This next layer of guys we are identifying did gain some experience on the varsity and played well in spurts.
• Ronald Chambers 5-10 G/F North Lawndale – “Strong body slasher.”
• Jake Hamilton 6-2 G/F Sacred Heart Griffin – “2nd Team All-Conference.”
• Jalen Griffith 5-9 PG Chicago Simeon – “A speedster.”
• Xavier Sulaiman 6-2 G Marist
• Darrion Baker 6-6 F St. Rita
• Lidell Miller 6-5 PF Morgan Park – “A physical bruiser.”
• Davius Loury 6-7 G/F Chicago Simeon
• Bryce Tillery 5-7 PG Hillcrest – “Nifty with some wiggle to his game.”
• Raeshon Harris 6-2 G Hyde Park – “Will likely transfer to Bloom.”
• K.J. Cobb 6-2 G Hillcrest
• Santana Miller 6-1 G Hyde Park – “Promising.”
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
TOP YOUNGSTERS IN THE 2023 CLASS
We’re hopeful for a banner class with this group. After the virus shut downplay, we have nothing but time for optimism. These are the guys on our grid so far:
• Javonte Taylor 6-7 WF 1 Morgan Park
“Slender lad is arguably the No.1 player in the Class, J.J. has some offensive ability, just needs to add some pounders to his frame. A budding standout… If Nick Irvin departs, which is rumored, anticipate this kid to be on the move.”
• Dalen Davis 5-11 PG 2 Whitney Young
“Had an eye-popping outing in Young’s huge Sectional Semi-final win over Simeon. His floor game has started to flourish to where he was performing with wealth of confidence. Capable of taking & making big shots. Has that old Chicago throwback hooper mentality.”
• Jeremy Fears Jr. 5-10 G 3 Joliet West
“Played huge minutes for one of the state’s top teams. Exhibited moxie & unforeseen ability to lead, which is surprising for a young player today. In the upcoming year we will see more of his offensive skills. Impressive first year.”
• Macaleb Rich 6-5 WF 4 East St. Louis
“Explosive wing with superb athleticism, displayed the ability to shoot the ball on the perimeter some. Started a significant amount of games on the varsity this past season. Regarded as the top young prospects in the Metro East Area.”
• Asa Thomas 6-4 G 5 Lake Forest
“Unassuming lookn’ baller until he goes out and sprays defenders for long range threes. A gym rat who’s a two-sport standout and excels in golf. Awfully mature for first year letterman, he possesses that calming presence on the floor. Double digit scorer who led the freshmen class in points recorded. One of the best young prospects in the North Shore.”
• Marcus Pigram 6-1 G 6 Whitney Young
“A wiry smooth player who values education. Enjoyed a terrific season on the sophomore level where he gave defenders fits and observers a full viewing of his versatility & ability to score. A nice prospect.”
• Donaven Younger 6-7 WF 7 Bolingbrook
“Rangy prospect with good length, expends most of his time now on the perimeter where he’s a feared threat at the 3-point arc. Potential is enormous, the seed that’s barely been watered is the willingness to rebound and play defense.”
• Cameron Willford 5-10 PG 8 Lincoln Park
“We were extremely impressed with his poise and the ability to lead/manage. Silky-smooth floor game, potential to be a double-digit scorer & distributer. Doesn’t get rattled or sped up. We are high on his potential.”
• Damarion Wyatt 5-11 G 9 North Lawndale
“Exciting young player with an arsenal of offensive tools. Highly regarded hooper on the Chicago West Side, potential to be a high scorer. A throwback resembling some of the past West Side back court players.”
• Darrin “Dai Dia Ames 6-0 G 10 Morgan Park
“Lefty with a big heart, he’s in line to be the next back court standout at Morgan Park. Played significant amount of time on the varsity where his numbers were marginal. Was lethal on the sophomore circuit.”
• Khalil Ross 6-5 F 11 Lincoln Way East
“Sleek southpaw with a hooper’s mentality; slasher/good athlete with the ability to rebound & block shots. Offensive-minded threat. Observers in the South Suburbs are high on this youngster, including his Coach.”
• Jackson Kotecki 6-6 F 12 St. Ignatius
“Promising prospect with a very good skill-set & has a solid feel for the game. Was a contributor on the varsity as his team made a surprising late season run.”
• Tevonta Jackson 6-1 PG 13 Springfield Lanphier
“Silver quick general sees the floor extremely well, had a really good season on the varsity where he had an opportunity to gain some valuable minutes & experience. Held his own in some big game settings. First saw him at the Pangos in October where he played well.”
