Illinois Seniors Creating Recruiting Buzz
What unsigned senior prospects are creating the most buzz early in the season on the recruiting trail? These are five in-state 2017 prospects that are generating college looks with their play early in the season. PG Mark Smith (Edwardsville)…
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Continue ReadingWhat unsigned senior prospects are creating the most buzz early in the season on the recruiting trail? These are five in-state 2017 prospects that are generating college looks with their play early in the season.
PG Mark Smith (Edwardsville)
Smith decided to hold off on making a commitment after taking a trio of official visits during the early signing period. He wanted more options and they are coming in fast and furious. Big 10, Big 12, SEC, and Missouri Valley schools are starting to track Smith after his monster first week of the high school season where he posted huge scoring numbers along with stuffing the stat sheet. Picked up offers from DePaul and Loyola in recent weeks. Smith is a power guard at 6’4” with great strength in his upper body. While not quite an elite athlete he knows how to get where he needs to get the job done. Sound mid-range shooter. Plus feel for the game and getting others involved. Rebounds well for his position.
SG Lucas Williamson (Whitney Young)
Williamson has taken over the leadership role for the Dolphins. The 6’4” wing has been outstanding early in the season not only showing his versatility, but has shown he can score at a higher rate when asked. The senior hangs his hat on being able to stuff the stat sheet with his rebounding, passing, and contributing on defense. Through a few weeks of his final high school season he is drilling mid-range jumpers with consistency and has had a more aggressive offensive scoring mindset. Williamson had offers from Northern Illinois and Hofstra, but opted to not sign early. We expect him to land a few more offers here in the near future.
SG Carlos Hines (North Lawndale)
Hines is an athletic and explosive scoring guard that created some buzz with his play in the summer as well as in open gyms. He has posted consistent scoring numbers in the early part of the high school season. With college coaches looking for athletic wings that can put the ball in the basket he is a hot name with low-major programs on the recruiting trail.
PF Taylor Bruninga (Illini Bluffs)
There might not be a single name that has blown up more in the state this season than Bruninga. We saw him quite a bit throughout the circuit with the Illinois Irish. He is a floor spacing four man that can really shoot it from the perimeter off the catch. Has some sneaky bounce where if you close to fast he can go around for a dunk. The questions for us was we didn’t see much of a post game and he wasn’t a consistent rebounder on the circuit. He squashed the rebounding one by averaging close to 16 boards a game the first week along with 35+ points. He isn’t playing the greatest competition, but Bruninga is posting just ridiculous numbers and after a summer where he garnered multiple D2 offers, but no D1’s that is about to change as low-major and mid-majors are flocking to see him play.
SG Justin Fox (Dwight Township)
Fox is another small town prospect that flew a bit under the radar. He played on Mercury Elite’s second 17U team and was clearly the best player. Fox has a natural feel for scoring with a smooth jumper and knack for getting where he needs to get his shot off. He has put up some crazy numbers early in the season as he is currently averaging 32.3 points while shooting 45% from three point range. Also contributing 12.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals a contest. Elevated his stock to where he is creating interest at the D2 level and even some low-major D1’s might take a peak.