Monday, September 29, 2014
News: Eastern Illinois Basketball Program
Eastern Illinois Basketball Program continues to operate in a silent tone geared towards building for long term success. The Chicago area sport fans aren’t privy to the in’s & out of their everyday operation. This is why I’m quite compelled to report on the various dynamics of their program. Coach Jay Spoonhour picked up 3 quality commitments-Lucas Jones a 6-8 forward from Shawnee Mission High School in Kansas where he averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds as a junior. Next up 6 foot 4 wing Marshawn Blackmon out of Fort Zumwalt South in St. Charles, MO averaged 17 points & 8 rebounds while he’s considered to be a top notched football prospect. The third verbal coming from Casey Petesson a 6 foot 2 shooting guard out of Missouri. Things are looking bright in Charleston, IL.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
2015 Verbals Being Over-Looked
2015 Verbals Being Over-Looked
The last few years we’ve witnessed a trend where kids are being over-evaluated; now in some instances prospects in the Illinois 2015 class have been undervalued. Maybe coaches these days are feeling a little more pressure surrounding their job security and can’t take chances on a promising player which may not be ready to perform immediately?
Tom Johnson 5’8” PG MM Chicago Bogan/Chicago Trojans
Clever play-maker; good student; plays tough; good kid/character. What’s the problem? Wisconsin-Milwaukee has shown strong interest.
Brodic Thomas 6’1” G MM Bolingbrook/Illinois Rise
“One day a special player, particularly once he adds some strength; excellent jump-shooter and he’s a skilled player.”
Jachi Taylor 6’6” WF MM Waukegan/NLP
Starting to create some buzz for himself; top notch athlete one of our state’s elite high-flyers; skills starting to shine.
Allen Billinger 6’0” PG MM-LM+ Carbondale/Illinois Bears
“Shrewd general; has a good feel for the game; excellent midrange shooter. Vastly underrated.”
Ken Perkins Jr. 6’9” G/F MM Chicago North-Lawndale/Chicago Demons
“The lefty has grown quite a bit in 2 years; handles himself well on the perimeter.”
Antonio Thomas 6’7” SF LM+ Chicago Bogan/Team Rose
A high energy athlete; uncanny rebounder; D2’s camped-out in his premises; capable scorer around the rim. “Who says he can’t play in the OVC?”
Fred Sims Jr. 6’2” G LM+ Chicago North-Lawndale/Full Package
“This kid can score in his sleep; Fred has some D2’s gasping for an opportunity. He, no question is a Div I talent.”
Jeremiah Stewart 6’4” G LM+ Chicago Julian/Mom & Papa Program
“Clearly a hidden gem; brings a package of athleticism and the ability to score.”
Donovan Franklin 6’4” G MM-LM+ O’Fallon/St. Louis Eagles
“Had a tough July, but folks down-in-his-area know e’s a feared gun-slinger; Donovan can handle the rock creating for others as well as himself; shot is streaky right now.” Had a lot of Valley interest early.
The last few years we’ve witnessed a trend where kids are being over-evaluated; now in some instances prospects in the Illinois 2015 class have been undervalued. Maybe coaches these days are feeling a little more pressure surrounding their job security and can’t take chances on a promising player which may not be ready to perform immediately?
Tom Johnson 5’8” PG MM Chicago Bogan/Chicago Trojans
Clever play-maker; good student; plays tough; good kid/character. What’s the problem? Wisconsin-Milwaukee has shown strong interest.
Brodic Thomas 6’1” G MM Bolingbrook/Illinois Rise
“One day a special player, particularly once he adds some strength; excellent jump-shooter and he’s a skilled player.”
Jachi Taylor 6’6” WF MM Waukegan/NLP
Starting to create some buzz for himself; top notch athlete one of our state’s elite high-flyers; skills starting to shine.
Allen Billinger 6’0” PG MM-LM+ Carbondale/Illinois Bears
“Shrewd general; has a good feel for the game; excellent midrange shooter. Vastly underrated.”
