Potential Spring Stock Risers: 2018 Wings
In our series “Potential Stock Risers” we look at a group of prospects at each position in various classes and give insight to some of the players that could breakout this spring and see their recruitment take a major step forward. Here is our Potential Spring Stock Risers: 2018 Wings.
SF Talen Horton-Tucker (Simeon)
Overall Rank: #3
Position Rank: #1
THT is already the top ranked small forward in the class, but from a national standpoint we feel there is room for vertical movement. He has a couple high-major offers, but we expect him to be the second most productive player on the Fire this spring which should garner more attention from Midwest high-major programs. He is a big wing with shake and a quality skill level.
SG Drew Peterson (Libertyville)
Overall Rank: #4
Position Rank: #2
Peterson has great size at 6’7” on the wing. He has elevated his game this season especially being able to connect more consistently from the perimeter on jumpers. Long strides attacking the basket and has improved as a rebounder. He has had quite a few high-major programs show interest. We think he will start to rack up some of those offers in the next month.
SG Javon Freeman (Whitney Young)
Overall Rank: #16
Position Rank: #6
Freeman had a big season for the Dolphins. The Seton transfer started off a bit slow, but then got things rolling fairly quickly. The thin and rangy wing has the ability to beat opponents off the dribble and is a sound passer for a wing. Defensive potential. Should start to garner some mid-major offers.
SG RJ McGee (Kenwood)
Overall Rank: #17
Position Rank: #7
This is one of the more intriguing 2018 prospects. We saw potential in the spring/summer last year with his raw athleticism shining, but the skill wasn’t there. That improved greatly as a junior being a quality spot up shooter and his handles got tighter. This could be one of the players that explodes on the circuit. Wouldn’t be shocked to see him come out of April with multiple mid-major/low-major offers.
SF Justin Hardy (St. Charles East)
Overall Rank: #22
Position Rank: #2
Hardy has been super productive this season averaging 20 points and almost 10 boards per game. The biggest area of growth has been the transition from interior player to the perimeter. Jumper has become much more consistent as has his handles. Toughness still remains with his knack for rebounding. Along with Peterson he should be one of the most productive players on the Wolves and we look to see him land multiple D1 offers after the spring live periods.
SF Ethan Schuemer (Willowbrook)
Overall Rank: #29
Position Rank: #3
Schuemer is a 6’5” combo forward that plays mostly in the post for his high school team, but unless he grows will have to play more on the perimeter at the next level. He has the skill level to do it. Fundamentally sound player that can pass, dribble, and shoot. His versatility should attract low-major programs.
SF Sam Shafer (Lincoln Way East)
Overall Rank: #34
Position Rank: #4
Shafer is a skilled shooting wing that at 6’5” has quality size for the position. He had a productive junior campaign shooting it from three as well as improving his all-around game. With a need for floor spacers at the next level Shafer should get some looks by low-major schools in the spring.
SF Kani Acree (Carbondale)
Overall Rank: #35
Position Rank: #5
We have seen Acree in person a handful of times this year and came away impressed every single time. At 6’4” he has a strong body with solid athleticism. Uses his strength to bully weaker wings while scoring at the rim with solid body control. Jumper has improved as has his defense on the perimeter. Low-major schools should take notice of this southern Illinois wing.
SF Naseer Turner (Kenwood)
Overall Rank: #67
Position Rank: #11
Turner is a long and lanky small forward from Kenwood that was a candidate to breakout as a junior. That didn’t really happen. He has the projectable frame with plus athleticism. Flashes potential, but not on a consistent basis. If he can play with a more of a motor he could turn some heads.
SF Seth Kizer (Limestone)
Overall Rank: #79
Position Rank: #14
The Irish have had a breakout senior each of the past two years at the forward position in Matt Chastian and Taylor Bruninga. This could be a potential candidate for the next in line. Kizer is a 6’5” combo forward that can really shoot it from the perimeter. All-around game is a work in progress, but there is definitely potential here.