Class of 2018 Illinois Top Post Prospects
Who are the best of the best at the power forward and center positions in the state of Illinois? We break them down here. Messiah Jones (Simeon) The 6’6” power forward continues to show his immense potential. Very active…
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Continue ReadingWho are the best of the best at the power forward and center positions in the state of Illinois? We break them down here.
Messiah Jones (Simeon)
The 6’6” power forward continues to show his immense potential. Very active on the offensive glass getting put backs and tip dunks. Quickness around the hoop is his forte. Showed a little skill too in the spring hitting mid-range jumpers and going to a left handed jump hook several times. If he hits that growth spurt watch out!
Tyree Martin (Curie)
Tyree Martin is really starting to emerge in the 2018 class. The Curie four man is a force on both ends of the floor. First and foremost he is an outstanding offensive rebounder. He hits the glass with an explosive second jump recording multiple put backs in every game. Very active on the offensive end with his high motor and energy. Not a real back to the basket scorer yet, but gets his points running the floor, on offensive rebounds, and quick dunks. Defensively is a major presence swatting shots. Uses length and bounce to change the game. He should be looked at by low and mid-major schools already.
Treavon Martin (Curie)
Martin is a 6’8” four man that put his name on the map across the state in the state tournament where he had a huge effort to help Curie capture the title. Plus defensive rebounder that high points the ball with his great length. He has got stronger in his upper body over the last few months. Offensively is pretty raw in the post beyond catching quick passes for dunks. Can knock down a 15-18 foot jumper on occasion. Definitely has D1 potential.
Raekwon Drake (Orr)
Drake is now running with the Milwaukee Rebels 17U on the circuit. The 2018 prospect is a 6’5” physical beast. He has great strength and elite athleticism. Drake changes the game with his quickness, bounce, and elite hops around the rim. Powerful in transition and finishes through contact at rim. High motor. At only 6’5” I don’t know how much he is going to grow so the next year will be huge for him to improve his perimeter skills to become a three man.
Jordan Boyd (St. Joseph’s)
Big fan of this 6’5” angular four man. Boyd has gotten stronger in his upper body over the last year. He plays under control and has good footwork in the post. Finishes strong on the interior and uses his length to be active on the offensive glass. Played a limited role for his high school team, but flashed. Ceiling will depend on how much he grows.
Isa Maguire (Lindbloom)
Maguire has a lot of raw tools with size at around 6’9” with super long arms. He is thin, but has the frame to continue to add strength. Quality area rebounder that high points balls with length. Likes to score using his mobility on the interior. Flashes ability down low, but it isn’t consistent at this stage. Needs to be monitored by low-major programs.
Tamell Pearson (Morgan Park)
Pearson was a name that emerged on the radar this spring. The 6’8” long and mobile four man didn’t see much time at Morgan Park, but he made an impact for the Fire 16U. Pearson has a raw offensive game, but his combination of size, length, and athleticism makes him intriguing. Gets on the offensive glass and is a presence defensively blocking shots. With the lack of bigs in 2018 expect this to be a kid that emerges over the next year.
Jalen Shaw (Larkin)
Shaw has a tremendously projectable body. Long and lanky frame with broad shoulders. Runs the floor well for his size. Shot blocking presence defensively protecting the rim. Raw and mechanical offensively at this stage. Can catch a pass and dunk, but not much else. Still has low-major potential considering his size and upside. Right now worth being heavily monitored at the D2 level.
Mick Sullivan (Marimon Academy)
Sullivan stands at 6’9” from Marimon Academy. The 2018 prospect plays up on the 17U level with Team RWA and holds his own. Big bodied and country strong post that has slimmed down a little which has improved his mobility. Tough area rebounder and was a presence on the defensive end blocking and altering shots this spring. Potential low-major prospect to continue tracking.