Ken Perkins Jr. 6’9” G/F MM Chicago North-Lawndale/Chicago Demons
“The lefty has grown quite a bit in 2 years; handles himself well on the perimeter.”
Antonio Thomas 6’7” SF LM+ Chicago Bogan/Team Rose
A high energy athlete; uncanny rebounder; D2’s camped-out in his premises; capable scorer around the rim. “Who says he can’t play in the OVC?”
Fred Sims Jr. 6’2” G LM+ Chicago North-Lawndale/Full Package
“This kid can score in his sleep; Fred has some D2’s gasping for an opportunity. He, no question is a Div I talent.”
Jeremiah Stewart 6’4” G LM+ Chicago Julian/Mom & Papa Program
“Clearly a hidden gem; brings a package of athleticism and the ability to score.”
Donovan Franklin 6’4” G MM-LM+ O’Fallon/St. Louis Eagles
“Had a tough July, but folks down-in-his-area know e’s a feared gun-slinger; Donovan can handle the rock creating for others as well as himself; shot is streaky right now.” Had a lot of Valley interest early.
Recruiting Updates, Etc.
Recruiting Updates, Etc.
Matt Rafferty 6’7” SF MM-LM+ Hinsdale Central/Lock-Down
After a solid spring/summer, his recruiting seemed to dwindle a tad. Things seem to be on an upward swing. He visited Brown University this weekend, Sep. 26-28. Brown / Dartmouth / Loyola-Chicago / UIC / Toledo / Northern Illinois
Harrison Niego 6’1” PG MM-LM+ Lyon’s/Chicago Lock-Down
“This kid grew on me throughout the summer.” UIC / Yale / Cornel / Dartmouth
Connor Cashaw 6’4” WG MM Stevenson/Mac Irvin Fire
“Some serious questions have recently arrived about his passion to play; maybe this was one of the reasons he settled for being Brunson’s side-kick? Easy out! Tommy and Harvard look destined for landing! Harvard / Rice / LaSalle / Loyola-Chicago / LeHigh
Gavin Block 6’4” WG MM Lincoln (IL)/Net Gain
Why wouldn’t Northern Illinois show him more love, especially when they need a shooter? Gavin brings a winning formula. LaSalle / UIC / Elon / Visiting Northern Iowa in Oct. 4th
Isaiah Moss 6’5” G/F MM+-MM Chicago Simeon/Mac Irvin Fire
“He and his circle of trust are having a good ole time enjoying the fruits of recruiting. DePaul / Rhode Island / LaSalle / Iowa / S. Louis. Academic woes could lay ahead!”
Joshua Stamps 6’5” WG MM+ Chicago Curie/Team Rose
“He likely has the biggest upside of anyone in the class & his recruitment will pick-up steam well into the season. He will be a late signee. You can bet the DePaul Blue Demons will be in the mix.”
Tyler Seibring 6’7” F MM Normal Community/Net Gain
“A gamer when the lights are on, he comes to the stage ready; very productive player; he’s recruiting seems odd, we hear he really likes Elon a lot; Ohio U. / Bucknell / Brown / Colgate. He could be a steal!
Evan Boudreaux 6’7” SF MM Lake Forest/NLP
“Questions continue to surface regarding his love for the game.” Boston College / Iowa / Cornel still in the hunt.
Christian Williams 6’5” WG MM+-MM Decatur St. Teresa/Illinois Irish
Announced in August he was enrolling in Lanphier H.S. in which he did for a short period, then oddly returned to St. Teresa where he is petitioning now for his eligibility this season. Rumors swirling that his club coach has been calling around to certain schools, hoping coaches will fall for the shenanigans of bringing him on an official visit. Stay tuned in on him . . .
