Early Signing Period: Final Four Potential Signees
With national signing day quickly approaching we have been closely monitoring the uncommitted prospects across the state. There are currently 35 prospects that are committed to a school and expected to sign during the early signing period. Who is left?…
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Continue ReadingWith national signing day quickly approaching we have been closely monitoring the uncommitted prospects across the state. There are currently 35 prospects that are committed to a school and expected to sign during the early signing period. Who is left?
When looking at the top 10 prospects in the senior class there is only one prospect left in Evanston’s Nojel Eastern. Out of the top 30 prospects in 2017 there are only nine that remain uncommitted. We look at the potential “Final Four” that could make news during the early signing period.
PG Nojel Eastern (Evanston)
Rank:
#6 overall and #1 PG
Schools in the Mix:
Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Seton Hall
Breakdown:
The top uncommitted prospect in the state is 6’6” point forward Nojel Eastern from Evanston. He is a smooth player that can both score and dish it with great size. When it comes to his recruitment Eastern has now visited all four of his finalists officially concluding with one to Ohio State this past weekend. This is a very close race that is truly a toss up. What is obvious is he is the biggest game changing recruit still left in the state.
Odds He Signs Early:
80%
PG Mark Smith (Edwardsville)
Rank:
#20 overall and #8 PG
Schools in the Mix:
Northern Illinois, SIU-Edwardsville, and Wright State
Breakdown:
Smith saw his recruitment skyrocket in July because of two factors. The first was he decommitted from Mizzou where he was going to be a baseball pitcher. Secondly he was great in July showing what we have seen during the high school season. Big and physical point guard with a good feel for the game and can shoot it. Smith has visited his three finalists officially. Close race between all of them. We are hearing it is fairly likely he will make a call in the early signing period.
Odds He Signs Early:
75%
SG Lucas Williamson (Whitney Young)
Rank:
#22 overall and #5 SG
Schools in the Mix:
Primary – Northern Illinois and Hofstra. Secondary – UIC, Green Bay, Incarnate Word
Breakdown:
Williamson is one of the more versatile wing prospects in the state of Illinois. He can contribute across the board with his scoring, passing, and perimeter defense. This is what makes him intriguing to so many schools. Williamson has taken official visits to both Northern Illinois and Hofstra. He spoke very highly of both schools with us recently. UIC, Green Bay, and Incarnate Word have been in contact he says.
Odds He Signs Early:
60%
PF Manny Patterson (Kenwood)
Rank:
#25 Overall and #4 PF
Schools in the Mix:
Central Connecticut State, Towson, UW-Green Bay, SIU, and Iona.
Breakdown:
Patterson is a well-built 6’7” power forward from Kenwood is a physical presence down low that is the highest rated post prospect left on the board. He has taken official visits to Central Connecticut State and UW-Green Bay. Central Connecticut State has made major moves in this recruitment. Iona and Towson making a late push for Patterson before the early signing period.
Odds He Signs Early:
60%
Top 30 Prospects That Will Not Sign Early:
Alonzo Verge (Thornton)
Charles Payton (Olympia)
Jacob Keller (Fenwick)
Coreyoun Rushin (Westinghouse)
Joey St. Pierre (Richmond Burton)