• Mekhi Cooper 5-9 G 14 Bolingbrook
“Rotated between the sophomore and varsity team most of the season. Served as a spark in several games down the stretch. This kid shoots the long ball with accuracy.”
• Ethan Kizer 6-5 F 15 Metamora
“Highly touted in Central Illinois; this slender prospect gets wave reviews from hoop observers in that area. Ethan has shown an array of all-around offensive ability, he just needs to get stronger. He was hurt when we viewed his team early in the season so he’s definitely on our watch list once play resumes.”
• Aries Hull 6-7 F 16 Home School (Flossmoor)
“Performed really well when we spotted him at the Pangos. We considered him to be one of the better local players we saw there. He had a nice floor game, looked really smooth, made some shots & plays, and gave us a glimpse of what his talents could look like in a year or two. The last dims we had on him was home school.”
• Ty Pente 6-4 WG 17 St. Joseph-Ogden
“This youngster gets a lot of pub from his area. He’s gained a reputation for being an extraordinary leaper. We need to see more of him and his game.”
• Javonte Taylor 6-7 WF 1 Morgan Park
“Slender lad is arguably the No.1 player in the Class, J.J. has some offensive ability, just needs to add some pounders to his frame. A budding standout… If Nick Irvin departs, which is rumored, anticipate this kid to be on the move.”
• Dalen Davis 5-11 PG 2 Whitney Young
“Had an eye-popping outing in Young’s huge Sectional Semi-final win over Simeon. His floor game has started to flourish to where he was performing with wealth of confidence. Capable of taking & making big shots. Has that old Chicago throwback hooper mentality.”
• Jeremy Fears Jr. 5-10 G 3 Joliet West
“Played huge minutes for one of the state’s top teams. Exhibited moxie & unforeseen ability to lead, which is surprising for a young player today. In the upcoming year we will see more of his offensive skills. Impressive first year.”
• Macaleb Rich 6-5 WF 4 East St. Louis
“Explosive wing with superb athleticism, displayed the ability to shoot the ball on the perimeter some. Started a significant amount of games on the varsity this past season. Regarded as the top young prospects in the Metro East Area.”
• Asa Thomas 6-4 G 5 Lake Forest
“Unassuming lookn’ baller until he goes out and sprays defenders for long range threes. A gym rat who’s a two-sport standout and excels in golf. Awfully mature for first year letterman, he possesses that calming presence on the floor. Double digit scorer who led the freshmen class in points recorded. One of the best young prospects in the North Shore.”
• Marcus Pigram 6-1 G 6 Whitney Young
“A wiry smooth player who values education. Enjoyed a terrific season on the sophomore level where he gave defenders fits and observers a full viewing of his versatility & ability to score. A nice prospect.”
• Donaven Younger 6-7 WF 7 Bolingbrook
“Rangy prospect with good length, expends most of his time now on the perimeter where he’s a feared threat at the 3-point arc. Potential is enormous, the seed that’s barely been watered is the willingness to rebound and play defense.”
• Cameron Willford 5-10 PG 8 Lincoln Park
“We were extremely impressed with his poise and the ability to lead/manage. Silky-smooth floor game, potential to be a double-digit scorer & distributer. Doesn’t get rattled or sped up. We are high on his potential.”
• Damarion Wyatt 5-11 G 9 North Lawndale
“Exciting young player with an arsenal of offensive tools. Highly regarded hooper on the Chicago West Side, potential to be a high scorer. A throwback resembling some of the past West Side back court players.”
• Darrin “Dai Dia Ames 6-0 G 10 Morgan Park
“Lefty with a big heart, he’s in line to be the next back court standout at Morgan Park. Played significant amount of time on the varsity where his numbers were marginal. Was lethal on the sophomore circuit.”
• Khalil Ross 6-5 F 11 Lincoln Way East
“Sleek southpaw with a hooper’s mentality; slasher/good athlete with the ability to rebound & block shots. Offensive-minded threat. Observers in the South Suburbs are high on this youngster, including his Coach.”
• Jackson Kotecki 6-6 F 12 St. Ignatius
“Promising prospect with a very good skill-set & has a solid feel for the game. Was a contributor on the varsity as his team made a surprising late season run.”
• Tevonta Jackson 6-1 PG 13 Springfield Lanphier
“Silver quick general sees the floor extremely well, had a really good season on the varsity where he had an opportunity to gain some valuable minutes & experience. Held his own in some big game settings. First saw him at the Pangos in October where he played well.”