Karl Harris 6’4” WG MM De LaSalle/Illinois Stars
Unappreciated at times, club team situation didn’t do him any justice; he’s picking up steam now. LaSalle / SIU-E / Northern Kentucky / St. Francis (PA) / Western Illinois
Matt Rafferty 6’7” SF MM-LM+ Hinsdale Central/Lock-Down
After a solid spring/summer, his recruiting seemed to dwindle a tad. Things seem to be on an upward swing. He visited Brown University this weekend, Sep. 26-28. Brown / Dartmouth / Loyola-Chicago / UIC / Toledo / Northern Illinois
Harrison Niego 6’1” PG MM-LM+ Lyon’s/Chicago Lock-Down
“This kid grew on me throughout the summer.” UIC / Yale / Cornel / Dartmouth
Connor Cashaw 6’4” WG MM Stevenson/Mac Irvin Fire
“Some serious questions have recently arrived about his passion to play; maybe this was one of the reasons he settled for being Brunson’s side-kick? Easy out! Tommy and Harvard look destined for landing! Harvard / Rice / LaSalle / Loyola-Chicago / LeHigh
Gavin Block 6’4” WG MM Lincoln (IL)/Net Gain
Why wouldn’t Northern Illinois show him more love, especially when they need a shooter? Gavin brings a winning formula. LaSalle / UIC / Elon / Visiting Northern Iowa in Oct. 4th
Isaiah Moss 6’5” G/F MM+-MM Chicago Simeon/Mac Irvin Fire
“He and his circle of trust are having a good ole time enjoying the fruits of recruiting. DePaul / Rhode Island / LaSalle / Iowa / S. Louis. Academic woes could lay ahead!”
Joshua Stamps 6’5” WG MM+ Chicago Curie/Team Rose
“He likely has the biggest upside of anyone in the class & his recruitment will pick-up steam well into the season. He will be a late signee. You can bet the DePaul Blue Demons will be in the mix.”
Tyler Seibring 6’7” F MM Normal Community/Net Gain
“A gamer when the lights are on, he comes to the stage ready; very productive player; he’s recruiting seems odd, we hear he really likes Elon a lot; Ohio U. / Bucknell / Brown / Colgate. He could be a steal!
Evan Boudreaux 6’7” SF MM Lake Forest/NLP
“Questions continue to surface regarding his love for the game.” Boston College / Iowa / Cornel still in the hunt.
Christian Williams 6’5” WG MM+-MM Decatur St. Teresa/Illinois Irish
Announced in August he was enrolling in Lanphier H.S. in which he did for a short period, then oddly returned to St. Teresa where he is petitioning now for his eligibility this season. Rumors swirling that his club coach has been calling around to certain schools, hoping coaches will fall for the shenanigans of bringing him on an official visit. Stay tuned in on him . . .
Karl Harris 6’4” WG MM De LaSalle/Illinois Stars
Unappreciated at times, club team situation didn’t do him any justice; he’s picking up steam now. LaSalle / SIU-E / Northern Kentucky / St. Francis (PA) / Western Illinois
2014 Early Verbals – Players Off-The-Board
2014 Early Verbals – Players Off-The-Board
“This will be one of our wackiest classes in recent years. Just predicated on some of the decisions we’ve seen thus far. Not to mention the delusional families and wacky self-absorbed club coaches who seem to be often caught-up in the moment while forgetting they will be dealing with the masses at a later date.” This will be a group watched closely for years to come.
“This will be one of our wackiest classes in recent years. Just predicated on some of the decisions we’ve seen thus far. Not to mention the delusional families and wacky self-absorbed club coaches who seem to be often caught-up in the moment while forgetting they will be dealing with the masses at a later date.” This will be a group watched closely for years to come.
NAME
|
HT
|
POS
|
HIGH-SCHOOL
|
COLLEGE
|
D. J. Williams
|
6’7”
|
WF
|
Chicago Simeon/Mean Streets
|
University Illinois
|
Jordan Ash
|
6’3”
|
G
|
St. Joseph/Illinois Wolves
|
Northwestern University
|
Aaron Jordan
|
6’3”
|
WG
|
Plainfield East/Illinois Stars
|
University Illinois
|
Brandon Hutton
|
6’5”
|
SF
|
De LaSalle/Illinois Stars
|
University Iowa
|
Charles Matthews
|
6’5”
|
WG
|
St. Rita/Mean Streets
|
University Kentucky
|
Luwane Pipkins
|
5’10”
|
PG
|
Chicago Bogan/Mac Irvin Fire
|
U. Mass
|
Joseph Toye
|
6’7”
|
WF
|
Chicago Young/Mean Streets
|
Vanderbilt University
|
Taylor Adway
|
6’7”
|
SF
|
Hillcrest/Mean Streets?
