The last time we connected (Mid-April Buzz Worthy) the opening narrative was: “It sadden us to report former Northwestern Assistant Coach Armon Gates was headed to Florida,” while we were gushing over his new experience. After he was reportedly appointed Associate Head Coach in Gatorville, for some unforeseen decision Florida Coach Mike White pulled the unthinkable. This dude back-peddled, particularly odd seeming though Gates spent two weeks toiling the southland wearing Florida garb recruiting. “Was White mired in some sort of unconscious trance where he became indecisive or heard voices that discombobulated his thinking after two-week window?” Armon regarded as one of the bright resourceful Assistants nationally, spent five seasons in the trenches with Chris Collins at Northwestern where he played an instrumental role in their NCAA Tournament run. Because of someone’s indecisiveness, Armon spent a couple days faced with un-true accusation & personal digs, which is a sour wasteland for College baskeball. The startling revelations of vindictiveness surfaced! Is this the new trend of doing business in College hoops? While the temps hover around 80 degrees & sunny in Gainesville, Mike White can now be dubbed as the king of deflections & mis-directions. “Oh, by the way, Armon was hired at Nebraska last week where he will fit in great with Tim Miles and his excellent staff.”
Chicago State’s unusual cast of trustees voted to appoint former controversial Chicago Bear Chris Zorich as its next athletic Director. The school has suffered severely under the states budget crisis, notably the hardest hit among our public state schools. Zorich, a Chicago Vocational Legend, has the dubious task of hiring a men’s as well as women’s Coach within a short period. Hopefully launching his search for a men’s Coach, shouldn’t foster up too much of his vital time. A couple of miles south of the CSU campus resides the Irvin Contingent, namely Lance. Potentially such a hire could infuse some new life & culture into this budget riddled University. The Irvin’s have the castings of a great story-line, especially if they’d revive the sagging program. Stay tuned...
Former Kishwaukee point-guard Bryson Butler will take his stellar floor game to Malone College in Canton, Ohio. The six-foot one athletic performer will sparkle in the GMAC League where he should be able to demonstrate where he was often overlooked by various Division I Programs. I’m sure his goals are to become Division Two All-American and win a National Championship. Kudos to my kid!
Rolling Meadows hot-shot freshman Max Christie took the North-Suburban hoop fans by a storm this past season, while posting some eye-popping outings for a first-year player. The six-foot four wiry scorer averaged 18 points & 8 rebounds a game. The hype engines have been revved-up since December about his play & un-limited potential, after re-visiting him again, suited-up with the Illinois Wolves in Indy, we came away gleeful about his confidence & temperament. He reminds me of one of past highly touted prospects; I can’t quite finger/or frame yet. Max is going to be fun to follow the next few years.
While most of our suburban hoop fans are extremely giddy over Max Christie, our area brandishes a collection of talented blue-chip prospects in our 2022 Class. The No. 1 phenom out of everyone in the area is athletic guard Amari Bailey who goes to Skinner Elementary Hoops with Mac Irvin Fire 16-U and already penciled in as the next future stud at Morgan Park. We witnessed some of Bailey’s special talents which were on display a few weeks ago in a 17-U contest, and his potential is astonishing. Sleeper, 6-7 forward A.J. Casey, who hails from Arbor Middle School in Oak-Forest is a skilled, bouncy cager who has created enough buzz to warrant potential All-American conversation in 3 years. Casey hoops with Mean Streets 14 & 15 U Groups. “Yes, he can play 16-U.” Ariel 5-11 point-guard Jaylen Drane has captivated a stream of admirers with his superb floor game, he likely will attend Simeon. Silky-smooth six-foot four swingman Xavier Amos has made a splash as a really good shooter with exceptional ability to create offense off the balance while finishing at the rim with either hand. Amos, likely will head to Jones College Prep or Whitney Young.
It just might be time to bring back 19-U. With so many graduating seniors opting to re-cast themselves on the club circuit these days, maybe a venue just for them could be regulated. An event on Saturday & Sunday in in April and parts of May, a proposed two or three-week overseas tour in early June. Then the 19’s could perform in a week-day/evening league in July that would pit them versus first year College players only. (Junior College prospects would participate as well). The hosting site could be North Park College or Chicago State. Just a thought…
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Friday, April 20, 2018
OUR SLEEPER POOL IN 2019, 2020, & 2021 CLASSES
SIX 2019 SLEEPERS TO WATCH
NAME HT POS RANK LEVEL HIGH-SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM
• Anthony Roberts 6-5 F 15 MM Oak-Park/Made Men
“This kid is a gem; despite of being under-sized in the paint, he plays above the rim. In College he will transition to a wing position. Has a good motor, superb athlete with strong defensive ability.”
• Trey Calvin 6-0 PG 14 MM St. Viator/Illinois Stars
“A smooth performer, he recently won the State’s Class 4A three-point shoot-out last month after carving out a solid season averaging 17 points, five rebounds and three assists. Trey, has demonstrated the ability to score as well distribute to his mates.”
• Marquise Kennedy 6-1 PG 13 MM Brother Rice/Illinois Wolves
“We love his game as he transitions into a lead guard. Marquise, has all the intangibles of being a really good player at the Collegiate level. Competitive, plays tough & has had some of his best performances against Public League foes. Recorded 17 points per outing, 6 boards and 3 assists.”
• Anthony Fairlee 6-4 WF 17 MM Springfield S.E./Mac Irvin Fire
“Enjoyed a fine season guiding his squad to a 2nd place finish in 3A State Tournament. Fairlee, one of the state’s top athletes, can really rise near the rim. Offensive game is starting to take shape. I won’t be surprised if his stock soared after the April evaluation period.”
