2020’s To Watch in Spring
College coaches are now just starting to focus a little bit on the underclassmen in the state of Illinois. Here are ten 2020 Prospects that are worth an early look and players we will be monitoring closely this spring!
PG Adam Miller (Peoria Manual)
Miller comes into the spring with the pole position for the top spot in the rankings when we debut them post summer. The Peoria Manual lead guard has good size and projectability. He is a playmaker with the rock in his hands as both a passer and scorer. Flashed the potential we saw on the 15U circuit with his high school team this year where he had to take on a bigger role with injuries.
PG DJ Steward (Fenwick)
Steward lit it up late in the high school season. He is a dynamic lead guard with the ball in his hands. Playmaker that proved on the varsity level he can score on a top team toward the end of the season. Plus athlete that is tough to contain. Look for him to have a breakout campaign.
PG Tyler Beard (Whitney Young)
Beard has solid length and strength for the point guard position. Works well in the pick and roll. Tight handles in the half court. Seems to have a high basketball IQ. Beard can hit a mid-range pull up jumper. Could be next in line to run the show for the Dolphins.
PG Elliot Sieger (DePaul Prep)
Sieger stands at 6’0” with a thin build. Slick ball handler that can get in the lane where he has a nice floater. He hits jumpers from three with a lot of arc on it. The shot mechanically isn’t a thing of beauty as it is a bit of a long release, but they go in. Crisp passer that flashes leadership qualities early in his career.
PG PJ Edwards (Springfield Lanphier)
At 6’2” the combo guard has a strong frame already. The power guard has a good feel for the game and uses his strength and quickness inside to score in the paint. Streaky perimeter shooter. He flashes the ability to get others involved. Saw limited minutes with Lanphier this year behind all their stellar guards.
SG Nimari Burnett (Morgan Park)
Burnett is an uber talented prospect that played complimentary role for the Mustangs in his first year of high school ball. Good athlete that is smooth with the rock in his hands. Gets where he wants to get his shot off. Doesn’t get rattled playing against older competition. Late in the season he hit some big three pointers. Has the potential to be one of the better wings in class.
SF Lamontay Daughtery (Duquoin)
At 6’5” Daughtery is a long and lanky small forward. He can handle it well for a player his size. Great in the open floor where he lets his playmaking skills take over attacking the hoop as a finisher. Slashes well in the half court as well being slippery through traffic. Sound mid-range shooter that can hit a three on occasion, but settles for it at times. High-major potential.
PF Shon Robinson (Morgan Park)
Robinson could be one of the top posts in this class. At already 6’8” he has a long and lanky frame where he should continue to be able to grow and will definitely need to get stronger. He runs the floor great in transition, is a solid rebounder, protects the rim, and even stretches the floor out to beyond the arc. One to track heavily this spring.
PF Quincy Ademokoya (Normal West)
At 6’5” the forward has a great frame that should allow him to continue to grow as well as get stronger. Plays with a big time motor for a young kid. His raw athleticism is outstanding with his ability to get on the glass out jumping opponents. Flashes offensively, but skill set will need to be rounded out. Defensively he is a dynamic shot blocker with timing. Also has the mobility to defend on the perimeter laterally and contest jumpers.
C Colin Crothers (Benet)
Crothers started for Benet this year as a freshman. Benet has had a history of producing quality post players over the years most notably Sean O’Mara. He is a big bodied post that has skill on the block. We look forward to seeing his development with the Illinois Wolves on the circuit.