Nike Elite 100: Illinois Prospects Scouting
PrepHoopsIllinois was in attendance this past week at the prestigious Nike Elite 100 Camp. We have extensive scouting reports on all of the prospects at the event. Here we begin with the five Illinois prospects that participated in the camp and their evaluations.
C Francis Okoro (Normal West – 2019)
The state’s top 2019 prospect more than held his own in the STL. He measured in at 6’8 ½” without shoes, weighed 226 pounds, with an 85” wing span. This was Okoro’s second year at Elite 100 and he played the part of the veteran. The first aspect that stands out is his physical profile. Strong and physically built prospect that is athletic and moves great for his size. Mobile big man that runs the floor. Plays with a good energy level. He is an absolutely elite rebounder. It is nice to see Okoro in this type of setting where he is going up against similar style big men with just as powerful bodies. His combination of strength and athleticism makes him standout. Snatches rebounds at their highest point and really fights for them. Competes hard on the glass. Most of the time he is going to win the 50/50 rebound. Did some rim running throughout the camp for transition dunks and put back slams. Flashed in the post especially in the drills and showed improved fluidity. Still more work can be done, but he continues to progress. Face up game is an area that the five man is really focusing on in his development. In the drills he bricked some and seemed to be guiding it. Then once the games started and he wasn’t thinking about it as much he started knocking them down. Even hit a pair of catch and shoot threes. This will never be his go to game, but it is another aspect he can mix it. His game is rebounding, finishing with power, and protecting the rim which he does at a high rate. Top 25 player nationally and high-major prospect.
PF EJ Liddell (Belleville West – 2019)
Liddell started off the week well especially in measurements. He checked in at 6’6” without shoes, 218 pounds, and had a 82.5 wingspan. That means in shoes the Belleville West standout is a legit 6’7” which is more than solid for the four man he is on track to be at the next level. Could continue to get a little stronger, but was at a good weight. Liddell looked more comfortable on the perimeter. He has obviously put significant work in on this area of his game. Showed more consistency on the mid-range jump shot which allowed him to bring his defenders out. Overall he was just more fluid out there. He didn’t hit every shot, but was confident in shooting it and is making solid progress. Around the hoop he finished several times with powerful jams especially on dump off passes. Didn’t see a ton of post moves out of him, but they had him playing more of a 3/4 position. Defensively he was solid guarding on the perimeter. Good lateral mobility. Did foul a couple shooters on threes. Had several weak side blocks. He has a great second jump which allows him to sky for blocks and offensive rebounds. High-major prospect.
SF Malik Hall (Sunrise Christian, KS – 2019)
Hall is originally from Metea Valley High School in Illinois, but moved out to Sunrise Christian in Kansas to play his prep ball. He is 6’6” without shoes, 207 pound, and 78” wingspan smooth wing. Hall showed well in the drill work. He is very precise with everything that he does. Takes to coaching well and has a high basketball IQ along with a big time skill level. Has got stronger in his arms which allowed him to score a little more in the post. Looked good using his right handed jump hook. Rebounds well and was excellent grabbing defensive boards and pushing in the open floor. I thought were he excelled the most was with his passing. Hall was electric with the rock in his hands dishing to cutters and finding finishers in transition. Didn’t score a ton and his jump shot wasn’t as good as we are accustomed too. Played tough D especially on national top 10 prospect wing DJ Jeffries holding him down in their matchup. High-major prospect.
SF Kahlil Whitney (Roselle Catholic, NJ – 2019)
Whitney is also originally from Chicago, but moved out east last year for his sophomore season. Whitney is 6’5” without shoes, 189 pounds, and has a great 82” wingspan. The rising junior is a freak show athlete. Strong upper body with broad shoulders. Snatched rebounds at their high point throughout the week. Was one of the better wing rebounders we saw. Best when he can play off his athleticism. Running the floor and finishing with explosion. Never going to be a super skilled kid he does show improvement on form hitting a few mid-range jumpers and handles it well in the open floor. Didn’t really see that dominant go to scoring ability at camp. High-major kid that will bring big time athleticism and upside.
PG DJ Steward (Fenwick – 2020)
Our last Illinois prospect was the only 2020 from the Land of Lincoln at the event. He debuted this week at #1 in the state’s first class rankings. At check in Steward measured 6”0 ½” without shoes, 149 pounds, and had a 73” wingspan. He will obviously need to add strength over the next few years. Has the frame and time to do it! What we love about Steward is how smooth he is with the ball along with his demeanor on the floor. It is clear he loves the game and guys gravitate toward him. Used his slick handles to get in the lane throughout the camp. Won time after time off the dribble. It was definitely an adjustment for him going against the elite shot blocking bigs as he strugged finishing around or over them at times, but did make his share at the rim. Mid-range game was on point. Slightly long release that can be sped up in time, but has a clean and pure stroke. Flashes ability on the defensive end with his length, lateral quickness, and anticipation. Even blocked a three pointer. High-major prospect.