• Dajuan Gordon 6-4 WF 6 MM-MM Chicago Curie/Team Rose
“This kid is a hidden gem; he makes plays, has a nose for the ball. Very good athlete, even though we rank him high, a lot of observers aren’t familiar with his name (after April they will). Makes shots on the perimeter and has that uncanny knack for drawing fouls.”
• Alex Timmerman 6-8 C 30 LM+ Crystal Lake Central/Fundamental U.
“Saw the big-fella last week-end & he’s got some potential. We were impressed with his ability to run floor and finish plays around the rim versus taller defenders, he has soft hands. Alex, could rise to be one of the north suburbs break-out players this spring.”
SIX 2020 SLEEPERS TO WATCH
NAME HT POS RANK LEVEL HIGH-SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM
• Romelle Howard 6-8 F/C 8 MM+ Lincoln Pk/Chicago Elite
“The left-handler is starting to emerge out of the shadows of others. He has good hands, rebounds the ball efficiently, an area he need to focus more on. The strength of his game is his ability to score around the rim, with jump-hooks as well as short jumpers 12-feet in reliable shot-blocker when all things shake out, Romelle will be one of the top 3 or 4 players in the class.”
• Keshawn Williams 6-3 G 7 MM+ Bloom/Y&R
“Has prime-time abilities. A breath-taking athlete, has a floor game that resembles some previous athletic guards we used to produce around here. Namely (Darrell Walker-Corliss H.S./Arkansas/NBA) you get my drift? His development must stay on course though, Keshawn likely could develop into a high major recruit. The potential is there.”
• Ramean Hinton 6-4 G/F 15 MM Chicago Curie/Team Rose
“A bad dude; swingman type brandishes athleticism to go with an exceptional motor. The kid is a high-light-reel, often making eye-popping plays offensively & defensively where he showcases shot-blocking ability. Ramean is an emerging stand-out. “
• Kee Hargrove 6-7 WF 25 MM+-MM Joliet Central/Y&R
“If Kee can take care of his business off-the-court as well as the class-room, he could become a special talent! He can handle the rock like a lead guard and distribute while making good decisions. Kee, also has the abilities to put- the- ball in the basket. To his credit, he is a gym-rat and if he lands at a Juco, bet he’ll be All-American.”
• Connor Kochera 6-4 G 33 MM St. Viator/Fundamental U.
“Savvy poised prospect, understands the game plays with a good flow moves well with-out the ball. Connor is skilled, he makes mid-range shots & has reliable three-point marksmanship. One of my favorites in the class, I look for him to land in a good conference in College.”
• Jayson Kent 6-2 PG 42 MM Oak-Forest/Next Level 24
“The wiry guard has enormous potential, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t rise through the ranks before his high-school cage tenure closes. Skilled offensive player, who likely will hit a growth spurt. Jason lacks strength now, but his confidence is growing as he competes at the 17-U level.”
FIVE 2021 SLEEPERS TO WATCH
NAME HT POS RANK HIGH-SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM
• Jaylin Gibson 6-3 G 9 Evanston/Hoop Avenue
“This kid already has a physical build of a junior or senior. He has demonstrated good quickness & speed, while laboring quality minutes as a frosh on a state 4A third place finisher. Potential two-way stand-out, Jaylin can lock-down ball-handlers affectively.”
• Scotty Ebube 6-8 F 11 Mundelein/Kessel Heat
“Silky-smooth, wiry frame lad with a huge upside. I admire his loyalty because he chose to stay with his original Club Team, which was the correct decision. This kid is skilled & possesses all the necessary intangibles to be a terrific top-notch prospect. Scotty, could blossom to stardom.”
• Jalen Butler 6-6 F 12 Niles North/Chicago Elite
“14 years old, won’t turn 15 until next month (May). Physically looks like he’s been registered to vote for several years. Has excellent length, he displayed the ability to defend multiple positions, while having the knack for making plays. I’m a huge fan of his anticipate the offensive part of his game is coming.”
• Ismail Habib 5-9 PG 15 Lincoln Park/Chicago Elite
“Ismail, has that un-flappable swag that certain athletes cart around “the air” about him. He has a nice flow to his floor game & doesn’t lack confidence as he’s often tangled-up against older opponents. Good speed & quickness with the ability to make shots & score.”
• Brandon Hall 6-2 G 23 Thornton/ Mean Streets
“Has nice length in the back-court, excels at making good decisions where he’s sure-handed & skilled. Out-side shooting has improved, versatile defender on both sides of the ball.”
NAME HT POS RANK LEVEL HIGH-SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM
• Anthony Roberts 6-5 F 15 MM Oak-Park/Made Men
“This kid is a gem; despite of being under-sized in the paint, he plays above the rim. In College he will transition to a wing position. Has a good motor, superb athlete with strong defensive ability.”
• Trey Calvin 6-0 PG 14 MM St. Viator/Illinois Stars
“A smooth performer, he recently won the State’s Class 4A three-point shoot-out last month after carving out a solid season averaging 17 points, five rebounds and three assists. Trey, has demonstrated the ability to score as well distribute to his mates.”
• Marquise Kennedy 6-1 PG 13 MM Brother Rice/Illinois Wolves
“We love his game as he transitions into a lead guard. Marquise, has all the intangibles of being a really good player at the Collegiate level. Competitive, plays tough & has had some of his best performances against Public League foes. Recorded 17 points per outing, 6 boards and 3 assists.”
