Illinois Class of 2017 Top Post Prospects
Here is a look at the 10 post prospects that are the top D1 caliber players from the power forward and center positions in this class. C Jeremiah Tilmon (East St. Louis) Tilmon is an elite potential McDonald’s All-American…
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Continue ReadingHere is a look at the 10 post prospects that are the top D1 caliber players from the power forward and center positions in this class.
C Jeremiah Tilmon (East St. Louis)
Tilmon is an elite potential McDonald’s All-American type prospect. He is a supremely talented low post player with the ability to score with his back to the basket with a variety of post moves. Can step out to hit a face up jumper on occasion. Defensively he impacts the game with his rebounding and shot blocking ability where he is a great rim protector.
PF Christian Negron (Larkin)
Negron is a 6’6” slightly undersized four man that utilizes his bounciness and motor on the interior to make up for his lack of ideal height. He is quick on the interior with his moves and has the ability to face up where he can hit a mid-range jumper or take his man off the bounce a couple dribbles. Solid offensive rebounder with a quick second jump and uses his length both laterally and vertically to be effective on the defensive end of the floor.
C Cameron Krutwig (Jacobs)
The Loyola commit has great size and strength at 6’9” with a big and powerful body. He is physical on the interior getting deep post position and rebounding in traffic. Knows how to use his body to get position and seal his man off. Shoots a high percentage and is light on his feet for his size. Outstanding passer both with outlets and passing out of the post when the double team comes. This might be where he shines the most.
PF Jameel Alausa (Chicago U-High)
The Chicago U-High product has a great frame with broad shoulders and big time athleticism. When he locks in and uses those physical gifts he is a problem. Quickness around the hoop finishing offensively and dominating the glass defensively made him a standout. Jumper needs some work to become more consistent.
PF Justin Carpenter (Mt. Carmel)
Southern Illinois 6’7” power forward that is one of the more skilled posts in the state. He can score with his back to basket with quick moves and a soft touch around the hoop where he is very efficient. Also has face up ability where he can hit a pick and pop jumper as well as put it on the deck a little. Actually plays some point forward for his high school team at times. Needs to add strength for long term success. Runs the floor extremely well.
PF Manny Patterson (Kenwood)
Patterson is among the top post prospects in the class. He is a physical 6’8” power forward that has a strong and mature body. Patterson had a quality junior campaign at Kenwood where he was a major part of the greatest season in school history. Excels defensively and with his toughness. Flashes offensive moves on occasion.
PF Connor Niego (Lyons)
Niego stands at 6’8” with length and the ability to get up and down the floor with ease. His ball handling has greatly improved over the last year. He has long strides in transition covering a lot of ground with the ball in a short amount of time. The skilled four man can hit the three ball on a consistent basis. The biggest area of growth over the summer was his added strength and ability to win 50/50 balls coming off the glass.
C Joey St. Pierre (Richmond Burton)
St. Pierre is among the top centers in the 2017 class standing at 6’9” 260 pounds. St. Pierre transferred back to Richmond Burton after starting his junior year at Indiana prep school La Lumiere. Displayed some power moves including a nice drop step for scores on the circuit this past spring. St. Pierre finishes powerfully off dump off passes on the interior. Passes it well out of double teams. Rebounds at a solid clip using his physical mass to box out. Will block an occasional shot. Lacks lateral foot speed guarding in a ball screen defensively. Probably the second best center in the 2017.
PF AJ Epenesa (Edwardsville)
The Iowa football commit is an elite player on the gridiron, but if he chose to play hoops would probably be a great mid-major talent. At 6’6” he is physically imposing around the rim with his strength. Not only that, but he has sound footwork, mobility, and touch to finish. Dominated as a junior playing for Edwardsville. The future is rushing the passer for this 5-star football recruit.
PF TJ Clifford (Downers Grove South)
Clifford is a mobile 6’6” four man with solid upper body strength. Likes to face up and can take his man out on the perimeter where he can hit a mid-range jumper or put it on the deck a couple times. Effective in the pick and pop game flaring out to the three point line to hit them on occasion. Quick around the hoop and toughness to compete on boards against bigger guys. Western Michigan commit.