Abusive Power:
DePaul’s Associate Head Coach Rick Carter’s sudden resignation on Wednesday (June 7th) should have elicited some sort of long silence or a “vengeance reaction of what happened”; instead it hardly raised an eyebrow. We all are human and make mistakes, some-times individuals are armed with a certain amount of authority, which can lead one to become an above every-one else personality. The whole recruitment of La Lumier forward Brian Bowen probably heighten the state of anxiety for the Blue Demon’s Program in recent weeks. As we all know by now, Bowen inked on at Louisville last week-end, this right on the heels of DePaul signing his Prep-School Coach Shane Heirman to a 3-year pact. Coach Carter had orchestrated a few dubious-maneuvers which might have contributed to an agreed exit. Now Rick will have time to brand his new business venture and we wish him nothing but the very best. Just my overview of thought from the side-lines.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
TOP 2018 PROSPECTS
AN ENDLESS RE-CAPP
A new vibe, I’m changing my perception on my 30-60 viewing with this group. As I’ve combed through this list of prospects the last several weeks, there could be several prospects who develop into impact players after a couple of seasons of college hoops.
Toraze Babbs 6-5 SF MM Chicago Uplift Mac Irvin/Uplift
“We inadvertently left him out of the mix in our last issue; he’s considered an old-school power forward with enforcer capabilities. Good rebounder & reliable mid-range shooter. Incarnate word college offered recently. Toraze is a top 20 player in the class.
32. Ryan Davis 6-8 SF MM Conant Wisconsin Playground
“He’s certainly in this class a top 25-30 recruit. Agile big fellow with intriguing skill-set. Shoots it well on the perimeter-good around the rim with both hands. Plays below the rim but effectively; Western Michigan, Bucknell loves him!”
33. Isaiah Fuller 6-1 PG MM Oak-Park D. Rose
“Got game, he’s capable of being a terrific lead guard, can score & manage his team. Playing well.”
34. Vashawn Sims 6-1 G MM Rich-East Example Sports
“Jumps out of the gym, really starting to score at a high-clip. Passes the ball well & he’s excellent defender. Bursting-up the recruiting charts.”
Drew Peterson 6-5 G/F MM Libertyville Illinois Wolves
“Swingman clone, really good rebounder-has tools to be efficient in a really good system. We saw in Indy & he looks similar to several of his club mates. He’s a top 25-30 prospect.”
35. Naseer Turner 6-6 F MM Chicago Kenwood Chicago Demons
Primed and ready for a break-out summer; a versatile threat was huge in several outings at the terrific 24 event in Indy.”
36. Cameron Donatian 6-3 G MM-LM+ West Aurora ------------
“Free-agent, looking for new club environment after leaving Mean Streets, he plays on sheer toughness & athleticism, can make big shots!”
37. Dallas Bryson 6-6 WF MM-LM+ Peoria Richwoods Example Sports
“A promising prospect with offensive repertoire. Played well in Indy, needs to get quicker!”
38. Jake Wolfe 6-4 G/F LM+ Aurora Christian Illinois Wolves
“Versatile performer-has a good motor & defender strong body. Needs to work on his release. A player to watch.”
39. Brandon Whiteside 6-2 G MM-LM+ Glenbard South Chicago Demons
“Has been steady, Lethal attacking the rim, a rising prospect. Very efficient.”
40. Isa McGuire 6-9 F/C MM-LM+ Chicago Lindblom Young & Reckless
“Been hampered by injury most of the spring; big-time student has 4.5 Gpa competes at a high-level. Just landed an offer from North-Dakota.”
41. DeAndre Heckerd 6-1 G MM-LM+ Romeoville Hoops for Health
“Has lid-it-up this spring offensively; has talent now discipline will play a factor in his growth as a player.”
42. Justin Hardy 6-5 G/F LM+ St. Charles East Illinois Wolves
“Was subpar in Indy, but we know he can play; his game has similarities to his club mates.”
43. Jake Wolfe 6-4 G/F LM+ Aurora Christian Illinois Wolves
“Versatile performer-has a good motor & defender strong body. Needs to work on his release. A player to watch.”
