Illinois Mr. Basketball Candidate: Nojel Eastern
In this series we take a look at the potential candidates for Mr. Basketball in the state of Illinois for this upcoming season. Here we profile Evanston 2017 guard Nojel Eastern. Profile: Evanston senior point guard Nojel Eastern has…
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Continue ReadingIn this series we take a look at the potential candidates for Mr. Basketball in the state of Illinois for this upcoming season. Here we profile Evanston 2017 guard Nojel Eastern.
Profile:
Evanston senior point guard Nojel Eastern has been a name on the radar for his entire high school career. He is a big 6’6” prospect with a great feel for the game. He never gets rattled and makes the right play with the ball in his hands. Eastern was a key member of a Meanstreets team that made it to the Elite 8 this summer in the Nike EYBL Peach Jam Finals.
Odds to Win:
12/1
Why he Can Win:
He has the name recognition being a player that has been known for the past three seasons. An underrated part of it could be the fact that he is such a likeable kid off the court. Great in interviews and very well spoken which speaks to some voters. He will be one of the top prospects in the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs on a team that is looking to make some noise this year.
Obstacles to Win:
Throughout his career Eastern hasn’t been a “dominant” high school player. He projects great toward the college level, but to win an award like Mr. Basketball it is about posting huge numbers, coming up clutch in big games, and leading your team to a great record. If he does those things as a senior there is no reason to believe he will not be in serious consideration for this award.