• Mekhi Cooper 5-9 G 14 Bolingbrook
“Rotated between the sophomore and varsity team most of the season. Served as a spark in several games down the stretch. This kid shoots the long ball with accuracy.”
• Ethan Kizer 6-5 F 15 Metamora
“Highly touted in Central Illinois; this slender prospect gets wave reviews from hoop observers in that area. Ethan has shown an array of all-around offensive ability, he just needs to get stronger. He was hurt when we viewed his team early in the season so he’s definitely on our watch list once play resumes.”
• Aries Hull 6-7 F 16 Home School (Flossmoor)
“Performed really well when we spotted him at the Pangos. We considered him to be one of the better local players we saw there. He had a nice floor game, looked really smooth, made some shots & plays, and gave us a glimpse of what his talents could look like in a year or two. The last dims we had on him was home school.”
• Ty Pente 6-4 WG 17 St. Joseph-Ogden
“This youngster gets a lot of pub from his area. He’s gained a reputation for being an extraordinary leaper. We need to see more of him and his game.”
TOP FRONT-COURT PLAYERS ON THE 2021 CLASS
Presently this is what we have on our grid thus far.
NAME / HT / LEVEL / POS / RANK / SCHOOL
• Chris Hodges 6-8 HM PF 3 Schaumburg
“Competitive ball player, Wisconsin recruit has had a banner season, All-State caliber. Fits the Badger profile with his work ethic and ability to compete at high-level. He is a monster at times along the backlines. Perimeter skills starting to show signs of improvement.”
• Troy D’Amico 6-7 MM+-MM F 7 Niles Notre Dame
“Has a unique skill set that gives him the luxury of playing out on the perimeter some. Was impressive all season, a marvel of consistency. This kid has the ability to drag defenders out on the perimeter where he consistently knocks down shots. Does possess some range. Clever passer finds the open-man, not overly athletic but compensates with hardnose/toughness, high b-ball I.Q. will be heavily sought after.”
• Grant Newell 6-7 MM+-MM F 9 Whitney Young
“Promising prospect showed many of us intuitive observers a glimpse of what his future could look like. Played inside all season but has versatility to his game where he can defend multiple positions. Had moments where he displayed his athleticism during the course of games. His future is on the perimeter.”
• Scotty Ebube 6-8 MM PF 16 Mundelein
“Big fella has excellent composure; he handles himself remarkably well on the hardwood. Scotty is an effective offensive threat on the inside or out, he his an efficient passer who finds the open man. Averaged 15 points & double-digit rebounds for one of the North Suburbs best teams. His team was still playing before play was halted.”
• Quani Rudd 6-7 MM F 29 Mount Vernon
“One of the state’s top high-flying athletes. The folks down in Southern Illinois have been treated to aerial show nightly from this electrifying leaper. His recent feats have drawn attention of numerous mid-majors, especially the likes of Southern Illinois, Eastern Illinois, and Murray State. Skills still in the refining stages.”
• Walt Mattingly 6-8 MM F 32 Deerfield
“Slender fella certainly is a promising prospect. Has a good motor, runs the floor like a deer, does compete at a high level. Offensive game starting to emerge. The Club season was slated to be his Carnegie Hall where he can audition his game for College Coaches. His school season did not fare well for his abilities.”
• Julian Campbell 6-7 MM-LM+ PF/C 35 Palatine
“A wide body frame that could drop a few pounders and will as he conditions at a more frequent rate. ‘Big Fella’ has talent and can score on the block & rebound in which he has exhibit in some big game settings. He has a ton of D1 interest.”
• Brian Matthews 6-9 MM-LM+ C 45 DePaul Prep
“Promising prospect competes at a high level, doesn’t back down from any scrapes or challenges. His best basketball awaits, he started to show signs of growth late in the season. A player to watch when play resumes.”
• Phillip Holmes Jr. 6-7 LM+ PF 46 Chicago Simeon
“An emerging prospect, he’s starting to display the necessary skills to play at the Division 1 level. His improved footwork has allowed him to be much more of an offensive threat along the base line. Another player to watch when play resumes.”
• K.J. DeBrick 6-7 LM+ PF 48 Springfield Lanphier
“Potential double-double guy, his play was starting to round into form before the COVID-19 shutdown action. He’s a strong rebounder and a feared shot blocker. His offensive low post game is in the growing stages, nevertheless he’s capable though of facing the rim knocking down 12-15 footers.”