44. Javion May 6-1 G LM+ Chicago Hope Academy Chicago Demons
“Has demonstrated some athleticism in recent events, dunking on defenders in transition. Good slasher, need consistency with his out-side shooting.”
45. Terrence Shannon 6-6 WF LM+ Lincoln Pk Full Package
“Pencil thin prospect with enormous wing-span; very skilled-we view him as one of the sleepers of this subpar class. May need a Juco route.”
46. Jalen Chavers 6-2 PG LM+ Bishop Mac Example Sports
“Enjoying a really good spring; skilled/efficient and knows how to play.”
47. Kenny Pittman 6-3 WG LM+ Chicago Simeon Young & Reckless
“Spot-up shooter who can drain open jumpers. Needs to improve other areas.”
48. Deonta Brown 6-3 F LM+ Peoria Manual Peoria Heat
“He’s a under the radar gem, good mid-range shooter & effective slasher.”
49. Paul O’Leary 6-8 C LM+ Lemont Illinois Stars
“Could become a hot commodity based on his over-all potential & the lack of bigs in the area. Still somewhat raw, but skills around the rim continue to shine.”
50. Maurice Commander 5-8 PG LM Marist Young & Reckless
“Right now, pegged as a tough-little scoring guard. This lefty needs to improve his over-all floor game & become a much better facilitator. Has some abilities.”
51. A.J. Nixon 6-2 G LM Fenwick ------------
“This combo doesn’t have the rep as some others, but has good size & the ability to make shots. In a few years schools & local observers will wonder where he rose from.”
52. Barlow Alleruzzo 6-8 SF LM Carl Sandburg Illinois Stars
“He’s likely better than where we have him rated. Just needs to impact a game more, by playing defense & rebounding. Tends to float on perimeter hoisting up 3’s.
53. Kenny Strawbridge 6-1 PG LM Rockford Christian Illinois Wolves
“Didn’t see much run-in Indy. For weeks, we’ve heard rumblings about him changing club teams. Does possess some talent, sort of allowed the recruiting process to bottle him up.”
54. Zee Johnson 6-2 G/F LM Elverdo Illinois Bears
“Former Chicago native; little known, but put-up interesting numbers, amassing high totals in points & rebounds. We will get a up close glance soon.”
55. Dontia Johnson 6-6 F LM Romeoville Hoop for Health
“Switched club teams, was with Wis.-Playground. This kid has to figure out if he wants it. Enough!”
A new vibe, I’m changing my perception on my 30-60 viewing with this group. As I’ve combed through this list of prospects the last several weeks, there could be several prospects who develop into impact players after a couple of seasons of college hoops.
Toraze Babbs 6-5 SF MM Chicago Uplift Mac Irvin/Uplift
“We inadvertently left him out of the mix in our last issue; he’s considered an old-school power forward with enforcer capabilities. Good rebounder & reliable mid-range shooter. Incarnate word college offered recently. Toraze is a top 20 player in the class.
32. Ryan Davis 6-8 SF MM Conant Wisconsin Playground
“He’s certainly in this class a top 25-30 recruit. Agile big fellow with intriguing skill-set. Shoots it well on the perimeter-good around the rim with both hands. Plays below the rim but effectively; Western Michigan, Bucknell loves him!”
33. Isaiah Fuller 6-1 PG MM Oak-Park D. Rose
“Got game, he’s capable of being a terrific lead guard, can score & manage his team. Playing well.”
34. Vashawn Sims 6-1 G MM Rich-East Example Sports
“Jumps out of the gym, really starting to score at a high-clip. Passes the ball well & he’s excellent defender. Bursting-up the recruiting charts.”
Drew Peterson 6-5 G/F MM Libertyville Illinois Wolves
“Swingman clone, really good rebounder-has tools to be efficient in a really good system. We saw in Indy & he looks similar to several of his club mates. He’s a top 25-30 prospect.”
35. Naseer Turner 6-6 F MM Chicago Kenwood Chicago Demons
Primed and ready for a break-out summer; a versatile threat was huge in several outings at the terrific 24 event in Indy.”
36. Cameron Donatian 6-3 G MM-LM+ West Aurora ------------
“Free-agent, looking for new club environment after leaving Mean Streets, he plays on sheer toughness & athleticism, can make big shots!”