• Anthony Fairlee 6-4 WF 17 MM Springfield S.E./Mac Irvin Fire
“Enjoyed a fine season guiding his squad to a 2nd place finish in 3A State Tournament. Fairlee, one of the state’s top athletes, can really rise near the rim. Offensive game is starting to take shape. I won’t be surprised if his stock soared after the April evaluation period.”
• Dajuan Gordon 6-4 WF 6 MM-MM Chicago Curie/Team Rose
“This kid is a hidden gem; he makes plays, has a nose for the ball. Very good athlete, even though we rank him high, a lot of observers aren’t familiar with his name (after April they will). Makes shots on the perimeter and has that uncanny knack for drawing fouls.”
• Alex Timmerman 6-8 C 30 LM+ Crystal Lake Central/Fundamental U.
“Saw the big-fella last week-end & he’s got some potential. We were impressed with his ability to run floor and finish plays around the rim versus taller defenders, he has soft hands. Alex, could rise to be one of the north suburbs break-out players this spring.”
SIX 2020 SLEEPERS TO WATCH
NAME HT POS RANK LEVEL HIGH-SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM
• Romelle Howard 6-8 F/C 8 MM+ Lincoln Pk/Chicago Elite
“The left-handler is starting to emerge out of the shadows of others. He has good hands, rebounds the ball efficiently, an area he need to focus more on. The strength of his game is his ability to score around the rim, with jump-hooks as well as short jumpers 12-feet in reliable shot-blocker when all things shake out, Romelle will be one of the top 3 or 4 players in the class.”
• Keshawn Williams 6-3 G 7 MM+ Bloom/Y&R
“Has prime-time abilities. A breath-taking athlete, has a floor game that resembles some previous athletic guards we used to produce around here. Namely (Darrell Walker-Corliss H.S./Arkansas/NBA) you get my drift? His development must stay on course though, Keshawn likely could develop into a high major recruit. The potential is there.”
• Ramean Hinton 6-4 G/F 15 MM Chicago Curie/Team Rose
“A bad dude; swingman type brandishes athleticism to go with an exceptional motor. The kid is a high-light-reel, often making eye-popping plays offensively & defensively where he showcases shot-blocking ability. Ramean is an emerging stand-out. “
• Kee Hargrove 6-7 WF 25 MM+-MM Joliet Central/Y&R
“If Kee can take care of his business off-the-court as well as the class-room, he could become a special talent! He can handle the rock like a lead guard and distribute while making good decisions. Kee, also has the abilities to put- the- ball in the basket. To his credit, he is a gym-rat and if he lands at a Juco, bet he’ll be All-American.”
• Connor Kochera 6-4 G 33 MM St. Viator/Fundamental U.
“Savvy poised prospect, understands the game plays with a good flow moves well with-out the ball. Connor is skilled, he makes mid-range shots & has reliable three-point marksmanship. One of my favorites in the class, I look for him to land in a good conference in College.”
• Jayson Kent 6-2 PG 42 MM Oak-Forest/Next Level 24
“The wiry guard has enormous potential, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t rise through the ranks before his high-school cage tenure closes. Skilled offensive player, who likely will hit a growth spurt. Jason lacks strength now, but his confidence is growing as he competes at the 17-U level.”
FIVE 2021 SLEEPERS TO WATCH
NAME HT POS RANK HIGH-SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM
• Jaylin Gibson 6-3 G 9 Evanston/Hoop Avenue
“This kid already has a physical build of a junior or senior. He has demonstrated good quickness & speed, while laboring quality minutes as a frosh on a state 4A third place finisher. Potential two-way stand-out, Jaylin can lock-down ball-handlers affectively.”
• Scotty Ebube 6-8 F 11 Mundelein/Kessel Heat
“Silky-smooth, wiry frame lad with a huge upside. I admire his loyalty because he chose to stay with his original Club Team, which was the correct decision. This kid is skilled & possesses all the necessary intangibles to be a terrific top-notch prospect. Scotty, could blossom to stardom.”
• Jalen Butler 6-6 F 12 Niles North/Chicago Elite
“14 years old, won’t turn 15 until next month (May). Physically looks like he’s been registered to vote for several years. Has excellent length, he displayed the ability to defend multiple positions, while having the knack for making plays. I’m a huge fan of his anticipate the offensive part of his game is coming.”
• Ismail Habib 5-9 PG 15 Lincoln Park/Chicago Elite
“Ismail, has that un-flappable swag that certain athletes cart around “the air” about him. He has a nice flow to his floor game & doesn’t lack confidence as he’s often tangled-up against older opponents. Good speed & quickness with the ability to make shots & score.”
• Brandon Hall 6-2 G 23 Thornton/ Mean Streets
“Has nice length in the back-court, excels at making good decisions where he’s sure-handed & skilled. Out-side shooting has improved, versatile defender on both sides of the ball.”
TOP 35 2021 PROSPECTS
“A highly anticipated cast of potential high-major recruits.”
