Illinois Overall Prospect Rankings: #26-#30
In September we released our rankings for the classes of 2017, 2018, and 2019. What if you put all of those classes combined and did an overall ranking? This is what they would look like! Today we unveil prospects #26-#30!…
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Continue ReadingIn September we released our rankings for the classes of 2017, 2018, and 2019. What if you put all of those classes combined and did an overall ranking? This is what they would look like!
Today we unveil prospects #26-#30!
#26 SG Demarius Jacobs (Uplift – 2017)
Last Year’s Rank: NR
Jacobs is a thin and freakishly athletic two guard that excels in the open floor where he can use his speed and athleticism to finish over opponents. High flier that puts down some monster dunks in transition. Can attack off the dribble and finish in the lane in the half court. Jumper is streaky, but he can get hot from distance on occasion. Scores in spurts. Has a chance to be good defensively once he adds strength.
#27 SF Charles Payton (Olympia – 2017)
Last Year’s Rank: #10
Payton is an elite athlete that is super bouncy around the hoop. He is best in transition throwing down jams and getting on the offensive glass with his second jump ability for put back finishes. Jump shot is a work in progress. Defensively he has a chance to be very good defending both laterally and vertically. Consistency is the key with Payton.
#28 SG Kezo Brown (Simeon – 2018)
Last Year’s Rank: #3
Brown redeemed himself with a solid spring and summer with the Mac Irvin Fire after a non-existent sophomore campaign for Simeon. The lefty 6’2” shooting guard is scoring wing that likes to use his jumper. When in rhythm he can get hot pulling up from both mid-range and three. Needs to be a bit more consistent with it. Has the potential to be a high-major prospect and will have the opportunity to prove that this year for the Wolverines. Right now should be a guy that mid-major schools need to be heavily tracking.
#29 C Ciaran Brayboy (New Trier – 2019)
Last Year’s Rank: NR
Brayboy is a post in the class of 2019 with a lot of potential. The New Trier 6’8” center has legit size, strength, and length for the five position. He plays physical with his back to the basket and rebounds around his area. Was impressed with his development and efficiency on the offensive end scoring on the interior as the summer went along. Rim protector on the defensive end. Definitely one to watch going forward!
#30 SF Kai Bates-Diop (Normal U-High – 2019)
Last Year’s Rank: NR
Bates-Diop is a projectable wing that has long arms and a frame he can add weight on to very much similar in that way to his older brother who is at Ohio State. The younger KBD can also really shoot the basketball. That was on full display as he knocked down threes off the catch in July for the Illinois Wolves 15U. Defensively he moves well laterally and can block shots in the transition game. Also excels in open floor as a wing finisher. UPSIDE!