37. Dallas Bryson 6-6 WF MM-LM+ Peoria Richwoods Example Sports
“A promising prospect with offensive repertoire. Played well in Indy, needs to get quicker!”
38. Jake Wolfe 6-4 G/F LM+ Aurora Christian Illinois Wolves
“Versatile performer-has a good motor & defender strong body. Needs to work on his release. A player to watch.”
39. Brandon Whiteside 6-2 G MM-LM+ Glenbard South Chicago Demons
“Has been steady, Lethal attacking the rim, a rising prospect. Very efficient.”
40. Isa McGuire 6-9 F/C MM-LM+ Chicago Lindblom Young & Reckless
“Been hampered by injury most of the spring; big-time student has 4.5 Gpa competes at a high-level. Just landed an offer from North-Dakota.”
41. DeAndre Heckerd 6-1 G MM-LM+ Romeoville Hoops for Health
“Has lid-it-up this spring offensively; has talent now discipline will play a factor in his growth as a player.”
42. Justin Hardy 6-5 G/F LM+ St. Charles East Illinois Wolves
“Was subpar in Indy, but we know he can play; his game has similarities to his club mates.”
43. Jake Wolfe 6-4 G/F LM+ Aurora Christian Illinois Wolves
“Versatile performer-has a good motor & defender strong body. Needs to work on his release. A player to watch.”
44. Javion May 6-1 G LM+ Chicago Hope Academy Chicago Demons
“Has demonstrated some athleticism in recent events, dunking on defenders in transition. Good slasher, need consistency with his out-side shooting.”
45. Terrence Shannon 6-6 WF LM+ Lincoln Pk Full Package
“Pencil thin prospect with enormous wing-span; very skilled-we view him as one of the sleepers of this subpar class. May need a Juco route.”
46. Jalen Chavers 6-2 PG LM+ Bishop Mac Example Sports
“Enjoying a really good spring; skilled/efficient and knows how to play.”
47. Kenny Pittman 6-3 WG LM+ Chicago Simeon Young & Reckless
“Spot-up shooter who can drain open jumpers. Needs to improve other areas.”
48. Deonta Brown 6-3 F LM+ Peoria Manual Peoria Heat
“He’s a under the radar gem, good mid-range shooter & effective slasher.”
49. Paul O’Leary 6-8 C LM+ Lemont Illinois Stars
“Could become a hot commodity based on his over-all potential & the lack of bigs in the area. Still somewhat raw, but skills around the rim continue to shine.”
50. Maurice Commander 5-8 PG LM Marist Young & Reckless
“Right now, pegged as a tough-little scoring guard. This lefty needs to improve his over-all floor game & become a much better facilitator. Has some abilities.”
51. A.J. Nixon 6-2 G LM Fenwick ------------
“This combo doesn’t have the rep as some others, but has good size & the ability to make shots. In a few years schools & local observers will wonder where he rose from.”
52. Barlow Alleruzzo 6-8 SF LM Carl Sandburg Illinois Stars
“He’s likely better than where we have him rated. Just needs to impact a game more, by playing defense & rebounding. Tends to float on perimeter hoisting up 3’s.
53. Kenny Strawbridge 6-1 PG LM Rockford Christian Illinois Wolves
“Didn’t see much run-in Indy. For weeks, we’ve heard rumblings about him changing club teams. Does possess some talent, sort of allowed the recruiting process to bottle him up.”
54. Zee Johnson 6-2 G/F LM Elverdo Illinois Bears
“Former Chicago native; little known, but put-up interesting numbers, amassing high totals in points & rebounds. We will get a up close glance soon.”
55. Dontia Johnson 6-6 F LM Romeoville Hoop for Health
“Switched club teams, was with Wis.-Playground. This kid has to figure out if he wants it. Enough!”
TAKING NAMES & NOTES
DePaul right-off-the-heels of signing prep-school Coach Shane Heirman to a three-year pact, they landed a verbal from 2019 point-guard Tyger Campbell from LaPorte (IN) by the-way of La Lumier Prep. In some media out-lets Campbell is viewed as a highly touted 5 star recruit. “The word has surfaced that he will re-classify up to a 2018 prospect.
(Ok) now the Blue Demons are waiting in the wings for a so-called one & done forward Brian Bowen well talk of rolling the dice! I hope this does happen for them.”
