Illinois Scouting: Holiday Tournaments 2016 Part 3
PrepHoopsIllinois was all over the state of Illinois scouting and evaluating prospects during the Holiday Tournaments. Here we break down some of the top 2016 players we saw in part 3 of our look at the senior class. SG…
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Continue ReadingPrepHoopsIllinois was all over the state of Illinois scouting and evaluating prospects during the Holiday Tournaments. Here we break down some of the top 2016 players we saw in part 3 of our look at the senior class.
SG Zack Norvell (Simeon)
The state’s top wing prospect in the senior class just wouldn’t let his team go home with a loss against Bloomington. The physical lefty went to the rack with authority both off the bounce with some powerful drives and was very active on the boards especially early. They were throwing multiple defenders at him, but he couldn’t be stopped. His body control around the hoop has become one of his strong suits. Later in the game the Gonzaga commit got the three ball to fall from deep. He had 26 points (10-17 FG) and 13 rebounds.
SG Josh Thomas (Simeon)
Thomas is one of the better uncommitted guards available in Illinois. The power 6’2” combo guard is crafty with the ball and loves to attack going downhill. He did have a nice dunk showing some explosion that we haven’t seen before. Finishes with strength through contact at the rim and hits the glass well. He had 20 points. Low major D1 programs need to take a serious look at this productive guard.
PF Zach Hondlik (St. Charles East)
The 6’6” power forward is a plus passer that really sees the floor. Tough and crafty rebounder. Skilled big can step out to hit a face up jumper on occasion. He had 7 points. Small college kid.
PG Evan DiLeonardi (St. Charles East)
The point guard is the clear leader on St. Charles East. He is a guard with a good feel for the game and getting his teammates involved. Cuts well away from the ball and is crafty getting in the lane. DiLeonardi had 14 points and would be a nice get for a D3/NAIA school.
SF JT Ford (St. Charles East)
Ford stands at 6’4” with the ability to really shoot the basketball. Deep range on his shot from three. Better athlete that you initially think and has a knack for being in the right spot at the right time. Should be a very solid small college get.
PF Peter Blust (Hinsdale Central)
It wasn’t the best game for the senior as he got in foul trouble, but there are a lot of things to like with the senior post. He has a good frame at 6’7” with long arms and filled out strength. He is light on his feet and moves well running the floor with ease. Blust posts up strong and shows quickness with his moves. Quality athlete that rebounds fairly well. Worth a look by D2 schools.
PG Creig Atkins (DePaul Prep)
Atkins is a 5’10” point guard that is quick and shifty. He is lightning with the ball in his hands going downhill to the basket. His quickness in tight spaces and explosive first step allow him to consistently win off the dribble where he hits floaters, layups, and gets to the foul line. Needs to improve as a passer to max out ability. He had 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. Should be pursued by NAIA and D3 programs.
SG Rodney Herenton (Stevenson)
Herenton started off slow, but when his team needed him the 6’2” shooting guard went to work. He was aggressive in the fourth quarter getting the lane and attacking the hoop with power and his euro step. Banked in a three late in the game. Also showed some passing ability throughout the contest. Could be a guy to look at for D2 programs and would be a great get for a high academic D3/NAIA. He had 13 points.
PG Ryuji Aoki (Stevenson)
Aoki has put himself on the radar with his play during his senior season. The 5’11” guard plays with flare and is extremely athletic. He finishes around the hoop with acrobatic finishes on a consistent basis. Pressure on ball defender that plays with a motor. Small college prospect.
PG Devin Gage (Curie)
Gage is a powerful point guard that when looking to score can be very effective. Powerful off the dribble and attacking the rim through contact. Improved his pull up jump shot. Passing skills showing development as a senior and he is the leader of his team. Gage is committed to DePaul.
PF Jordan Cunningham (Danville)
Cunningham stands at 6’6” with a big upper body. He knows how to use his strength inside. He seals well and posts up strong in the paint. The space eater plays physical in the paint and knows how to use his body to both rebound and score. Nimble footwork for his size. Very good D3/NAIA prospect.
SG Jamal Parks (Bloom)
Parks emerged on our radar with a strong performance. The 6’5” senior shooting guard is a rangy prospect that has a plus perimeter stroke. The release point is in front of his face, but he gets it off quickly and has a soft touch when in lands in the net getting a lot of arc on it. Shows toughness hitting the offensive glass for a put back every now and then. Talented perimeter shooter that could develop into a nice prospect for a D3, NAIA, or JUCO program.
SF Kevin Krieger (Plainfield North)
Krieger played well in their two games on Wednesday. The 6’6” small forward has good size and athleticism for the position. He is a plus perimeter shooter that can knock down pull up jumpers from mid-range. Good feel for when to take his shot and when to give it up. He is more athletic than I remembered from the summer as he had several blocks and dunks on back cuts. Against Niles West Krieger went for 20 points on 6-11 from the field and 6 rebounds. Probably best suited for the D2 level.
PG Ilijah Donnelly (Bloomington)
Donnelly was impressive throughout the day. Against Simeon he used his feel and passing to get others involved, but struggled to score. The senior had the scoring part down cold against Danville as he used his speed to get in the lane and push it in transition. Shot the ball well from beyond the arc. He can be a bit streaky with the jumper, but when he is on he can carry a team with his ability to beat a defense. Potential defensively with length and lateral quickness. University of Illinois Springfield got a good one! He had 19 points.
SG Daniel Sobelewski (Benet)
The 6’3” shooting guard has a thick upper body. The physical and crafty guard gets to the line at a high rate and is a productive rebounder for the two guard position. Finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Small college prospect.
PG Trayvon Tyler (Rockford Auburn)
Taylor is a 6’1” big bodied guard that is strong with the ball and powerful attacking off the bounce. Likes to drive on the baseline. Defensively moves well laterally and gets steals. Tyler had 16 points. Small college prospect.