Chicago Summer Jam: Sunday Standouts
Romeoville, Il — Sunday was the final day of the Baylor Youth Chicago Summer Jam NCAA certified event from Romeoville, Il. Plenty of College coaches were on hand to check out the action. Prep Hoops Illinois was in the gym and we look at some of the top performers of the day in Chicago Summer Jam: Sunday Standouts
SF – Zion Griffin 6’5’’ Hoopers Basketball Club (2018)
The SF for Hoopers/ Hinsdale South HS had Summer Jam buzzing all weekend. Griffin had one of the top single game performances on the day pouring in 31 pts and 8 rebounds in a victory over Windy City Magic. Griffin found a groove early hitting shots from all levels. He showed a much-improved outside shot with a quick release. Griffin was able to also knock down midrange shots off the dribble, he did an excellent job at getting to his spots and using a quick first step at the rim for an overall dominant offensive game. Griffin is looking more comfortable out on the wing this summer after spending a lot of time in the post for his high school due to their lack of overall size. The athletic wing is a Mid-Major D1 prospect who picked up offers from Toledo, Illinois State, Loyola & Milwaukee this weekend.
SF/PF – Mason McMurray 6’8’’ TNBA Ohio (2018)
Mason McMurray had a breakout Sunday helping lead TNBA Ohio to the 17U Championship. The 6’8’’ Stretch 4 is a self-proclaimed late bloomer who is soon to be on D2’s and Low Major D1’s radar after this week. In a victory in the Semifinals against the Hoopers McMurray did a little bit of everything. He has a quick release and is lethal from deep. He hit shots both off the catch and dribble and flashed sneaky athleticism with a couple big dunks out on the break. For his size, he can handle the ball well and showed good court vision. In the Championship game against the Chicago Demons, McMurray continued his strong play scoring from all levels and rebounding at a high rate. Came away really impressed with McMurray who made plays all day and on both ends of the court. Major upside for the forward out of Ohio.
SF – Austin Richie 6’5’’ Chicago Demons (2018 reclass)
The Small Forward Austin Richie who reclassified to 2018 and will Prep had it rolling from the perimeter for the Demons early on. He hit several big three’s in the semifinal 17U win against TNBA East He is a big guard at 6’5’’ and rebounded well on the day. Richie is a guy who brings energy with his high motor. Richie did a good job attacking the rim and getting to the lane as well as getting 50/50 balls. A prep year to help him hone his perimeter skills should him help down the line.
PG – Alfonse Hale 5’11’’ TNBA East (OH) (2018)
Hale out of Maple Heights (OH) made an impact for his team facilitating the ball to teammates and being a knock down shooter from 3. He hit some tough shots to help lead his team to a comeback win early in the day and continued his strong play in a semifinal lost. Showed the ability to defend and flashed good court vision as a passer.
SG – Tyler Cochran 6’2’’ Hoopers Basketball Club (2019)
The do it all guard out of Bolingbrook is a 2019 SG who played 17U and made plays on the day. He is a player who makes good basketball plays and can affect the game in many ways. He scored from deep and has some nice drives to the basket. Cochran also got out on the break and made plays for his teammates. He is a tough defender who moves his feet and has quick hands that lead to several steals on the day. Cochran picked up offers from Tennessee State and UIC this weekend.
PG – Maurice Commander 5’11’’ Young & Reckless (2018)
Commander didn’t score in bunches from deep like he is capable of, but the PG defended well and set his teammates up. He plays with poise and handled the ball and didn’t turn it over. When left open he knocked down threes’. Showed growth and maturity not forcing anything on offense but looking to get other involved. He added a Missouri Southern offer this weekend.
PG – Brian Roberts Jr. 5’8’’ TNBA Ohio (2018)
Another guard out of Ohio who can light it up from deep. Brian Roberts Jr. got hot in the championship game. A smaller shifty guard who uses his quickness to leave defenders and set up teammates. Did a fantastic job of staying active and moving without the ball and was rewarded with some open three point looks which he knocked down. Projects as a D2/NAIA player who should get some looks after this weekend.