Long-time Chicago Vocational Coach Chris Picket has moved on to Kankakee High. Picket, a good friend will inherit promising young Big Man T.J. Wicks a six foot nine 2019 prospect. I’m happy for Picket’s new journey.
St. Pat’s high-jumping Senior Alton Thompson has been impressive in several outings for the Mac Irvin 17-U B Group. He is rumored to be heading to a Prep-School, destination not known yet. Thompson a 6-5 (2017) grad, while Orr’s high-flying forward Raekwon Drake listed at 6-5 (2018) Massiah Jones 6-5 (2018) another electrifying leaper they all have one thing in common, the trio represent a reflective memory we hadn’t seen in the windy city in years. The area used to produce exceptional 6-4 – 6-6 athletes at a frequent rate. All three can contribute effectively in a good Mid-Major setting.
A (2017) grad, Former De LaSalle stand-out guard Karl Harris will head out West to Northern Arizona after spending a year at Indian Hills Jr. College. Remember he played a year at La Salle. Kenwood grad, Zion Morgan will clean-up his act next season at Wabash College after a year at U.N.L.V. . Also on the move is former St. Rita guard Kain Harris who spent 2 seasons at Tulane where he recorded 9 points an outing last season.
6-8 forward Justin Brown (2017) from Marist signed on to play at Tennessee-Chattanooga. Hmmm
The word has come down that East St. Louis Big-Man Jeremiah Tilmon has agreed to play next season at Mizzou.
(Ok) now the Blue Demons are waiting in the wings for a so-called one & done forward Brian Bowen well talk of rolling the dice! I hope this does happen for them.”
Long-time Chicago Vocational Coach Chris Picket has moved on to Kankakee High. Picket, a good friend will inherit promising young Big Man T.J. Wicks a six foot nine 2019 prospect. I’m happy for Picket’s new journey.
St. Pat’s high-jumping Senior Alton Thompson has been impressive in several outings for the Mac Irvin 17-U B Group. He is rumored to be heading to a Prep-School, destination not known yet. Thompson a 6-5 (2017) grad, while Orr’s high-flying forward Raekwon Drake listed at 6-5 (2018) Massiah Jones 6-5 (2018) another electrifying leaper they all have one thing in common, the trio represent a reflective memory we hadn’t seen in the windy city in years. The area used to produce exceptional 6-4 – 6-6 athletes at a frequent rate. All three can contribute effectively in a good Mid-Major setting.
A (2017) grad, Former De LaSalle stand-out guard Karl Harris will head out West to Northern Arizona after spending a year at Indian Hills Jr. College. Remember he played a year at La Salle. Kenwood grad, Zion Morgan will clean-up his act next season at Wabash College after a year at U.N.L.V. . Also on the move is former St. Rita guard Kain Harris who spent 2 seasons at Tulane where he recorded 9 points an outing last season.
6-8 forward Justin Brown (2017) from Marist signed on to play at Tennessee-Chattanooga. Hmmm
The word has come down that East St. Louis Big-Man Jeremiah Tilmon has agreed to play next season at Mizzou.
2019 PROSPECTS IN ILLINOIS
2019 PROSPECTS IN ILLINOIS
We will identify the top 5 guys from our Spot-Lite grid. Two of them hail from the South Metro East area, while the other two reside in the Bloomington-Normal Region. Our Mile-high Chicago climate counters with the local Evanston native, rounding out our top 5.
