Illinois 2018 Wing Stock Risers
We break down the shooting guard and small forward prospects that had the biggest boost to their stock in the latest rankings. SG Malachi Smith (Belleville East) Outstanding start to the season for this metro east junior guard. Playing…
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Continue ReadingWe break down the shooting guard and small forward prospects that had the biggest boost to their stock in the latest rankings.
SG Malachi Smith (Belleville East)
Outstanding start to the season for this metro east junior guard. Playing alongside one of the best wings in the senior class in Javon Pickett opens some things up for him, but there is no doubt he has elevated his game this year. Smith is a strong scoring two guard that has range on his shot and the body control to score in the lane. We have seen him multiple times with big scoring outputs this season. He makes the move from #29 to #15. Mid-major prospect
SG RJ McGee (Kenwood)
McGee was one of the biggest movers of the prospects that were previously ranked jumping up from #125 to #17. He flashed his elite athleticism on the circuit with Young & Reckless this past spring/summer, but was very raw other than that. McGee has improved that skill set as a junior. Shooting it with consistency from three, more fluidity handling it off the bounce slashing in the half court, and he has become a big time perimeter defender. Low-major prospect.
SF Ethan Schuemer (Willowbrook)
Schuemer emerged this summer with his play for Mercury Elite. At 6’5” he plays quite a bit inside for both his high school and travel team, but we project him as a combo forward at the next level. Has the skill to handle it on the perimeter and is a sound mid-range shooter with the ability to stretch it further in time. Quality passer and rebounds well for his size. Moved up from #47 to #29. Low-major prospect.
SF Kani Acree (Carbondale)
Like the progression in this wing’s game. He has good strength and athleticism at 6’4”. Acree has a crafty game off the bounce where he gets to the hoop slashing in the half court. The jump shot has really improved especially with more consistency from 15-18 feet pulling up. Solid rebounder. Defensively he gets in passing lanes. Jumped from #46 to #35 overall. Low-major prospect.
SG Jayden Gasby (Urban Prep Englewood)
Gasby is a very strong and super athletic two guard. He has proven this high school season he has the ability to score at a higher level. Jump shot has made major strides. Great athlete in the open floor. Made move from #85 to #41. D2 prospect.
SG Isaiah Saulsberry (Harrisburg)
Saulsberry really impressed us this past fall at the Southern Illinois open gym. He has followed that up with a strong junior campaign for Harrisburg. The junior went from unranked to #64 because of his ability to score.