NAME / HT / LEVEL / POS / RANK / SCHOOL
• Chris Hodges 6-8 HM PF 3 Schaumburg
“Competitive ball player, Wisconsin recruit has had a banner season, All-State caliber. Fits the Badger profile with his work ethic and ability to compete at high-level. He is a monster at times along the backlines. Perimeter skills starting to show signs of improvement.”
• Troy D’Amico 6-7 MM+-MM F 7 Niles Notre Dame
“Has a unique skill set that gives him the luxury of playing out on the perimeter some. Was impressive all season, a marvel of consistency. This kid has the ability to drag defenders out on the perimeter where he consistently knocks down shots. Does possess some range. Clever passer finds the open-man, not overly athletic but compensates with hardnose/toughness, high b-ball I.Q. will be heavily sought after.”
• Grant Newell 6-7 MM+-MM F 9 Whitney Young
“Promising prospect showed many of us intuitive observers a glimpse of what his future could look like. Played inside all season but has versatility to his game where he can defend multiple positions. Had moments where he displayed his athleticism during the course of games. His future is on the perimeter.”
• Scotty Ebube 6-8 MM PF 16 Mundelein
“Big fella has excellent composure; he handles himself remarkably well on the hardwood. Scotty is an effective offensive threat on the inside or out, he his an efficient passer who finds the open man. Averaged 15 points & double-digit rebounds for one of the North Suburbs best teams. His team was still playing before play was halted.”
• Quani Rudd 6-7 MM F 29 Mount Vernon
“One of the state’s top high-flying athletes. The folks down in Southern Illinois have been treated to aerial show nightly from this electrifying leaper. His recent feats have drawn attention of numerous mid-majors, especially the likes of Southern Illinois, Eastern Illinois, and Murray State. Skills still in the refining stages.”
• Walt Mattingly 6-8 MM F 32 Deerfield
“Slender fella certainly is a promising prospect. Has a good motor, runs the floor like a deer, does compete at a high level. Offensive game starting to emerge. The Club season was slated to be his Carnegie Hall where he can audition his game for College Coaches. His school season did not fare well for his abilities.”
• Julian Campbell 6-7 MM-LM+ PF/C 35 Palatine
“A wide body frame that could drop a few pounders and will as he conditions at a more frequent rate. ‘Big Fella’ has talent and can score on the block & rebound in which he has exhibit in some big game settings. He has a ton of D1 interest.”
• Brian Matthews 6-9 MM-LM+ C 45 DePaul Prep
“Promising prospect competes at a high level, doesn’t back down from any scrapes or challenges. His best basketball awaits, he started to show signs of growth late in the season. A player to watch when play resumes.”
• Phillip Holmes Jr. 6-7 LM+ PF 46 Chicago Simeon
“An emerging prospect, he’s starting to display the necessary skills to play at the Division 1 level. His improved footwork has allowed him to be much more of an offensive threat along the base line. Another player to watch when play resumes.”
• K.J. DeBrick 6-7 LM+ PF 48 Springfield Lanphier
“Potential double-double guy, his play was starting to round into form before the COVID-19 shutdown action. He’s a strong rebounder and a feared shot blocker. His offensive low post game is in the growing stages, nevertheless he’s capable though of facing the rim knocking down 12-15 footers.”
UN-CHARTED ERA
College basketball Coaches are coping and adjusting to life that doesn’t require a frantic 24-hour spin cycle over the course of their week, not to mention the spring recruiting period. In this unprecedented era where Zoom and Google Hangouts have become a way of life for Coaches, we are faced with some uncharted territory as things move forward. Throw in the honors of now shuffling through the dubious task of going over the transfer portal, especially targeting a player you unable to bring on campus right now. What a headache!
Former Hinsdale South forward Zion Griffin landed in the transfer portal, that appears to be the new hip thing today. Griffin spent his last 2 years at Iowa State where he played limited minutes, he gets a new start at UIC where he recently gave a pledge to play. Best of luck for this left hander.
Former Hinsdale South forward Zion Griffin landed in the transfer portal, that appears to be the new hip thing today. Griffin spent his last 2 years at Iowa State where he played limited minutes, he gets a new start at UIC where he recently gave a pledge to play. Best of luck for this left hander.
Thursday, April 2, 2020
ANOTHER WAVE OF UN-SIGNED PLAYERS
Probably Small College Gems.