NAME HT POS RANK HIGH-SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM
• Brandon Weston 6-4 WG 1 Lake Forest Academy/PSA
• Max Christie 6-4 G 2 Rolling Meadows/Illinois Wolves
• Ahmad Bynum 5-9 G 4 Chicago Simeon/Team Rose
• Kimarhi Wilson 6-0 PG 5 Carmel/Y&R
• Chris Hodges 6-7 F 6 Schaumburg/Illinois Wolves
• Anthony Sayles 6-0 PG 7 Niles Notre Dame/Illinois Wolves
• Jaylin Gibson 6-3 WG 9 Evanston/Hoop Avenues
• Tevin Smith 6-3 WG 4 Danville/Mean Streets
• Amar Aguillar 6-5 WF 10 Zion-Benton/Mac Irvin Fire
• Jallen Butler 6-6 F 12 Niles North/Chicago Elite
• Ismail Habib 5-9 PG 15 Lincoln Park/Chicago Elite
• Isaiah Donnell 6-1 PG 8 Peoria Richwoods/Bradley Beal
• Scotty Ebube 6-8 WF 11 Mundelein/Kessel Heat
• Troy Pilon 6-5 PF 16 Niles Notre Dame/Mean Streets
• Khaillieo Terry 6-5 F 3 Champaign Central/Indy Heat
• Blake Peters 6-3 WG 13 Evanston/Mean Streets
• Darrion Jones 6-0 PG 29 Chicago Bogan/Chicago Huskies
• Kevin Miller 5-8 PG 24 Morgan Park/Mac Irvin Fire
• Nick Petty 5-11 G 28 Peoria Manual/---
• Julio Montes 5-9 PG 26 Lincoln Park/Chicago Elite
• Isaiah Holden 5-7 PG 22 Evanston/Y&R
• Isiah Barnes 6-5 WF 20 Romeoville/Illinois Wolves
• Norvell Meadows 5-8 G 18 Chicago Prosser/Chicago Grainers
• Brandon Hall 6-2 G 23 Thornton/Mean Streets
• Elijah Bull 5-7 G 25 Evanston/Y&R
• Marquis Irvin 5-9 G 17 Hillcrest/Team Rose
• Kenton Wright 5-8 PG 32 Hillcrest/Mean Streets
• Kyonte Thomas 5-9 PG 21 Bolingbrook/Team Rose
• Grant Newell 6-5 F 19 Whitney Young/Mean Streets
• Kai Evans 6-1 WG 30 Montori/Team Rose
• Connor Enright 5-11 PG 29 Mundelein/Illinois Wolves
• Bryce Hopkins 6-4 G/F 21 Fremd/Illinois Wolves
• Jolo Arrovan 5-8 PG 33 Andrews/Next Level 24
• Nathanael Hoskins 6-2 G 34 Danville/Mean Streets
NAME HT POS RANK HIGH-SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM
• Brandon Weston 6-4 WG 1 Lake Forest Academy/PSA
• Max Christie 6-4 G 2 Rolling Meadows/Illinois Wolves
• Ahmad Bynum 5-9 G 4 Chicago Simeon/Team Rose
• Kimarhi Wilson 6-0 PG 5 Carmel/Y&R
• Chris Hodges 6-7 F 6 Schaumburg/Illinois Wolves
• Anthony Sayles 6-0 PG 7 Niles Notre Dame/Illinois Wolves
• Jaylin Gibson 6-3 WG 9 Evanston/Hoop Avenues
• Tevin Smith 6-3 WG 4 Danville/Mean Streets
• Amar Aguillar 6-5 WF 10 Zion-Benton/Mac Irvin Fire
• Jallen Butler 6-6 F 12 Niles North/Chicago Elite
• Ismail Habib 5-9 PG 15 Lincoln Park/Chicago Elite
• Isaiah Donnell 6-1 PG 8 Peoria Richwoods/Bradley Beal
• Scotty Ebube 6-8 WF 11 Mundelein/Kessel Heat
• Troy Pilon 6-5 PF 16 Niles Notre Dame/Mean Streets
• Khaillieo Terry 6-5 F 3 Champaign Central/Indy Heat
• Blake Peters 6-3 WG 13 Evanston/Mean Streets
• Darrion Jones 6-0 PG 29 Chicago Bogan/Chicago Huskies
• Kevin Miller 5-8 PG 24 Morgan Park/Mac Irvin Fire
• Nick Petty 5-11 G 28 Peoria Manual/---
• Julio Montes 5-9 PG 26 Lincoln Park/Chicago Elite
• Isaiah Holden 5-7 PG 22 Evanston/Y&R
• Isiah Barnes 6-5 WF 20 Romeoville/Illinois Wolves
• Norvell Meadows 5-8 G 18 Chicago Prosser/Chicago Grainers
• Brandon Hall 6-2 G 23 Thornton/Mean Streets
• Elijah Bull 5-7 G 25 Evanston/Y&R
• Marquis Irvin 5-9 G 17 Hillcrest/Team Rose
• Kenton Wright 5-8 PG 32 Hillcrest/Mean Streets
• Kyonte Thomas 5-9 PG 21 Bolingbrook/Team Rose
• Grant Newell 6-5 F 19 Whitney Young/Mean Streets
• Kai Evans 6-1 WG 30 Montori/Team Rose
• Connor Enright 5-11 PG 29 Mundelein/Illinois Wolves
• Bryce Hopkins 6-4 G/F 21 Fremd/Illinois Wolves
• Jolo Arrovan 5-8 PG 33 Andrews/Next Level 24
• Nathanael Hoskins 6-2 G 34 Danville/Mean Streets
Thursday, April 19, 2018
TOP PROSPECTS IN 2019 CLASS
Pre-Spring Evaluation Rankings
*There will always be subject to changes*
NAME HT LEVEL RANK IN CLASS H.S. CLUB TEAM
• Markese Jacobs 6-0 MM+ 5 Chicago Uplift Mac Irvin Fire
