out will likely look like a whole new venue whenever the NCAA legislation changes its Summer recruiting regulations.

Moline’s Deonte Billups demonstrated why he is widely considered a Top 10 prospect in the 2019 Class and a player we must see the first week out. The six-foot five flashy guard with slippery ball skills terrorized Belleville’s defenders with a 30-point outing on the second day at the Morris. 

East St. Louis athletic forward Terrence Hargrove committed to St. Louis U. last week. Kudos to SLU Assistant Will Bailey. Now, this pledge doesn’t take Hargrove off the hook from playing up to part in July after such a spotty spring of EBYL play.