NAME HT POS LEVEL HIGH-SCHOOL CLUB TEAM
1. Francis Okoro 6-10 C HM Normal West Bradley Beal (STL)
2. E.J. Liddle 6-7 F HM Bellville West Bradley Beal (STL)
3. Chris Payton 6-6 F HM Bloomington Bradley Beal (STL)
4. Terrence Hargrove 6-6 WF HM East St. Louis Hoopville
5. Lance Jones 6-1 G MM+ Evanston Mean Streets
(THIS NEXT LAYER OF PROSPECTS WE WILL WATCH CLOSELY IN MAY & JUNE)
• Deng Reng 6-7 F MM+ Wheaton North --------
• Bryce Hopkins 6-4 G MM+ Fremd Illinois Wolves
• Aaron Strong 6-1 G MM Farragut D. Rose
• Bryant Brown 6-5 F MM Waukegan Illinois Wolves
• Kejuan Clements 5-11 PG MM Simeon Mean Streets
• Adam Jones 6-3 WG MM Providence Catholic RWA
• Taeyon Neal 6-10 C MM+ Providence St. Mel Chicago Select
• Lamond Johnson 6-2 G MM+ Morgan Pk Mac Irvin
• Fred Cleveland 5-8 PG MM Urban Prep Mac Irvin
• Tyler Cochran 6-3 G/F MM Bolingbrook Hoopers
• T.J. Wicks 6-9 F/C MM Kankakee Example Sports
• Joseph Yesufu 5-10 PG MM Bolingbrook Mean Streets
• Karl Wright 6-5 F MM Springfield Lanphier Illinois Irish
• Martin Macenis 6-4 G/F MM Stagg ----------
• Andre White Jr. 5-9 PG MM Harvest Christian Mac Irvin
• Alex Raiford 6-3 G MM De LaSalle Young & Reckless
• Nate Ferguson 6-6 F MM Lemont ----------
• Traevon Brown 6-0 PG MM East Aurora Illinois Stars
• Terrion Murdix 5-8 PG MM Springfield-Southeast Illinois Irish
• Dashon Enoch 6-0 PG MM Oak Pk Made Men
• Chase Robinson 6-1 G MM Marist Made Men
• Jaheim Holden 5-9 PG ----- Evanston ----------
• Tieon Nesbirt 6-1 WG ----- Butler Charter Chicago Demons
We will identify the top 5 guys from our Spot-Lite grid. Two of them hail from the South Metro East area, while the other two reside in the Bloomington-Normal Region. Our Mile-high Chicago climate counters with the local Evanston native, rounding out our top 5.
NAME HT POS LEVEL HIGH-SCHOOL CLUB TEAM
1. Francis Okoro 6-10 C HM Normal West Bradley Beal (STL)
2. E.J. Liddle 6-7 F HM Bellville West Bradley Beal (STL)
3. Chris Payton 6-6 F HM Bloomington Bradley Beal (STL)
4. Terrence Hargrove 6-6 WF HM East St. Louis Hoopville
5. Lance Jones 6-1 G MM+ Evanston Mean Streets
(THIS NEXT LAYER OF PROSPECTS WE WILL WATCH CLOSELY IN MAY & JUNE)
• Deng Reng 6-7 F MM+ Wheaton North --------
• Bryce Hopkins 6-4 G MM+ Fremd Illinois Wolves
• Aaron Strong 6-1 G MM Farragut D. Rose
• Bryant Brown 6-5 F MM Waukegan Illinois Wolves
• Kejuan Clements 5-11 PG MM Simeon Mean Streets
• Adam Jones 6-3 WG MM Providence Catholic RWA
• Taeyon Neal 6-10 C MM+ Providence St. Mel Chicago Select
• Lamond Johnson 6-2 G MM+ Morgan Pk Mac Irvin
• Fred Cleveland 5-8 PG MM Urban Prep Mac Irvin
• Tyler Cochran 6-3 G/F MM Bolingbrook Hoopers
• T.J. Wicks 6-9 F/C MM Kankakee Example Sports
• Joseph Yesufu 5-10 PG MM Bolingbrook Mean Streets
• Karl Wright 6-5 F MM Springfield Lanphier Illinois Irish
• Martin Macenis 6-4 G/F MM Stagg ----------
• Andre White Jr. 5-9 PG MM Harvest Christian Mac Irvin
• Alex Raiford 6-3 G MM De LaSalle Young & Reckless
• Nate Ferguson 6-6 F MM Lemont ----------
• Traevon Brown 6-0 PG MM East Aurora Illinois Stars
• Terrion Murdix 5-8 PG MM Springfield-Southeast Illinois Irish
• Dashon Enoch 6-0 PG MM Oak Pk Made Men
• Chase Robinson 6-1 G MM Marist Made Men
• Jaheim Holden 5-9 PG ----- Evanston ----------
• Tieon Nesbirt 6-1 WG ----- Butler Charter Chicago Demons
Sunday, May 7, 2017
REVISED TOP 20-25 PLAYERS IN ILLINOIS CLASS OF 2018
REVISED TOP 20-25 PLAYERS IN ILLINOIS
CLASS OF 2018
Merely branching off of our last issue, Chi-Town Chronicles, where we listed the Spot-Liter’s Top 60-65 2018 prospects. After viewing many of our state’s highly acclaimed players we’ve come to foregone conclusion that the Chicago has now become a Mid-Major market (at least for now). The last couple of classes have sort of verified that fact.