• Raymond Dennis 6-2 MM 11 Oswego East Kavon Looney
• Marquise Kennedy 6-0 MM 12 Brother Rice Illinois Wolves
• Trey Calvin 6-0 MM 13 St. Viator Illinois Stars
• Kejuan Clements 5-11 MM 14 Chicago Simeon D. Rose
• Marquise (Pearl) Walker 5-11 LM+ 17 West Aurora/Curie Mac Irvin Fire
• Terrion Murdix 5-11 LM+ 25 Springfield Southeast Mac Irvin Fire
• Jaheim Holden 5-10 LM 33 Evanston Hoops Avenue
• Fred Cleveland Jr. 5-7 LM 34 Chicago Leo RWA
• Lawrence Brazil 6-1 LM 39 Belleville West STL Gateway
• Traevon Brown 5-11 LM-D2 57 West Aurora Illinois Stars
• Treye Tucker 5-8 LM-D2 53 Harlem RWA
• Demetrius Douglass 5-11 LM-D2 58 North Lawndale Team Rose
• Andre White Jr. 5-9 LM-D2 68 Waukegan All in Athletics
• Jordan”Tiger” Booker 5-7 LM-D2 71 Chicago Bogan -------
• Payton Havens 5-9 LM-D2 72 Metamora RWA
• Elijah Stewart 5-10 LM-D2 73 Chicago Kenwood Y&R
• Tim Irvin Jr. 5-5 LM-D2 76 Providence St. Mel Chicago Select
• A.J. Palmer 5-9 LM-D2 80 Chicago Longwood RWA
NAME HT LEVEL RANK HIGH-SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM
• Lance Jones 6-2 MM 7 Evanston/Mean Streets
• Tyler Cochran 6-3 MM 27 Bolingbrook/Hoopers
• Deonte Billups 6-3 MM 8 Moline/Mac Irvin Fire
• Jerry Hernandez 6-4 MM 19 St. Viator/Y&R
• Joseph Yesfu 5-11 LM+ 31 Bolingbrook/Mean Streets
• Chase Robinson 6-2 LM 43 Oak-Park/Made Men
• Myles Baker 6-3 LM+ 30 Whitney Young/D. Rose
• Dashon Enoch 6-0 LM 51 Oak-Park/Made Men
• Aaron Strong 6-2 LM+ 34 Chicago Farragut/----
• Chris Roberts 6-2 LM 37 Lincoln Park/Y&R
• Beau Bailey 6-3 LM-D2 60 Dixon/Rockford?
• Demari Nixon 6-3 LM-D2 42 Fenwick/Chicago Select
• Khaleb Rouse 6-1 LM-D2 69 Alcot/All In Athletics
• Malik Tidwell 5-10 LM 48 Marian Catholic/Mean Streets
• Antonio Reeves 6-4 MM 18 Chicago Simeon/Mac Irvin Fire
• Semaj Henderson 6-0 LM-D2 52 Downers Grove North/Ill. Heat
• Chris Burnell 6-2 LM-D2 70 Rockford East/Ill. Stars
• Latik Murphy 6-3 LM 61 Morton/Mustangs
• Sean Houpt 6-3 LM-D2 62 Danville/Ill. Irish
• Mohammed Alausa 6-4 LM-D2 68 Chicago U. High/Team Rose
• Tahir Thompson 6-2 LM-D2 64 Lincoln Park/----
• Andrew Stewart 5-11 LM-D2 77 Kenwood/Y&R
• Julian Barr 6-3 LM-D2 75 Lincoln Way East/RWA
• Deion Jackson 6-3 LM-D2 65 Providence St. Mel/Chic. Select
NAME HT LEVEL RANK HIGH-SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM
• Terrence Hargrove 6-7 MM+ 4 East St. Louis/Bradley Beal
• Dajuan Gordon 6-4 MM 6 Chicago Curie/Team Rose
• Tom Welch 6-7 MM 10 Naperville North/Illinois Wolves
• Perry Cowan 6-4 MM 9 DePaul Prep/Illinois Wolves
• Evan Taylor 6-4 MM 26 Glenbard West/Illinois Heat
• Taujauae Williams 6-6 MM 17 Chicago Orr/Team Rose
• Bryant Brown 6-4 MM 20 Waukegan/Illinois Wolves
• Chris White 6-6 MM 32 Marian Catholic/Mean Streets
• Nate Ferguson 6-8 MM 21 Lemont/Lock-down
• Anthony Fairlee 6-5 MM 16 Springfield Southeast/Mac Irvin
• Adam Taylor 6-4 LM 67 Providence Catholic/RWA
• Bryce Hopkins 6-4 LM 38 Fremd/Illinois Wolves
• Jeremiah Oden 6-7 LM 37 St. Rita/RWA
• Greg Outlaw 6-4 LM 47 Chicago Bogan/Chicago Select
• Keenan Jones 6-4 LM 50 Whitney Young/Y&R
• Martin Macenis 6-4 LM 40 Stagg/Buckeyes
• Collin Dietz 6-6 LM 46 Metamora/RWA
NAME HT LEVEL RANK HIGH-SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM
• E.J. Liddle 6-7 HM 1 Belleville West/Bradley Beal
• Chris Payton 6-7 MM+-MM 3 Bloomington/Bradley Beal
• Anthony Roberts 6-5 MM 15 Oak-Park/Made Men
• Rashawn Agee 6-8 MM 22 Chicago Bogan/Mac Irvin Fire
• Dachaun Anderson 6-6 MM-LM+ 24 Chicago Leo/Y&R
• Christian Wilbourne 6-7 LM 41 Normal /Quad City Elite
• Charlie Hoehne 6-6 LM-D2 69 Oak-Park/Made Men
• Karl Wright 6-6 LM 39 Springfield Lanphier/ Ill. Irish
• Spencer Boehm 6-8 LM-D2 54 New Trier/Fundamental U.
