Scouting Chicago Elite: 2017 Part 1
The Chicago Elite Classic has become one of the premier national high school basketball events. PrepHoopsIllinois was in attendance from start to finish and we break down several of the 2017 prospects in attendance in part one of our junior…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Chicago Elite Classic has become one of the premier national high school basketball events. PrepHoopsIllinois was in attendance from start to finish and we break down several of the 2017 prospects in attendance in part one of our junior scouting report!
PF Christian Negron (Larkin _ 2017)
Negron showed why he is considered one of the elite 2017 prospects in the state. The 6’7” forward has tremendous length, strength, and athleticism. He showed more of his perimeter game off than we had seen in the past. The forward handled it against pressure defense while looking comfortable. He had a couple quick drives to the hoop and particularly liked to attack on the baseline. Solid mid-range shooter including a nice one where he went between his legs for a pull up. Around the hoop Negron uses his explosion and second jump ability to punish the opponent on the offensive glass and finishing inside. Defensively he is effective on all areas of the floor. He can be a rim protector down low, defend laterally on the wing, and pressure the ball at the top of a 1-3-1 zone with his length. He finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 blocks, and 3 steals. Complete game for the high major junior.
PG Nojel Eastern (Evanston _ 2017)
Eastern came off the bench for some reason to begin the game for Evanston. Once he did though the junior made an immediate impact. The big 6’5” point guard is smooth with the ball in his hands accelerating with the rock through traffic and to the rim. Slick handles in transition were on full display going coast to coast on multiple drives where he went to his favorite euro step to convert in the paint. The jumper was streaky. He knocked down a pair of them from beyond the arc. Tends to lean forward on the shots too much when he misses. When in rhythm and balanced in the catch and shoot he is effective. He went for 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.
SG Kenny Roberson (East St. Louis _ 2017)
Roberson is a prospect that has shown some intrigue when we have seen him play early in the season. The 6’2” junior is a smooth two guard that is best in an up and down game where he can display his athleticism. He finishes well in the paint with acrobatic finishes. Rangy defender that had a sick LeBron come from behind block. Needs to improve consistency on outside shot. Finished with 12 points and 4 rebounds. One to continue to monitor!
PG Jalen Clanton (Riverside Brookfield _ 2017)
Clanton started off on fire against Gonzaga. The strong and athletic guard drilled a pair of triples to open the contest. He is a quality shooter from both three and mid-range. Clanton is good pushing the ball in transition and finishes well around the hoop. Didn’t show a ton of passing in this one as his backcourt running mate Daniko Jackson took that role. Clanton did a fine job complimenting hitting open shots and scoring in the paint. He had 18 points. Mid-major to low-major level player.
SF Malik Binns (Morgan Park _ 2017)
Binns is a physical 6’5” combo forward that does most of his damage on the interior. He comes off the bench for the Mustangs and is still getting in the flow of things with his new team. Where he is most effective is hitting the offensive boards. He had four offensive rebounds mauling Evanston on the glass. Great energy and quickness inside. Offensive game is still developing. He had 2 points and 4 rebounds. Worth monitoring at the low-major level.
PG Evan Gilyard (Simeon _ 2017)</h2
Gilyard is one of the state’s more underappreciated playmakers. The lead guard is fast with the ball end to end accelerating with it as he goes. Always has his head up while weaving in and out of defenders looking to make a play. Gilyard gets penetration off the bounce and in the lane where he draws defenders and finds open teammates. Struggled with some turnovers in this contest. Defensively he is great pressuring the ball and creating steals. Had several picks that he turned in to buckets at the other end. The top 10 prospect had 12 points in the Wolverines victory.
SG Lucas Williamson (Whitney Young _ 2017)
Williamson quietly had a very productive night. The 6’4” junior shooting guard has a projectable game and versatility. He got out in transition and overall finished inside well including an and-1. Made lots of intangible plays and was one of the few Dolphins to impress although he could cut down on the turnovers. He had 12 points (4-5 FG) and 2 assists in the game. Mid-major to low-major target.
PG Jalen Frizell (Whitney Young _ 2017)
Frizell got the surprise start over more highly rated prospects. The 6’0” junior guard was best as a shooter off the catch. Also had a solid baseline drive. He had 10 points (4-7 FG) and 2 assists.
SG Craig Beaudion (Whitney Young _ 2017)
The Foreman transfer is definitely in a new role this year. After last year where he was the entire offense he is making the adjustment coming off the bench for Whitney Young. Beaudion only took three shots making one. Did a solid job on the boards. He definitely was not seeking his shot and in his first game with the Chicago power was trying to get in the flow of the game and find his role. He had 2 points and 5 boards. Still a D1 prospect.