TOP 2020 PROSPECTS WE’VE SEEN THUS FAR

TOP 2020 PROSPECTS WE’VE SEEN THUS FAR

“There is a collection of young talent coming in bunches between this group and our state’s prized 2019 class. We will identify a dozen or so with a wealth of potential.”

1.                     Adam Miller       6-2         G                             Peoria Manual

The Central Illinois product, boasts a world of talent; this South Paw has demonstrated he can score in a variety of ways. Miller will have the platform this year to strut his abilities, playing along side of Da’Monte Williams and Romon Douglass and sharp-shooter A.J. Youngman.

2.                     Nimari Burnett 6-2         WG                         Morgan Park

Already effective long distance threat, poised to have an excellent season playing with a seasoned cast. Nimari likely will blossom into a high-major recruit.

3.                     D.J. Steward        6-1         G                             Fenwick

He’s a slithery combo with potential to be a high scoring threat. D.J. has length and you can bet he will grow to be a lock down defender, based on what we know from the principals his high school coach teaches.

4.                     Shon Robinson  6-7         F             Morgan Park

This lanky youngster has star quality, we first viewed him at Pangos, I was in awe of his mobility and his ability to put the ball on the deck, while creating for others. If he continues to develop look out.

5.                     Collin Woods      6-1         G             Harvest Christian Academy

Equipped with high b-ball I.Q. He can stroke-it-on the perimeter, he’s wiry with the good feel, ball-handling skills solid, flushes the rock with ease. Impressive talent.

6.                     Joel Watts                            5-9         G             St. Rita

A poised performer, had a really huge showing at the Pangos event where he hit big shots and was steady through-out the 2-day venue. We will watch him closely during the season.

7.                     Nick Santos                         6-4         WG         Geneva

Long armed perimeter player, has some ability to shoot the ball. Played well at Pangos where he opened some eyes.

8.                     Micah Schnyders              6-2         G             Chicago Christian

“One of my favorites in the class, this slender sharp-shooter can score of the bounce as well as drain jumpers on the perimeter. Micah, a true gym-rat will likely finish his high-school career as a 4 year starter on the varsity and amass several of his schools scoring & assist records. Keep an eye on him.”

9.                     Kee Hargrow     6-3         G             Joliet Central

Un-flappable poised big guard type, who can handle make decisions and not afraid to take a huge shot late in games. We see his game elevating as the up-coming season progress.

Identifying some already un-heralded 2019 Prospect’s:

Identifying some already un-heralded 2019 Prospect’s:

This class present’s our next cast of legit standouts; some are already operating under the radar.

  1.            Jeremiah Hernandez      6’4”        G/F        St. Viator

Skilled, plays at both ends.  He’s a sneaky athlete whom has the ability to score, we envision him elevating his three-point range in due time.  Hernandez will become one of the elite shooting guards in the class.  Don’t be surprised to see Norte Dame, DePaul & Northwestern and Rutgers targeting him.

  2.            Terrance Hargrove          6’6”        WF         East St. Louis

Longtime observers down in East Boogie are starting to take notice of his potential.  Hargrove, has the necessary tools to become one of the top two-way players in the class.  T Hargrove has a wiry frame, has ability to score, he averaged 10 points per game as a frosh. “Missouri and the SLU already in the mix.

  3.            Martynas Macenis            6’4”        WG         Stagg High School

We caught an eye-opening glimpse of him in the Pangos Top 30 All-Star game.  He’s skilled, and presents a serious threat on the perimeter.  Martynas was consistent for 2 day’s at the Pangos Event and understood how to blend in his talents with the cast of showboats.  Top 20 prospects in a deep 2019 class.

 4.        Taeyon Neal                       6’10”     C             Providence St. Mel

Elected not to participate in the Pangos All-Star format.  When it’s all said and done, this agile big fella with a wealth of potential could play a starring role in a Big East or Big 10 setting.  Taeyon, can score whenever his teammates decide to throw him the ball.  His growth as a player is well worth the wait.

5.              Detalian Brown                6’2”        G             Morton West

He caught our lens at the Pangos with a stellar showing during the Top 30, cream of the crop game.  Intriguing floor game.  He knocked down shots on the perimeter and was sleek and smooth on the wings while handling the rock efficiently.  Top 25 in our eyes.

6.            Lamont Johnson                               6’1”        G             Morgan Park

Will likely play in the shadows of some other’s this upcoming season, but he is a fearless competitor, and exemplifies a two-way threat.  He’s a very good athlete with excellent slashing ability and can score with either hand.  A Top 15 prospect whom we envision suiting up in the Valley, MAC or Horizon League setting.

7.            Karl Wright                                        6’5”        SF           Springfield Lanphier

Undersized for now, but this young lad is an athletic swatter.  An entertaining performer with a huge up side, especially if he continues to polish and expand his range beyond the interior, anything near the rim he tries to flush with authority.  If Karl max’s out in length, look for the Valley or A10 and perhaps the MAC to pursue him.