• Keeshawn Chambers 6-6 LM 44 Thornton/Mean Streets
• T.J. Wicks 6-8 LM-D2 74 Kankakee/
• Kameron Leonard 6-7 LM-D2 55 Bolingbrook/Illinois Hoopers
• Marquise Ratcliff 6-5 LM-D2 70 Bolingbrook/Illinois Stars
• Pavle Pantovic 6-6 LM-D2 64 DePaul Prep/Illinois Wolves
• Demetrius Shavers 6-6 LM-D2 56 Chicago Farragut/Chicago Grainers
• Dylan West 6-7 LM-D2 67 Hillcrest/Team Rose
• Danardo Jones 6-6 LM 49 Timothy Christian/ Chicago Select
NAME HT LEVEL RANK HIGH-SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM
• Francis Okoro 6-10 HM 2 Normal West/Bradley Beal
• Ciaran Brayboy 6-9 MM 24 New Trier/Illinois Wolves
• Alex Timmerman 6-8 LM+ 36 Crystal Lake Central/FundamentalU
• Taeyon Neal 6-10 LM- 28 Providence St. Mel/Chicago Select
• London Denman 6-10 LM- 73 T.F. South/D1 Express
• Cameron Bartman 6-10 ---- 79 St. Rita/Buckeyes
*There will always be subject to changes*
POINT-GUARDS
• Markese Jacobs 6-0 MM+ 5 Chicago Uplift Mac Irvin Fire
• Raymond Dennis 6-2 MM 11 Oswego East Kavon Looney
• Marquise Kennedy 6-0 MM 12 Brother Rice Illinois Wolves
• Trey Calvin 6-0 MM 13 St. Viator Illinois Stars
• Kejuan Clements 5-11 MM 14 Chicago Simeon D. Rose
• Marquise (Pearl) Walker 5-11 LM+ 17 West Aurora/Curie Mac Irvin Fire
• Terrion Murdix 5-11 LM+ 25 Springfield Southeast Mac Irvin Fire
• Jaheim Holden 5-10 LM 33 Evanston Hoops Avenue
• Fred Cleveland Jr. 5-7 LM 34 Chicago Leo RWA
• Lawrence Brazil 6-1 LM 39 Belleville West STL Gateway
• Traevon Brown 5-11 LM-D2 57 West Aurora Illinois Stars
• Treye Tucker 5-8 LM-D2 53 Harlem RWA
• Demetrius Douglass 5-11 LM-D2 58 North Lawndale Team Rose
• Andre White Jr. 5-9 LM-D2 68 Waukegan All in Athletics
• Jordan”Tiger” Booker 5-7 LM-D2 71 Chicago Bogan -------
• Payton Havens 5-9 LM-D2 72 Metamora RWA
• Elijah Stewart 5-10 LM-D2 73 Chicago Kenwood Y&R
• Tim Irvin Jr. 5-5 LM-D2 76 Providence St. Mel Chicago Select
• A.J. Palmer 5-9 LM-D2 80 Chicago Longwood RWA
WING/SHOOTING GUARDS
• Lance Jones 6-2 MM 7 Evanston/Mean Streets
• Tyler Cochran 6-3 MM 27 Bolingbrook/Hoopers
• Deonte Billups 6-3 MM 8 Moline/Mac Irvin Fire
• Jerry Hernandez 6-4 MM 19 St. Viator/Y&R
• Joseph Yesfu 5-11 LM+ 31 Bolingbrook/Mean Streets
• Chase Robinson 6-2 LM 43 Oak-Park/Made Men
• Myles Baker 6-3 LM+ 30 Whitney Young/D. Rose
• Dashon Enoch 6-0 LM 51 Oak-Park/Made Men
• Aaron Strong 6-2 LM+ 34 Chicago Farragut/----
• Chris Roberts 6-2 LM 37 Lincoln Park/Y&R
• Beau Bailey 6-3 LM-D2 60 Dixon/Rockford?
