Recruiting Report: Evan Taylor
We didn’t see a ton of Glenbard West 2019 small forward Evan Taylor on the travel team circuit this summer, but really liked the growth we have seen in his game since last high school season. Taylor stands at 6’6” with a nice frame and length. Definitely passes the eye test from a prospect standpoint. He is best at getting into the mid-range and pulling up off the bounce for jump shots. Gets elevation off the floor and has a good stroke. At times he can lean a bit forward on his jumper not being as balanced as he could be. Also can stretch it out to three pulling up. Definitely most comfortable shooting the rock off the bounce. Good ball handler that can play some point forward late in the game when his team needs him to do that. Excellent wing passer with an overall quality feel for the game. Not the most explosive athlete vertically or off the bounce. Takes quality angles to the basket and uses his long strides to cover a lot of ground. Defensively has upside to be a plus defender at the next level. Moves well laterally and contests with length. Will see a big bump in the next 2019 rankings update as he is a for sure D1 prospect with mid-major potential.
How is the season going early on?
“I think I am playing well and doing a much better job of handling the ball. Playing the point guard position more so I am able to make more decisions for other people and plays for myself. I have worked on that a lot this summer.”
He spoke about the areas he has had the most growth in as a player.
“I have improved a lot on my jump shots. My pull up game has improved. Ball handling, passing, and playing defense. I am a versatile player on offense and defense.”
Glenbard West was impressive when we saw them and Taylor thinks they are primed for a good year.
“I think this team is a definitely a team that we should make people look at us especially after we beat Downers Grove North. I think Oak Park and LT and Proviso we can beat all those teams if we keep playing like we have and hopefully get top three in the conference.”
What is going on with recruiting?
“It has gone really well because of my academics. Northwestern and Loyola have come to see me. Dartmouth has come. I have five offers from UIC, Southern Illinois, UAB, Rider, and Illinois State.”
Taylor went in-depth about each of the five schools that have extended offers to date.
Illinois State
“I really like Illinois State because of how much they play an up and down offense. They move the ball and when I went there on the visit it looked like something I would definitely fit into.”
UAB
“They do a very good job of going inside and out. They have big men and perimeter players. I could fit into that as well.”
SIU
“SIU does a good job of using their three point shooting and getting to the basket. They have a bunch of very versatile players.”
UIC
“I went to see them. They have a very versatile players and a bunch of big men. They get up and down which fits me well.”
Rider
“I like where they play in their conference. It is a really good conference. I like their offense which is kind of like we run here at Glenbard West.”
Any visits coming up?
“I will be attending a Northwestern game soon. I am planning on visiting SIU and Dartmouth.”
Taylor told us what he will be looking for in a program at the next level.
“For schools I really have an emphasis on academics. Having academics and athletics can help me purse things after basketball. Having a good school in a nice conference like the Big 10 or Conference USA. I feel like I could fit in there. Having a school with high academics is good for me.”