8.            Alex Raiford                       6’3”        WG         De LaSalle

Watch this late bloomer blossom into a sure fire prospect.  Raiford, is on the brink of becoming one of the Top Six or Seven wing guards in the class.  Athletic scorer, who could end up in an academic setting collegiately.

9.            Evan Taylor                        6’5“        F             Glenbard West

A raw talent.  Did not suit-up for the Varsity last season.  But since our friend Hendricksen is touting him, we will list Taylor as someone we need to view soon.       

10.          Rodney Clemons                              6’2”        G             Chicago Curie

A cagey performer with innovative slashing ability; when we viewed him at Pangos he was a smooth scorer, displayed range and consistency on his shot.  The game looked easy for him.  Clemons, looks like a sure fire D1 recruit.

11.          Miles Baker                                        6’1”        PG          Chicago Young

We don’t know who he is supposed to be backing up at Young H.S., but this young lad has a wealth of talent and confidence.  Poised performer showed he could score and distribute well enough to be a general in anybody’s high school program.

12.          Fred Cleveland Jr                             5’7”        PG          Urban Prep Englewood

This nifty playmaker did not bring his political backer’s; therefore, he was left off the Pangos All-Star festivities.  Never the less, Lil Fred, has mad game, equipped with a torch from distance.  Capable of playing at different speeds and pace. Legit.

13.          Dachaun Anderson          6’6”        SF           Chicago Leo

Animated brute strong enforcer type.  Raw offensively now, but opened some eyes with interior play at Pangos.  Looks like a Top 25 to 30 player in the class.

14.          Jeremiah Oden                  6’6”        F             St. Rita

Good-looking prospect.  Had a nice outing at Pangos.  A kid we have added to our grid, which we should view more of.  Respectable observers are singing his praises. He has good length and handles himself well on the perimeter.

WE LOVE HOOPS.COM

WE LOVE HOOPS.COM

Chicagoan’s have become increasingly concerned over the relentless bloodshed on the city streets.  Violence rapidly spilled over the Halloween weekend, while the Chicago Cubs were giving our city something to cheer about, 17 people were killed by senseless gunfire.  Among those were Marshall High School, promising prospect, Edward Bryant and his twin brother Edwin.  They were fatally shot in a drive by while standing with a group of associates in the old town neighborhood.  Claiming the life of Bryant was so heartbreaking to hear.  He was a six foot six junior forward starting to come into his own as a legitimate division one recruit.  Just several weeks ago, we lost one time Lincoln Park standout guard Greg Tucker Sr, who was getting into a vehicle when he was fatally shot in the uptown neighborhood.  Tucker also played at Chicago State.  That’s the same uptown area where highly touted 6’3” sophomore Gerald Hurley was stabbed a couple of months ago.  The Orr High School lad is recovering from his wounds.  This type of violence can’t all be classified as gang related.  Legislative gun laws have to change.  Young virgin shooters with access to lethal weapons are destroying the growth of our inner-city youth as well as our communities.

In Palos, IL Tommy Demogerontas scored a career high 36 points including a pivotal 10 straight during the eight-minute mark in the 2^nd half, spearheading Moraine Valley to a 91-84 comeback victory over Kishwaukee.  Nick Sims was 11-19 from the field and chipped in with a quiet 27, while sophomore guard Jason Roland recorded 11 points, 6 steals and 6 assists for Moraine.  Malcolm Reed led Kishwaukee with a career high of 28 markers to go with 13 rebounds.  Kish, sophomore play-maker Bryson Butler building on his sparkling previous outing where he registered 30 points and 10 assists; he had another stellar showing – recording 18 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists.  Demogerontas a six foot seven sophomore swingman with a Euro floor game was too much for Kishwaukee in a decisive late second half rally.  The Kid is a legit Division one mid-major.       

                                        

 A few weeks ago, 6’9” senior, stretch four or pick ‘n pop/face-up forward, whatever label you want to give him, Logan Windeler departed Lincoln-Way West.  He will re-classify as a junior and suit-up at Victory Rock Prep in Florida.  Also, taking his arsenal offensive show-on-the road is former Hales Franciscan guard Milton Wordlow.  He’s at Aspire Academy in Arizona ripping opponents apart.

My sources out of East Boogie, best known as the Metro East Area, have indicated to me, East St. Louis Six Foot Ten center Jeremiah Tilmon may renege on his commitment to Illinois and Coach John Groce.  Teaming with Da’Monte Williams (Peoria Manual) and Javon Pickett (Belleville East) may be an afterthought.  St. Louis U Coach Travis Ford being the new sheriff in that area could have been a key figure in Tilmon’s recent pondering. The SLU staff has been moving and shaking since Trav arrived with his culture change.  Stay tuned………