• Demari Nixon 6-3 LM-D2 42 Fenwick/Chicago Select
• Khaleb Rouse 6-1 LM-D2 69 Alcot/All In Athletics
• Malik Tidwell 5-10 LM 48 Marian Catholic/Mean Streets
• Antonio Reeves 6-4 MM 18 Chicago Simeon/Mac Irvin Fire
• Semaj Henderson 6-0 LM-D2 52 Downers Grove North/Ill. Heat
• Chris Burnell 6-2 LM-D2 70 Rockford East/Ill. Stars
• Latik Murphy 6-3 LM 61 Morton/Mustangs
• Sean Houpt 6-3 LM-D2 62 Danville/Ill. Irish
• Mohammed Alausa 6-4 LM-D2 68 Chicago U. High/Team Rose
• Tahir Thompson 6-2 LM-D2 64 Lincoln Park/----
• Andrew Stewart 5-11 LM-D2 77 Kenwood/Y&R
• Julian Barr 6-3 LM-D2 75 Lincoln Way East/RWA
• Deion Jackson 6-3 LM-D2 65 Providence St. Mel/Chic. Select
WING FORWARDS
NAME HT LEVEL RANK HIGH-SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM
• Terrence Hargrove 6-7 MM+ 4 East St. Louis/Bradley Beal
• Dajuan Gordon 6-4 MM 6 Chicago Curie/Team Rose
• Tom Welch 6-7 MM 10 Naperville North/Illinois Wolves
• Perry Cowan 6-4 MM 9 DePaul Prep/Illinois Wolves
• Evan Taylor 6-4 MM 26 Glenbard West/Illinois Heat
• Taujauae Williams 6-6 MM 17 Chicago Orr/Team Rose
• Bryant Brown 6-4 MM 20 Waukegan/Illinois Wolves
• Chris White 6-6 MM 32 Marian Catholic/Mean Streets
• Nate Ferguson 6-8 MM 21 Lemont/Lock-down
• Anthony Fairlee 6-5 MM 16 Springfield Southeast/Mac Irvin
• Adam Taylor 6-4 LM 67 Providence Catholic/RWA
• Bryce Hopkins 6-4 LM 38 Fremd/Illinois Wolves
• Jeremiah Oden 6-7 LM 37 St. Rita/RWA
• Greg Outlaw 6-4 LM 47 Chicago Bogan/Chicago Select
• Keenan Jones 6-4 LM 50 Whitney Young/Y&R
• Martin Macenis 6-4 LM 40 Stagg/Buckeyes
• Collin Dietz 6-6 LM 46 Metamora/RWA
STRONG- INTERIOR FORWARDS
• E.J. Liddle 6-7 HM 1 Belleville West/Bradley Beal
• Chris Payton 6-7 MM+-MM 3 Bloomington/Bradley Beal
• Anthony Roberts 6-5 MM 15 Oak-Park/Made Men
• Rashawn Agee 6-8 MM 22 Chicago Bogan/Mac Irvin Fire
• Dachaun Anderson 6-6 MM-LM+ 24 Chicago Leo/Y&R
• Christian Wilbourne 6-7 LM 41 Normal /Quad City Elite
• Charlie Hoehne 6-6 LM-D2 69 Oak-Park/Made Men
• Karl Wright 6-6 LM 39 Springfield Lanphier/ Ill. Irish
• Spencer Boehm 6-8 LM-D2 54 New Trier/Fundamental U.
• Keeshawn Chambers 6-6 LM 44 Thornton/Mean Streets
• T.J. Wicks 6-8 LM-D2 74 Kankakee/
• Kameron Leonard 6-7 LM-D2 55 Bolingbrook/Illinois Hoopers
• Marquise Ratcliff 6-5 LM-D2 70 Bolingbrook/Illinois Stars
• Pavle Pantovic 6-6 LM-D2 64 DePaul Prep/Illinois Wolves
• Demetrius Shavers 6-6 LM-D2 56 Chicago Farragut/Chicago Grainers
• Dylan West 6-7 LM-D2 67 Hillcrest/Team Rose
• Danardo Jones 6-6 LM 49 Timothy Christian/ Chicago Select
POST-MEN
NAME HT LEVEL RANK HIGH-SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM
• Francis Okoro 6-10 HM 2 Normal West/Bradley Beal
• Ciaran Brayboy 6-9 MM 24 New Trier/Illinois Wolves
• Alex Timmerman 6-8 LM+ 36 Crystal Lake Central/FundamentalU
• Taeyon Neal 6-10 LM- 28 Providence St. Mel/Chicago Select
• London Denman 6-10 LM- 73 T.F. South/D1 Express
• Cameron Bartman 6-10 ---- 79 St. Rita/Buckeyes
To be continued…
BUZZ WORTHY
It saddens me to report that Armon Gates, a one-time Whitney Young/Lincoln Park stand-out, has departed Northwestern. Armon, vastly recognized as one of the nation’s bright young Assistants will join Mike White’s staff at Florida as an Associate Head-Coach. Gates, spent five memorable seasons as a valuable Coach & Recruiter for Chris Collins Wildcat Program. Us locals will miss him and his always positive spirit. We are happy for Armon’s rise through the coaching ranks but I can’t say we’re surprised.
In a surprise move Fenwick Coach Rick Malnati has decided to step-down as the Coach at the Oak Park based Catholic School. In today’s climate of self-inflicted players & parents, who could blame him. Assistant Coach Staunton Peck will replace Malnati. Rick did an outstanding job of reviving that Program which started to sag before he got there.
University Illinois has created some steam recently, receiving commitments from highly touted Junior College point-guard Andres Feliz, a 6-foot 2 sophomore who registered 20 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds per outing at Northwest Florida State College. Rutgers, SMU, and Wichita State sought his services. Also joining will be Tevian Jones, a 6-6 wing guard from Culver City, California; most observers in that area regard him as the 10th best prospect in the state and viewed as a top-notch talent. My sources in California say the Illini landed a gem in Jones. Arizona, San Diego, UNLV, and Cal lost out to Brad Underwood’s crew with him. Three-star center Samba Kane, East Coast shooting guard Alan Griffin, and power forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili, and Morgan Park’s slashing guard Ayo Dosunmu will round-out an impressive recruiting class.
Champaign native Michael Finke has opted to spend his post grad year playing for Dan Majerle at Grand Canyon Program, where he will join his brother- incoming freshmen Tim Finke. Mike entered University of Illinois as a promising recruit, but his tenure was plagued by injuries & unforeseeable off-the-court issues his team-mates endured. Nevertheless, Finke still carved out a pretty good career for Illini.
Scott Pera’s Rice University Program signed top available prospect, Drew Peterson. He was a huge get for Rice, the Libertyville forward had been viewed as one of the state’s best kept secrets in the 2018 Class. He will have a fine career competing in the Conference USA while performing for a terrific Head Coach.
Jay Spoonhour and his staff at Eastern Illinois signed 3A first team All-Stater Cam Burrell. The OVC Conference and their style of play fits the Morgan Park stand-out and his open-court talents. He will Flourish in Spoonhour’s system.
Rockford Lutheran’s six-foot four combo guard Kenny Strawbridge has inked on with UMKC.