NAME / HT / POS / LEVEL / H.S.-CLUB / COMMENTS
1. Ayo Dosunmu 6-3 PG HM Morgan Pk/Mac Irvin – “A good player, has to improve his out-side shooting and a slick penetrator.”
2. Talen Horton-Tucker 6-4 2G HM Simeon/Mac Irvin – “Played well in Virginia, for some odd reason in Indy he seemed not in the mix much. He reminds me of super John Williamson, a former New Jersey Net’s scoring whiz.”
3. Javon Freeman 6-3 2G MM+-MM- Young/Mean Streets – “Explosive can get to the cup in a quick dash; excellent shot-blocker. Some people have him tagged as a Mid-Major recruit, I disagree.”
4. Tim Finke 6-7 F MM+-MM- Champaign Central/Mean Streets – “He is who he is; defensively challenged at times. He has to pick his game up!”
5. Darius Beane 6-3 PG MM+-MM- Carbondale/Gate Way (MO) – “The last 2 weekends demonstrated what his floor game can be a valuable asset to a program.”
6. Kezo Brown 6-2 G MM+-MM- Simeon/Mac Irvin – “A very good player, a gamer was missing in action in Indy.”
7. Raekwon Drake 6-5 SF MM Chicago Orr/D. Rose – “Received an offer from Cleveland State very smart on their part, a great fit for him. Flat-out athlete.”
8. Treavon Martin 6-8 SF MM Chicago Curie/D. Rose – “Competes with a force, has potential, still raw in many areas of his game.”
9. Xavier Castenada 5-11 PG MM Young/Mean Streets – “Looked okay out in Indy & Virginia running the show. Played under control.”
10. Tamell Pearson 6-9 F MM Morgan Pk/Mac Irvin – “Last 2 weekends he’s been intriguing. A raw talent, makes moves he can’t quite finish right now!”
11. Kendle Moore 6-0 G MM Danville/D. Rose – “Hasn’t performed the way he’s capable of. Needs to settle down & play under control more often.”
12. DeMaria Franklin 6-4 G/F MM Niles North/? – “A kid we need to see more of. Has a great motor and can score.”
13. Chase Adams 5-6 PG --- Marian Catholic/Wis-Play-Ground – “Starting & playing a significant role for the Wisconsin based program. Looks solid.”
14. Sam Schafer 6-4 WG MM Lincoln-Way East/Young & Reckless – “Just received an offer from SIU; jumps out of the gym & shoots-it well. His stock will continue to soar. He is truly a sleeper in the class. Conference USA is a great fit for him.”
15. Massiah Jones 6-5 SF MM Chicago Simeon/Caron Butler Elite (Wis) - “Breath taking athlete, has moments where he dominates a game. Top 15.”
16. Kani Acre 6-6 F MM Carbondale/RWA Program – “A hidden gem, a talent just starting to reach his comfort level; all-around game flourishing now.”
17. Justin Boyd 6-3 G MM- Young/Mean Streets – “Should eventually learn to play on both-sides of the ball. Very good out-side shooter & defender.”
18. Orlando Allen 6-6 F MM Thornton/Mean Streets – “A cagey athlete has displayed the abilities to attack the rim off the bounce. Can use either hand.”
19. Cardell McGee 6-3 G MM Springfield Lanphier/Wis-Play-Ground – “Playing through some injuries; wasn’t crisp managing the PG slot in Indy. We’ll see soon.”
20. Xavier Pinson 6-3 PG MM St. Patrick/Mac Irvin B – “Captivated an audience in Minnesota & Dallas with his slithery game. His future looks awfully bright.”
