Class of 2017 Outlook
The class of 2017 is the best group of prospects of the four classes in the state by a large margin. It has guys at every college level and across the board at various positions. Let’s look at the strengths…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2017 is the best group of prospects of the four classes in the state by a large margin. It has guys at every college level and across the board at various positions. Let’s look at the strengths and weakness of this group.
Strengths:
High Major Prospects. Right now there are clearly seven high major prospects with several more on the verge of it. By this time a year from now I would expect there to be close to 10 high major kids in the 2017 class. While none of the high major players are elite five-stars there are a lot of quality talents that can make an impact throughout their careers.
D1 Depth. The depth throughout this class is quite impressive. As of now I would project 7 high major prospects, 16 mid-major players, and 23 low-major talents. That’s 46 players that we feel comfortable saying they are division one players this early in the process. There will be more names that emerge and others just outside that range who prove they can play at that level. Could be as many as 60 D1 caliber players when it is all said and done.
Wings. The shooting guard and small forward positions are loaded with talent! They come in all shapes, sizes, and specialties. You have productive scorers, shooters, defenders, and projectable upside guys. Something to like for everyone!
Weaknesses:
Big Men. Just like in the 2016 class there are about 5-6 quality players at the power forward and center spots combined and then there is a bit of a drop off.
Top Chicago Public League Prospects. It is rare to look at the top 10 players in a class and not see it up and down with players from the public league in Chicago. This year’s class boasts only a pair from the city.
Five-Star All-Americans. I am a huge fan of this class for many reasons stated above. The one thing it is lacking is that marquee McDonald’s All-American. East St. Louis’ Jeremiah Tilmon was that guy before he transferred to La Lumiere (IN). It wouldn’t shock us to see one of these top guys in the class make a run at it with a big summer though.