High Academic Showcase Standouts
Wednesday night PrepHoopsIllinois took in the first day of the second live period at the High Academic Showcase in Waukegan. Check out a few of the standout performers from the event!
SG Zion Young (Simeon – 2018)
The new Simeon wing who transferred in from Utah is a name we have known for a while with his play on the circuit. He is a strong wing with big time athleticism. That was shown off at the camp with a few thunderous jams. One he caught in traffic a bounce pass and pogo sticked it up for a flush. We didn’t see him shoot it a ton, but he has done that well throughout his career. Young should be monitored by mid-major programs. Best prospect in the house from 2018 class.
PF Gage Bergeron (Dundee Crown – 2018)
We heard some buzz coming out of the first live period about Bergeron and it continued into his play here. Bergeron is a 6’8” post that has length and broad shoulders. Good athlete that is mobile and runs the floor well for a post. Rim runner in the open floor. Works well in the pick and roll setting good screens and finishing at the rack. Finishes well in the paint with quick and bouncy post moves where he gets height on his shots. Quality rebounder in and out of area. D2 prospect that needs to be on more schools radars.
PF Treavon Martin (Curie – 2018)
Martin had an outstanding showing at the camp. His game starts with rebounding and defense. High points rebounds as he consistently out jumps his opponent for boards. Snatches them with his strong hands. The long and lanky big is a rim protector that takes pride in having the other team not get anything in his paint. Offensively he got a couple dunks and drilled a mid-range jumper. Looked good working with his brother in the high/low both as a passer and finisher. Low-major prospect with mid-major upside.
SG Jayden Gasby (Curie – 2018)
Gasby is a big and physical wing that is making the move to Curie for his senior season. He was on fire shooting it from deep at the camp. When he gets hot he can carry a team for stretches. Likes to use the pull up creating separation and rising above his opponent. Knock down shooter that is just a bucket getter. His shooting compliments his strength and athleticism which allow him to get to the rim and finish in the open floor. D2 prospect.
SG Ryan Martin (Fremd – 2018)
Martin is a player that goes a little under the radar with his understated demeanor and he doesn’t force things. Versatile high academic wing that is a stat sheet stuffer. Good wing passer that can drill pull up mid-range jumpers for days. High academic D2 schools need to be on him.
PG Alex Casieri (Deerfield – 2018)
This 2018 point guard is a pass first guard that likes to get others involved. Showed in the last game of the night his passing feel and flair. Moves well without the ball to get open and is a solid shooter. Tough kid should be on D3 and NAIA schools watch list.
C Alex Timmerman (Crystal Lake Central – 2019)
Timmerman is a big bodied 6’8” center that is your classic old school big man. He plays with his back to the basket and shows a high skill level doing it! The center displayed a couple nice hook shots along with fundamentally sound footwork in the post. He isn’t the greatest athlete, but makes up for it with skill. Mixes in a mid-range jumper on occasion and is a quality area rebounder.
SF Kasean Pryor (Robertson – 2019)
This 6’7” combo forward has some projectability with his length and size. Will need to add on significant strength going forward, but he can really shoot the basketball. At times gets a bit trigger happy with it, but Pryor shot it at a solid clip throughout the camp with a clean release. Handles it ok in transition, but lacks the strength to finish through bigger defenders.
SF Keenan Jones (Whitney Young – 2019)
Jones is a 6’4” small forward from Whitney Young that flies a bit under the radar as he didn’t play as a sophomore due to a loaded Dolphins state title squad. Look for him to get on the floor this year. Very intriguing with his length and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. Offensively shows well as a spot up shooter from the corners and wings off dribble penetration with his lefty stroke. Good athlete that gets out in transition. Defensively his length and activity level make him a plus defender that plays with a motor on that end of the floor.
SF Jeremiah Hernandez (St. Viator – 2019)
Hernandez is a 6’4” wing with a smooth game. The ultra smooth wing is best in the open floor where he can use his size to see over the defense along with handles to get to the rim. Also got multiple steals on the perimeter cutting passing lanes which led to buckets on the other end of the floor. Hernandez is a D1 prospect.
PG JR Cison (Lake Zurich – 2019)
Cison is a 5’11” point guard that is a tough kid! He plays the point guard position with a ton of flair. What you have to like about this prospect is how well he passes the ball. Crisp ball handler that gets where he needs on the floor and once he blows by the defense is more than willing to kick to teammates for open threes or dump off passes.
SF Jayden Johnson (Batavia – 2020)
This was my first time checking out this wing and I came away impressed. Johnson is a 6’4” small forward from Batavia that is a thick bodied wing, but it is mostly baby fat that he should be able to lean out in time. Crafty ball handler that finishes well around the rim. Plus shooter with an excellent shot from deep. One to watch moving forward!