NAME / HT / POS / LEVEL / RANK / HIGH SCHOOL
• Carter Dawson 6-5 G/F LM 67 Pontiac
“We saw him at the Holiday Tournament, and he was impressive. We wouldn’t be surprised if he landed at a D1 situation as a walk on. He’s got good length and intriguing floor game.”
• Joe Green 6-1 G LM-SC 68 Marion Catholic
“Exhibits quick leaping ability which allows him to be an effective rebounder in traffic. Can electrify audiences with his athleticism. A mid-range threat.”
• Sangolay Nijie 6-5 F LM-SC 69 Whitney Young
“Undersized interior player with energetic motor, runs the floor extremely well and plays a huge role as a rim protector defensively.”
• Sami Osmani 6-4 G LM-SC 71 Oak Lawn
“Deceptive athlete, good jump shooter. Plays within his limitations. Shares with his teammates.”
• Justin Cross 6-7 F LM-SC 72 Oak Park
“The gangly south paw was on the rise until an injury early January ended his season. He developed into a reliable rebounder & defender, specialist type. Headed to a Prep School.”
• Alex Wood 6-0 PG LM-SC 73 Normal U High
“Speedy/nifty back courter knows how to manage a game as well as his team. Plays with poise and he’s sure handed.”
• Manny Rodriguez 5-10 G LM-SC 74 Morton
“Heady tough kid who can shoot the cover off the ball was consistent all season. Played well during the Sectional Playoffs.”
• Marcus Skeet 6-4 G/F LM-SC 75 Waubonsie Valley
“Strong body swingman did his best to carry the team late due to losing top junior prospect Ben Schwieger. They were upset by West Aurora in the Sectional Playoffs early.”
• Johnny Close 6-4 WG LM-SC 76 Rockford Boylan
“Respectable outside shooter enjoyed the fine season. A system player.”
• Paul Zillinskas 6-4 F LM-SC 77 Riverside-Brookfield
“Kind of forgotten prospect has a European flavor to his game. Has all around skill set, we’ve often viewed him as a system player.”
• Brandon Lieb 6-11 C LM-SC 78 Deerfield
“Skyscraper with promise. His school team did not utilize his skills accordingly. Was able to impact some games with his shot blocking & rebounding.”
NAME / HT / POS / LEVEL / RANK / HIGH SCHOOL
• Carter Dawson 6-5 G/F LM 67 Pontiac
“We saw him at the Holiday Tournament, and he was impressive. We wouldn’t be surprised if he landed at a D1 situation as a walk on. He’s got good length and intriguing floor game.”
• Joe Green 6-1 G LM-SC 68 Marion Catholic
“Exhibits quick leaping ability which allows him to be an effective rebounder in traffic. Can electrify audiences with his athleticism. A mid-range threat.”
• Sangolay Nijie 6-5 F LM-SC 69 Whitney Young
“Undersized interior player with energetic motor, runs the floor extremely well and plays a huge role as a rim protector defensively.”
• Sami Osmani 6-4 G LM-SC 71 Oak Lawn
“Deceptive athlete, good jump shooter. Plays within his limitations. Shares with his teammates.”
• Justin Cross 6-7 F LM-SC 72 Oak Park
“The gangly south paw was on the rise until an injury early January ended his season. He developed into a reliable rebounder & defender, specialist type. Headed to a Prep School.”
• Alex Wood 6-0 PG LM-SC 73 Normal U High
“Speedy/nifty back courter knows how to manage a game as well as his team. Plays with poise and he’s sure handed.”
• Manny Rodriguez 5-10 G LM-SC 74 Morton
“Heady tough kid who can shoot the cover off the ball was consistent all season. Played well during the Sectional Playoffs.”
• Marcus Skeet 6-4 G/F LM-SC 75 Waubonsie Valley
“Strong body swingman did his best to carry the team late due to losing top junior prospect Ben Schwieger. They were upset by West Aurora in the Sectional Playoffs early.”
• Johnny Close 6-4 WG LM-SC 76 Rockford Boylan
“Respectable outside shooter enjoyed the fine season. A system player.”
• Paul Zillinskas 6-4 F LM-SC 77 Riverside-Brookfield
“Kind of forgotten prospect has a European flavor to his game. Has all around skill set, we’ve often viewed him as a system player.”
• Brandon Lieb 6-11 C LM-SC 78 Deerfield
“Skyscraper with promise. His school team did not utilize his skills accordingly. Was able to impact some games with his shot blocking & rebounding.”
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