Class of 2017 Top Wings
Who are the best of the best at the shooting guard and small forward positions in the class of 2017? We break down the top 10 here! Jordan Goodwin (Belleville Althoff) It was a dominant junior year and spring…
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Continue ReadingWho are the best of the best at the shooting guard and small forward positions in the class of 2017? We break down the top 10 here!
Jordan Goodwin (Belleville Althoff)
It was a dominant junior year and spring for Goodwin as he made his case for the top spot in the class of 2017 in the state which he claimed in the latest rankings. The 6’3” power guard showed off his complete game. He used his power to score on the interior through his man and get to the free throw line. When he is going downhill and attacking the hoop there isn’t a lot you can do to stop him. Jump shot is still inconsistent, but has definitely improved over the last year. I have always been a fan of his distribution skills, but it was very clear how elite he is as a passer in the EYBL. He made several incredible dishes with feel and touch in traffic. Mauled opponents on the boards as always this spring. His never ending motor and energy translates over to everyone around him. Coveted by high-majors across the Midwest.
Justin Smith (Stevenson)
The smooth wing played with confidence and aggressiveness in the second half of the high school season and spring with the Mac Irvin Fire. His perimeter shot was falling consistently from deep. Effective shooter both pulling up and off the catch from three. Solid mid-range game as well where he can stop and pop pulling up with elevation. Also attacked the basket more than we had seen in the past which goes back to his aggressiveness. In transition he was spectacular as a finisher with a handful of monster dunks. High major prospect.
Javon Pickett (Belleville East)
Pickett is lengthy 6’4” shooting guard that has a great frame to add strength onto. He is a smooth scorer that can get buckets at all three levels with ease. Pickett elevated his game during the high school season as we saw him drop 41 points in their opening victory. That continued during the spring with Ramey-Jets United. This junior might have one of the highest ceilings in the state’s 2017 class. He has committed to Illinois.
Elijah Joiner (Curie)
Joiner is a plus shooter from both mid-range and three. Sound mechanics and elevation off the floor on his shot. Really shoots it well off the catch. Also played a lot on the ball at the lead guard position proving he could handle the ball against pressure. Good handles for a two guard to create his own shot. Will never be a true point guard, but could be a combo in a pinch. Joiner cemented his status as a top tier recruit and should be coveted by mid-major plus programs.
Nana Akenten (Bolingbrook)
Akenten is a high ceiling 6’6” athletic wing. He is the man on his team for the Illinois Celtics/Hoopers on the grassroots circuit. He has displayed that go to scoring ability in a variety of ways. He is a plus perimeter shooter that can hit them from mid-range and three. Gets elevation off the floor with a clean looking stroke. Has slick handles and can take his man off the dribble to score. At times he over dribbles to much stopping the ball and has some turnovers because of that. Great speed in transition, but would like to see him go more straight to the hoop instead of so much side to side. Quick to the offensive glass from the wing position with his explosive second jump ability. Has a chance to be a quality defender at the college level. Mid-major prospect with upside.
Charles Payton (Olympia)
The 6’6” Olympia High School small forward is a bouncy prospect. Although he didn’t show a ton skill wise which is an area he will need to improve his athleticism is at such an elite level that he is effective on that alone. Payton hits the glass high pointing rebounds for second chance put backs. The transition game is his best asset offensively getting out in the open floor and finishing with ferocious slams. Defensively Payton moves well laterally and is a shot blocking presence coming out of nowhere to pin it against the glass.
Demarius Jacobs (Uplift)
The bouncy 6’3” shooting guard plays above the rim with ease. He is at his best in the transition game where he can run the floor and finish with ferocious dunks. Attacks off the bounce with an explosive first step where he finishes through contact. Jacobs usually is a quality shooter although he can be streaky at times. Consistency is the key. Mid-major to low-major target.
Trevian Bell (Joliet West)
Bell is a strong 6’5” small forward from Joliet West that works well in the mid-range. Makes sound decisions as a passer and consistently knocks down 15-18 foot jumpers. When attacking the hoop off the bounce he isn’t afraid to seek contact and get to the free throw line. Probably the top prospect on the Wolves 17U team and should be considered at the mid-major level.
Lucas Williamson (Whitney Young)
Williamson is a prospect that is starting to gain some buzz with low-major schools across the Midwest. He has showed his versatility on the Nike EYBL circuit with Meanstreets. The smooth wing does a nice job cleaning up on the defensive boards. Also gets on the offensive glass. Effective mid-range jumper. Solid passer that can also defend. Low-major target that is starting to gain some traction.
Jamal Nixon (Fenwick)
Nixon is a 6’3” power wing from Fenwick. He is a versatile player that does everything well, but not one thing exceptional. His biggest asset might be his passing from the off guard position. The 2017 prospect has feel and vision for finding his teammates in the half court as well as throwing crisp outlet dishes. Tough rebounder in traffic. Is at his best as a scorer attacking off the bounce. Jumper is still a work in progress. Low-major prospect.