21. George Conditt IV 6-9 F MM+MM Chicago Corliss/RWA Program – “This kid has enormous length. Now moving up the recruiting charts rapidly; needs to polish-up some basic fundamentals while he does possess superb passing skills with the uncanny ability to see over defenders. He is the most intriguing prospect in the class. Likely red-shirt candidate, Wisconsin, Purdue, & Illinois has started to show interest.”
22. Zion Griffin 6-5 F MM Hinsdale South/Hoopers – “A punishing offensive threat as he demonstrated in Indy with several monster flushes; he’s starting to taper into his own as a rising prospect; still needs polish and skill work.”
23. Armon Brummett 6-3 G MM Decatur MacArthur/Team Manimal – “Three sport stand-out, Junior College likely route. Has plenty of talent.”
24. Amir Brummett 6-2 PG MM Decatur MacArthur/Team Manimal – “Can often be described as self-inflicted; has a ton of talent, a path to Juco.”
25. Jalen Shaw 6-10 C MM Elgin-Larkin/Kessel Heat – “Has been progressing quite nicely playing in a less stressful climate, he was good in Minnesota.”
26. Quinlan Bennett 6-3 G MM- Proviso East/Kessel Heat – “Has jumped out on the recruiting charts with some high-scoring outings. Very good athlete & reliable shooter. Drew waves with strong play in Dallas recently.”
27. Kaleb Thornton 5-11 G MM Bolingbrook/Mean Streets – “Still finding his way in a deep back-court, a good ball-player with the capabilities of making big plays. Now he just needs to polish up his play making skills.”
28. Robert Harvey 6-4 WG MM Hillcrest/Young & Reckless – “Smooth wing player, has proven he can make big shots, now consistent outings would help his recruiting. He has had a quiet spring thus far.”
29. David Forrest 6-3 G MM North Lawndale/Chicago Ice-Men – “A physical combo who can score in variety of ways. Should excel as a defender.”
30. Dannie Smith 6-4 G/F MM Chicago Orr/Mac Irvin B – “Off to a pretty good spring. Swingman type was solid in Minnesota his last outing.”
31. Tyronn Mosley 6-6 WF MM Chicago Orr/Illinois Stars – “Has a world of ability, good athlete with a versatile skill set. Raw in areas but going to be a fine player one day as he continues to learn the game.”
Merely branching off of our last issue, Chi-Town Chronicles, where we listed the Spot-Liter’s Top 60-65 2018 prospects. After viewing many of our state’s highly acclaimed players we’ve come to foregone conclusion that the Chicago has now become a Mid-Major market (at least for now). The last couple of classes have sort of verified that fact.
NAME / HT / POS / LEVEL / H.S.-CLUB / COMMENTS
1. Ayo Dosunmu 6-3 PG HM Morgan Pk/Mac Irvin – “A good player, has to improve his out-side shooting and a slick penetrator.”
2. Talen Horton-Tucker 6-4 2G HM Simeon/Mac Irvin – “Played well in Virginia, for some odd reason in Indy he seemed not in the mix much. He reminds me of super John Williamson, a former New Jersey Net’s scoring whiz.”
3. Javon Freeman 6-3 2G MM+-MM- Young/Mean Streets – “Explosive can get to the cup in a quick dash; excellent shot-blocker. Some people have him tagged as a Mid-Major recruit, I disagree.”
4. Tim Finke 6-7 F MM+-MM- Champaign Central/Mean Streets – “He is who he is; defensively challenged at times. He has to pick his game up!”
5. Darius Beane 6-3 PG MM+-MM- Carbondale/Gate Way (MO) – “The last 2 weekends demonstrated what his floor game can be a valuable asset to a program.”
6. Kezo Brown 6-2 G MM+-MM- Simeon/Mac Irvin – “A very good player, a gamer was missing in action in Indy.”
7. Raekwon Drake 6-5 SF MM Chicago Orr/D. Rose – “Received an offer from Cleveland State very smart on their part, a great fit for him. Flat-out athlete.”
8. Treavon Martin 6-8 SF MM Chicago Curie/D. Rose – “Competes with a force, has potential, still raw in many areas of his game.”
9. Xavier Castenada 5-11 PG MM Young/Mean Streets – “Looked okay out in Indy & Virginia running the show. Played under control.”
