Class of 2017 Outlook
We have been evaluating the class of 2017 for over three years now. What have we learned about it and what are the strengths/weaknesses of the group. What We Leaned This Spring: I think the biggest thing we learned…
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Continue ReadingWe have been evaluating the class of 2017 for over three years now. What have we learned about it and what are the strengths/weaknesses of the group.
What We Leaned This Spring:
I think the biggest thing we learned this spring was from a national perspective the expectations for this class do not quite live up to where we thought they were or would be. Don’t get me wrong there are still plenty of talented prospects at a variety of levels, but after watching them compete on the national grassroots circuit against the best of the best, it isn’t quite that top notch class that we had hoped it would be a year ago. It is still however the best class in the state at this stage.
Strengths:
Depth at All Levels. The class of 2017 has extreme depth at all levels. At this stage we project 6 high major prospects, double digit mid-major prospects, along with 30+ low-major targets. Quality depth at the D2 level with lots of prospects that are slightly lacking size or a skill to play at the D1 level, but will be productive prospects at the right D2. Then there is an abundance of prospects at an array of positions for NAIA and D3 programs to recruit.
Point Guards at D1 Level. The position is led by big combo guards Da’Monte Williams (Peoria Manual) and Nojel Eastern (Evanston) who are both high major prospects. Alonzo Verge (Proviso West), Jacob Keller (Fenwick), Teyvion Kirk (Joliet West), Evan Gilyard (Simeon), PJ Pipes (Lemont), Tai Bibbs (West Chicago), and Jimmy Sotos (Conant) are all being heavily pursed by D1 programs. Other names on the verge include Jalen Clanton (Riverside Brookfield), CJ Coldon (Belleville Althoff), and Keondre Schumacher (Normal U-High).
Weakness:
Transcendent Star. As I mentioned before I really like the talented at the top of this group and see half a dozen guys that will be quality high major players. There is nobody that casual fans can really get excited about and have the potential to be a lottery pick after one or two years. No AD, Jabari, Jahlil, Cliff, or Brunson. The two players that have the best chance are Jordan Goodwin (Belleville Althoff) and Da’Monte Williams (Peoria Manual). Both have the tools to be go to players at the next level for their college program and with a successful college career have an opportunity to play in the NBA. At this stage however neither is considered five-star prospects nationally.
Post Players. Not a ton of star power in the post in the class of 2017. Undersized and athletic power forward Christian Negron (Larkin) is the only high major prospect at this stage. A lot of power forwards that have the athleticism and look the part, but might not have the consistent production. The top two centers are big boys in Cameron Krutwig (Jacobs) and Joey St. Pierre (Richmond Burton). Both will be coveted with their size and ability around in the paint. Not a ton of depth after them at any level.