Thursday, May 14, 2020

TOP COMBO GUARDS/WINGS IN 2021 CLASS

There is a wealth of talent among this cast. This is our position with the most quality depth. Curiously in today’s climate, how many of these dudes will be prepared to play right away at the next level.

NAME / HT / LEVEL / RANK / SCHOOL

• Bryce Hopkins 6-7 HM 2 Fenwick
“Already given a pledge to Louisville; No.1 player in the Catholic League averaged near 25 per game; versatile performer with a good skill set. His length on the perimeter allows him to score in bundles.”

• Ahmad “Black Cat” Bynum 6-2 HM 4 Chicago Simeon
“Committed to DePaul months ago. Had a stellar outing during the City Finals where he drained six treys against Morgan Park in the Championship game, which was instrumental in Simeon’s victory.”

• John Poulakidas 6-5 HM 5 Neuqua Valley
“Wiry prospect with un-orthodox style that keeps defenders off balance. Reliable outside threat, we witnessed him sting the nets for 49 vs Bolingbrook in January. We can envision his game at Stanford or a Notre Dame situation.”

• Louis Lesmond 6-5 MM+ 6 Niles Notre Dame
“Possesses a wealth of ability, at times he showcases a smooth sleek floor game where his athleticism can overwhelm defenders, then he has these tendencies to take a back seat during big game settings. He has the tools to put it all together.”

• Isaiah Barnes 6-6 HM 7 Oak Park/
“All indicators clearly have him heading into the Public League to team up with Black Cat Bynum at Simeon, which should potentially make for an exciting high-scoring back court tandem. Barnes is a smooth performer with excellent length on the perimeter. Has a binder of high-major offers. Averaged 18 a game last season.”

• Tevin Smith 6-5 MM+-MM 10 Danville
“Has the ability to put the ball in the basket at a high rate. Good athlete. He’s just been plagued by the injury bug. Missed significant time during the season, reportedly re-injuring his knee. Smith has offers from Oregon, DePaul, and nearly the entire Missouri Valley with SIU out front.”

• Jakobi Heady 6-6 MM+-MM 15 Hillcrest
“Swingman clone has the ability to stretch the floor with his splendid outside shooting ability. Heady is a dangerous athlete in the open floor where he has the ability to flush over defenders. Viewed as one of the hidden gems of the Class.”

• Jaiden Lee 6-5 MM 19 Joliet West
“Wiry wing is recognized as one of the top shooters in the Class. As the season progressed his ball handling improved, he attacked more off the dribble. His future is at wing guard, he registered modest numbers (13 points) for a talented team. His game is on the rise, look for his value to soar as well. Academics has also improved.”

• Ben Schwieger 6-5 MM 20 Waubonsie Valley
“Lively athlete came into his own over the course of a season until an injury shelved him for large portion of time. Reliable outside shooter, the rising prospect still managed to average close to 16 point an outing. He just picked up an offer from Rice University and Loyola-Chicago recently, & an offer from UIC.”

• Josh Smith 6-3 MM 21 Oak Park
“Sleek athletic combo guard has some explosiveness to his game. This spring circuit was slated to be his platform to illustrate his overall scoring prowess. Smith led the Huskies in scoring, averaging 18 per contest. He has several mid-major offers.”

• Ola Ajiboye 6-8 MM 22 Chicago Von Stueben
“High academic kid boasts an excellent motor & good all-around skill set. Shoots from a distance fairly well, does have some versatility to his game where his jump-hook is his go-to weapon. Ola has drawn considerable interest from Northwestern (no offer yet), St. Louis, Detroit, UIC, ARK-Little Rock, & Chicago State have offered.”

• Jalen Houston 6-0 MM 24 Hyde Park Academy
“Scoring off guard had the ball put in his hands from the opening tip. Most times he responded effectively averaging close to 22 per outing. Some questions have been raised about his ability to transition over to a lead guard exclusively. Jalen has a straight-line blur of speed. Missouri Valley schools have shown interest.”

• Jaehshon Thomas 6-3 MM 25 Whitney Young
“Ended the season with a sparkling outing in Young’s upset victory over Simeon in the Sectional Finals right before COVID-19 put play on hiatus. Thomas has some pop to his game, now he will be one of the main go-to weapons for Young next season.”

• Amar Auggilard 6-5 LM+ 26 Zion-Benton
“Talented offensive player, high volume shooter, isn’t fearful about hoisting-up a tough shot during a huge moment in a game. His shot-selection can often be viewed as a lack of discipline, that is why it’s all important that he operates in the right system Collegiately. Averaged over 20 last season.”

• Julius Rollins 6-5 MM 27 Hillcrest
“Good look’n prospect has a floor game that’s on the brink of creating for others. His play resembles a hooper who could be a key contributor in the right system. Needs to improve his outside shooting. Has offers from Toledo, Oakland, & Northern Michigan.”

• Blake Peters 6-1 MM-LM+ 28 Evanston
“Ultimate winner & gamer has a sprucy three-year winning percentage; clutch outside marksmen thrives in a big game setting. Has College ready shooting ability & mental make-up. Has a recent offer from Lehigh and strong interest from Patriot League foes Holy Cross and Loyola-Maryland. U.M.K.C. offered in February. We wouldn’t rule out a preferred walk-on opportunity at Northwestern.”

• Devon Ellis 6-5 MM-LM+ 30 Conant
“Un-heralded prospect with College ready frame was the primary focus for opponent’s defenses all year, but still managed to go for 17 markers a night. Very talented athlete, does possess some offensive abilities, needs to improve his outside shooting. Devon can be lethal attacking the rim. Has plenty of mid-major interests.”

• Jaylin Gibson 6-3 MM-LM+ 31 Evanston
“Tough do-it-all combo guard with winning intangibles. Has a remarkable 3-year winning percentage & was on the verge of adding some more Ws before play was halted. Solid ball-handler capable of making big shots & plays. Has offers from U.W. Milwaukee, Drake, Detroit, & Chicago St.”

• Jaden Terrell 6-7 MM 34 Wheeling
“Left hander is a superb athlete, somewhat of an unknown on the City scene. Excellent three-point shooter played well enough to garner offers from Arkansas Little Rock & Detroit. A promising prospect.”

• Gary Clay 6-3 MM 35 Rich East
“Rapidly emerging prospect, very good student-carts a 4.0 GPA. Led his team in scoring with 17-point average. Silk-smooth prospect can handle & distribute well enough to play some PG, drains jumpers on perimeter consistently. A two-way threat.”

• Bennie Slater 6-5 LM+-LM 37 Springfield High
“Smooth operator with wiry frame, averaged 16 points & 9 rebounds. Needs to improve his outside shooting. This summer was pegged as an opportunity for him to showcase his under-radar game for College Coaches & evaluators.”

• Jack Mielke 6-6 LM+-LM 40 Downers Grove North
“Under the radar performer who left a lasting impression on opponents last season with his ability to drill three-pointers. Old-school jump shooter recorded 70 threes while shooting an impressive 40 percent from the arc. Averaged nearly 15 a game. Big-time student.”

No comments:

Post a Comment