Illinois 2016 PG Stock Risers

<p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">Here we go in depth on some of the point guard prospects that boosted their stock in the latest 2016 rankings.</span></span></p><h2>Charlie Moore (Morgan Park)</h2><p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">Moore was already the top dog at the point guard position, but he took his game to another level and grabbed the top spot overall regardless of position with his play in July.  Moore played well with the Mac Irvin Fire at Peach Jam and out in Las Vegas where he helped them pick up a pair of second place finishes during the final live period.  We were extremely impressed with his play at the Nike Global Challenge.  Against the best of the best he rose to the occasion getting others involved while still managing to get his buckets.  Moore proved he could get in lane with ease and finish over bigger defenders with a sweet runner and pull up game.  His assist/turnover ratio continues to improve.  High-major Midwest point guard priority.</span></span></p> <h2>Mike Smith (Fenwick)</h2><p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">Smith has always been among my favorite lead guards in this class.  He has been overlooked since he came into high school despite his consistent play.  The Fenwick guard had a strong July on the circuit making a name for himself at the Adidas Camp as well as with Team Rose in Atlanta and Las Vegas.  Smith is a slick handling floor general who has a quick first step and gets in the lane with ease where he likes to use a stop and pop pull up jumper as well as a runner in the lane.  His value as a passer is undervalued in my opinion as he runs the pick and roll well and makes sound decisions.  Pesky on ball defender.  Worth a look at the mid-major and low-major levels.</span></span></p> <h2>Tarkus Ferguson (Belleville Althoff)</h2><p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">Ferguson is a big combo guard at 6’3” that is rangy and angular.  The Belleville Althoff standout has long arms and plus athleticism which give him a chance to be a standout on the defensive end.  When locked in and engaged on that side of the ball he can be a monster with his physical gifts and lateral quickness.  Offensively he does a little bit of everything.  Ferguson has improved as a perimeter shooter hitting catch and shoot shots with more consistency.  He handles it well for his size and shows flashes of lead guard skills although he usually isn’t the primary ball handler for either his high school or travel team.  High ceiling for mid-major or low-major guard.</span></span></p> <h2>Canaan Coffey (Batavia)</h2><p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">Coffey elevated his stock with his play for Tri City Thunder throughout the circuit, but was particularly effective to close out July at the KC Hardwood Classic.  The 6’2” guard shot it lights out from the perimeter with a great looking perimeter shot.  He was money both in the catch and shoot and pull up off the bounce.  Coffey has a good feel for the game and can also distribute when used as a primary ball handler.  Needs to be on the D2 radar and is a steal at the D3/NAIA level.</span></span></p> <h2>James McQuillan (St. Charles East)</h2><p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">McQuillan also opened college coaches eyes for Tri City Thunder.  At 6’4” the St. Charles East guard has tremendous size for the position.  He is still learning the game as a floor general, but has a lot of tools to work with.  The senior is strong with the basketball and has good vision and feel finding teammates.  He is also an adequate shooter.  Definitely worth monitoring at the D2 level especially as his high school season goes along and is a great D3/NAIA candidate.</span></span></p> <h2>Lee Higgins (Plainfield East)</h2><p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">Higgins is an athletic and rangy lead guard that is a standout on the defensive end.  During July we saw him completely take opposing point guards out of the game and not allow them to get the offense started.  Offensively Higgins is at his best attacking the hoop and getting to the rim where he finishes with acrobatic layups through contact.  Great D3/NAIA prospect!</span></span></p>