Class of 2018 Illinois Top Wings
We have looked at the stock risers and overall view of the wings in the class of 2018. Now let’s look at the best of the best at the position. Tim Finke (Champaign Central) The state’s top 2018 prospect…
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Continue ReadingWe have looked at the stock risers and overall view of the wings in the class of 2018. Now let’s look at the best of the best at the position.
Tim Finke (Champaign Central)
The state’s top 2018 prospect more than held his own in the Nike EYBL playing up on the 17U level. At 6’6” the Champaign Central standout has great size for the position and has added some strength since we saw him even a few months ago during the high school season. He can shoot the ball from the perimeter off the catch from three with a clean stroke and elevation off the floor. Gets out in transition where he finishes above the rim. High level athlete that plays with a high IQ and is tough as nails. High major prospect and top 2018 in Illinois.
Talen Horton-Tucker (Simeon)
The 6’4” wing continues to elevate his stock! Horton-Tucker doesn’t look the part at first, but he really impressed coaches with his game in the spring live period. The Simeon wing is the most productive 2018 prospect in the state. He does a little bit of everything with his versatile game. Doesn’t look overly explosive, but gets up a few times for dunks. Rebounds at a high rate snatching boards and clearing with his elbows. Plus passer with feel and shoots it well off the catch from three. Mr. Intangible should see his recruitment pick up after the spring.
Kezo Brown (Simeon)
Brown was nonexistent as a sophomore after a huge freshman campaign at Simeon. He started to see his stock fall last July and that continued through the high school season. Brown has had several great performances this spring with the Mac Irvin Fire 16U including his stellar play in Ft. Wayne at the Run N Slam. The lefty scoring guard has range on his shot and is a slick ball handler. If he can put it all together he has high major potential.
Drew Peterson (Libertyville)
At 6’6” this wing has everything you look for in a young shooting guard prospect. Tremendous size and length. Smooth athlete that accelerates with the ball in his hands. Plays well in the open floor with slick handles. Speed in transition going end to end for finishes. Plus plus shooter from three particularly off the catch. Was impressed with what he did defensively using his lateral foot speed and length to cause havoc. Mid-major programs need to start tracking him.
Armon Brummett (Decatur MacArthur)
Brummett is a 6’4” shooting guard with strength and athleticism. He is a pure scorer! He plays with swagger and confidence. The 2018 wing has deep range on his jump shot, pulling up from Stephen Curry territory. Very powerful when he has the ball in his hands and is going downhill. Slick handles in traffic.
Justin Boyd (Whitney Young)
Boyd is a 6’3” shooting guard from Whitney Young that is a sharp shooter from the perimeter. Boyd is a plus shooter off the catch with a quick release and sound mechanics. When he gets on a roll it is OVER! This is by far the best part of his game at this stage, but he is a bouncy athlete that has a chance to round out his skill set.
Devonire Glass (Simeon)
Glass is a rangy 6’7” wing that transferred to Simeon from Indiana this past year, but didn’t get much time on the varsity level. He has a long and projectable body. Glass is most effective in the mid-range where he operates with a smooth pull up game. He can knock them down from 15-18 feet with ease. Also gets out in the transition game where he uses his long strides. Solid rebounder. Would like to see more consistency, but there is no doubting his talent.
Lacey Watson (Rock Island)
Watson is the man for his Quad City Elite 16U squad. The 2018 guard has go to scorer ability. The athletic wing likes to get to the hoop in the half court by beating his man off the bounce. He gets to the free throw line at a high rate because of it. Potential on his jump shot is definitely there from mid-range and stretches it out to three on occasion. Shot selection is an area he will need to continue to improve. Defensively he gets in passing lanes every now and then for steals. If he can be consistent game in and game out he has D1 potential for sure.
Darius Beane (Carbondale)
The 6’3” guard has a long and rangy frame with good athleticism. He is starting to get stronger in his legs and his athleticism continues to improve because of it. Beane played more on the ball this year showing off his vision as a distributor. He makes crisp passes to shooters and slashers. Beane handles the ball well with slick combination moves and a lethal crossover where he can leave his opponent in the dust. Likes to use jab fake to set up moves and create space. Perimeter jump shot has made strides and is a major weapon. When he gets in a rhythm and steps into his shot confidently the young guard is a plus three point threat. Balanced, gets elevation, and has good mechanics at the top of the release. Isn’t afraid to stick his nose in and hit the glass. Consistent production is the key for him.
Javon Freeman (DePaul Prep)
Freeman is a long and thin shooting guard at 6’4” with an angular frame. The two guard played a lot on the ball in the games we saw him play during the spring. Made several nice passes in the half court showing a solid feel for the game. As a scorer he is best taking his man one on one off the bounce getting to the rim. Jumper is inconsistent although he can hit one from three on occasion. Pushes it in transition.