|
University Toledo
|
Prentiss Nixon
|
6’1”
|
G
|
Bolingbrook/Illinois Wolves
|
Colorado State University
|
Roland Griffin
|
6’6”
|
F
|
West Aurora/Wis. Playground
|
Illinois State University
|
Alex O’Neal
|
6’9”
|
F/C
|
Peoria Christian/Illinois Irish
|
Nebraska-Omaha
|
Bryan Heath
|
6’3”
|
G
|
Rockridge/Illinois Irish
|
Michigan Tech.
|
Glynn Watson
|
6’3”
|
PG
|
St. Joseph/Illinois Wolves
|
University Nebraska
|
Admiral Schofield
|
6’5”
|
F
|
Zion Benton/NLP
|
University Tennessee
|
Christian Romine
|
6’9”
|
F/C
|
Mahomet-Seymour/Illinois Stars
|
Texas El Paso
|
Julian Torres
|
6’9”
|
F/C
|
Bolingbrook/Mac Irvin Fire
|
Wisconsin-Green Bay
|
Antoine Pitman
|
6’3”
|
G
|
Rockford Auburn/Pryme Tyme
|
Wisconsin-Green Bay
|
Jalen Brunson
|
6’2”
|
G
|
Stevenson/Mac Irvin Fire
|
Villanova
|
Laytan Porter
|
6’1”
|
PG
|
RockfordAuburn/Pryme Tyme
|
Northern Illinois
|
Tyler Hall
|
6’4”
|
WG
|
Rock Island/Quad City Elite
|
Montana State
|
Obediah Church
|
6’8”
|
SF
|
Springfield High/Illinois Irish
|
Missouri State
|
Emondre Rickman
|
6’8”
|
F/C
|
Collinsville/S. W. Jets
|
Indiana State
|
Carlos Anderson
|
6’4”
|
F
|
Alton/S. W. Jets
|
Southern Illinois Edwardsville
|
Dylan Miller
|
6’9”
|
F/C
|
Hillsboro/Illinois Irish
|
North Dakota State
|
Ed Morrow
|
6’7”
|
SF
|
Chicago Simeon/Mac Irvin Fire
|
University Nebraska
|
Roosevelt Smart
|
6’2”
|
WG
|
Sunrise Prep/Illinois Wolves
|
Loyola-Chicago
|
Trevor Stumpe
|
6’4”
|
WG
|
Plainfield North/Illinois Wolves
|
Wofford College
|
Weisner Perez
|
6’5”
|
F
|
Morton/Mac Irvin Fire
|
Harvard University
|
Thursday, September 25, 2014
News: 9/25/2014
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Good fortunes were bound to play out for John Groce and his fighting Illini staff, after turning the page away from the Jalen Brunson (Stevenson) saga. U.I. fan base had a lot to celebrate when Cathedral (Indianapolis) six foot four sharp shooting guard Jalen Coleman-Lands committed. Coleman-Lands practically fell into their lap. He’s a consensus top 30-40 prospect nationally and arguably one of the best perimeter marksmen in the class. In recent weeks Notre Dame, Michigan State and Michigan pulled out of the running. He recently visited UNLV while North-Carolina State was still in the mix. A win, win, win for Illini Nation!
Good fortunes were bound to play out for John Groce and his fighting Illini staff, after turning the page away from the Jalen Brunson (Stevenson) saga. U.I. fan base had a lot to celebrate when Cathedral (Indianapolis) six foot four sharp shooting guard Jalen Coleman-Lands committed. Coleman-Lands practically fell into their lap. He’s a consensus top 30-40 prospect nationally and arguably one of the best perimeter marksmen in the class. In recent weeks Notre Dame, Michigan State and Michigan pulled out of the running. He recently visited UNLV while North-Carolina State was still in the mix. A win, win, win for Illini Nation!
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