Our state’s top player in the 2019 Class, E.J. Liddle, has been tearing up the Club circuit in recent weeks. The six-foot seven Belleville West stand-out has teamed with Normal West Center, Francis O’Koro (2) and East St. Louis athletic forward, Terrence Hargrove (4), forming a lethal trio with the St. Louis based Program Bradley Beal Elite. Liddle, has his recruitment narrowed down to Ohio State, Missouri, Illinois, and Florida.
Edwardsville native and former Mr. Illinois Basketball in 2017 Mark Smith has transferred to Missouri, after a less than impressive first year in Illini country, he will sit out next year for the Tigers.
We finally viewed hot-shot eighth grader, Amari Bailey, playing 16&17-U for the Mac Irvin Fire last weekend. The six-foot three Skinner Elementary guard looks awfully promising. He can shoot and he’s athletic with a really good understanding of how to play. Bailey could be the next elite prospect coming out of Chicago.
We have no qualms about young players expressing themselves, but in a manner where they’re respecting the game. Now, to be on the court posturing & trash talking, in addition to be engaged in pointless chatter with spectators during the course of a game resembles bush league behavior/antics. It’s labeled as taboo. And enough of that was on display at the Nike Foster Park Venue over the weekend where Mean Streets, Mac Irvin Fire, Team Rose, and the Y&R Program collaborated in a rarely featured local event. There was a lot of buzz behind this event.
Central Michigan landed Springfield native Larry Austin Jr. a rare feat for a grad-transfer to go from a high-major situation to a mid-major setting. Austin, spent his last 2 seasons at Vanderbilt. Remember his Collegiate career began at Tennessee with Cuonzo Martin. “Wasn’t this where he belonged from the start?” Kudos to CMU Assistant Coach, Kevin Gamble, also is a Springfield native.
In a surprise move Fenwick Coach Rick Malnati has decided to step-down as the Coach at the Oak Park based Catholic School. In today’s climate of self-inflicted players & parents, who could blame him. Assistant Coach Staunton Peck will replace Malnati. Rick did an outstanding job of reviving that Program which started to sag before he got there.
University Illinois has created some steam recently, receiving commitments from highly touted Junior College point-guard Andres Feliz, a 6-foot 2 sophomore who registered 20 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds per outing at Northwest Florida State College. Rutgers, SMU, and Wichita State sought his services. Also joining will be Tevian Jones, a 6-6 wing guard from Culver City, California; most observers in that area regard him as the 10th best prospect in the state and viewed as a top-notch talent. My sources in California say the Illini landed a gem in Jones. Arizona, San Diego, UNLV, and Cal lost out to Brad Underwood’s crew with him. Three-star center Samba Kane, East Coast shooting guard Alan Griffin, and power forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili, and Morgan Park’s slashing guard Ayo Dosunmu will round-out an impressive recruiting class.
Champaign native Michael Finke has opted to spend his post grad year playing for Dan Majerle at Grand Canyon Program, where he will join his brother- incoming freshmen Tim Finke. Mike entered University of Illinois as a promising recruit, but his tenure was plagued by injuries & unforeseeable off-the-court issues his team-mates endured. Nevertheless, Finke still carved out a pretty good career for Illini.
Scott Pera’s Rice University Program signed top available prospect, Drew Peterson. He was a huge get for Rice, the Libertyville forward had been viewed as one of the state’s best kept secrets in the 2018 Class. He will have a fine career competing in the Conference USA while performing for a terrific Head Coach.
Jay Spoonhour and his staff at Eastern Illinois signed 3A first team All-Stater Cam Burrell. The OVC Conference and their style of play fits the Morgan Park stand-out and his open-court talents. He will Flourish in Spoonhour’s system.
Rockford Lutheran’s six-foot four combo guard Kenny Strawbridge has inked on with UMKC.
Our state’s top player in the 2019 Class, E.J. Liddle, has been tearing up the Club circuit in recent weeks. The six-foot seven Belleville West stand-out has teamed with Normal West Center, Francis O’Koro (2) and East St. Louis athletic forward, Terrence Hargrove (4), forming a lethal trio with the St. Louis based Program Bradley Beal Elite. Liddle, has his recruitment narrowed down to Ohio State, Missouri, Illinois, and Florida.
Edwardsville native and former Mr. Illinois Basketball in 2017 Mark Smith has transferred to Missouri, after a less than impressive first year in Illini country, he will sit out next year for the Tigers.
We finally viewed hot-shot eighth grader, Amari Bailey, playing 16&17-U for the Mac Irvin Fire last weekend. The six-foot three Skinner Elementary guard looks awfully promising. He can shoot and he’s athletic with a really good understanding of how to play. Bailey could be the next elite prospect coming out of Chicago.
We have no qualms about young players expressing themselves, but in a manner where they’re respecting the game. Now, to be on the court posturing & trash talking, in addition to be engaged in pointless chatter with spectators during the course of a game resembles bush league behavior/antics. It’s labeled as taboo. And enough of that was on display at the Nike Foster Park Venue over the weekend where Mean Streets, Mac Irvin Fire, Team Rose, and the Y&R Program collaborated in a rarely featured local event. There was a lot of buzz behind this event.
Central Michigan landed Springfield native Larry Austin Jr. a rare feat for a grad-transfer to go from a high-major situation to a mid-major setting. Austin, spent his last 2 seasons at Vanderbilt. Remember his Collegiate career began at Tennessee with Cuonzo Martin. “Wasn’t this where he belonged from the start?” Kudos to CMU Assistant Coach, Kevin Gamble, also is a Springfield native.
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