10. Tamell Pearson 6-9 F MM Morgan Pk/Mac Irvin – “Last 2 weekends he’s been intriguing. A raw talent, makes moves he can’t quite finish right now!”
11. Kendle Moore 6-0 G MM Danville/D. Rose – “Hasn’t performed the way he’s capable of. Needs to settle down & play under control more often.”
12. DeMaria Franklin 6-4 G/F MM Niles North/? – “A kid we need to see more of. Has a great motor and can score.”
13. Chase Adams 5-6 PG --- Marian Catholic/Wis-Play-Ground – “Starting & playing a significant role for the Wisconsin based program. Looks solid.”
14. Sam Schafer 6-4 WG MM Lincoln-Way East/Young & Reckless – “Just received an offer from SIU; jumps out of the gym & shoots-it well. His stock will continue to soar. He is truly a sleeper in the class. Conference USA is a great fit for him.”
15. Massiah Jones 6-5 SF MM Chicago Simeon/Caron Butler Elite (Wis) - “Breath taking athlete, has moments where he dominates a game. Top 15.”
16. Kani Acre 6-6 F MM Carbondale/RWA Program – “A hidden gem, a talent just starting to reach his comfort level; all-around game flourishing now.”
17. Justin Boyd 6-3 G MM- Young/Mean Streets – “Should eventually learn to play on both-sides of the ball. Very good out-side shooter & defender.”
18. Orlando Allen 6-6 F MM Thornton/Mean Streets – “A cagey athlete has displayed the abilities to attack the rim off the bounce. Can use either hand.”
19. Cardell McGee 6-3 G MM Springfield Lanphier/Wis-Play-Ground – “Playing through some injuries; wasn’t crisp managing the PG slot in Indy. We’ll see soon.”
20. Xavier Pinson 6-3 PG MM St. Patrick/Mac Irvin B – “Captivated an audience in Minnesota & Dallas with his slithery game. His future looks awfully bright.”
21. George Conditt IV 6-9 F MM+MM Chicago Corliss/RWA Program – “This kid has enormous length. Now moving up the recruiting charts rapidly; needs to polish-up some basic fundamentals while he does possess superb passing skills with the uncanny ability to see over defenders. He is the most intriguing prospect in the class. Likely red-shirt candidate, Wisconsin, Purdue, & Illinois has started to show interest.”
22. Zion Griffin 6-5 F MM Hinsdale South/Hoopers – “A punishing offensive threat as he demonstrated in Indy with several monster flushes; he’s starting to taper into his own as a rising prospect; still needs polish and skill work.”
23. Armon Brummett 6-3 G MM Decatur MacArthur/Team Manimal – “Three sport stand-out, Junior College likely route. Has plenty of talent.”
24. Amir Brummett 6-2 PG MM Decatur MacArthur/Team Manimal – “Can often be described as self-inflicted; has a ton of talent, a path to Juco.”
25. Jalen Shaw 6-10 C MM Elgin-Larkin/Kessel Heat – “Has been progressing quite nicely playing in a less stressful climate, he was good in Minnesota.”
26. Quinlan Bennett 6-3 G MM- Proviso East/Kessel Heat – “Has jumped out on the recruiting charts with some high-scoring outings. Very good athlete & reliable shooter. Drew waves with strong play in Dallas recently.”
27. Kaleb Thornton 5-11 G MM Bolingbrook/Mean Streets – “Still finding his way in a deep back-court, a good ball-player with the capabilities of making big plays. Now he just needs to polish up his play making skills.”
28. Robert Harvey 6-4 WG MM Hillcrest/Young & Reckless – “Smooth wing player, has proven he can make big shots, now consistent outings would help his recruiting. He has had a quiet spring thus far.”
29. David Forrest 6-3 G MM North Lawndale/Chicago Ice-Men – “A physical combo who can score in variety of ways. Should excel as a defender.”
30. Dannie Smith 6-4 G/F MM Chicago Orr/Mac Irvin B – “Off to a pretty good spring. Swingman type was solid in Minnesota his last outing.”
31. Tyronn Mosley 6-6 WF MM Chicago Orr/Illinois Stars – “Has a world of ability, good athlete with a versatile skill set. Raw in areas but going to be a fine player one day as he continues to learn the game.”
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