Recruiting Notebook
What is the latest across the state on the recruiting trail? We dive into that right here in our Recruiting Notebook!
Fred Cleveland to North Carolina A&T
Leo standout point guard Fred Cleveland saw what he needed to see on his official visit to North Carolina A&T and pulled the trigger on a commitment. The exciting playmaking guard told us why they were his choice. “After Coach Joyner and his staff offered me they have been consistent and trying to get me. They came to my school open gym twice and when I stepped on campus it felt like home. Nobody else recruiting me called and text me as much as them so it was me choosing what’s best for my future.” Cleveland is one of the leading contenders for player of the year in the Chicago Catholic League and is primed to lead his team downstate in March.
Jeremiah Washington Opts for Ferris State
Huge pick up for Ferris State as they landed the services of Bogan point guard Jeremiah Washington. The explosive point guard will join Aidan Shore to give them quite an inside-outside combo in the class. He spoke about his choice. “Felt comfortable on the visit. There’s nothing wrong with going D2. I don’t want to go to a D1 and not play where I can go to a D2 and play a lot and win at the college level.” Great fit for the D2 power!
Lewis Lands Their Big Man
Bolingbrook 2019 center Kameron Leonard had been a Lewis priority for a while. On Thursday Leonard made it official committing the D2 program. Why was Lewis his choice? “I chose Lewis because I really like their coaching staff and players. Also the convenience of it being close to home is good for my parents. Also they made me feel like the top priority which is somewhere any player wants to be. Going somewhere you’re wanted is better no matter what the level it is. I felt wanted at Lewis.” Leonard is a great fit for Lewis. Brings size, rebounding, and shot blocking to the table!
Visits Across State
Several prospects went on visits over the last week including Connor McCance (Emporia State), Ahron Ulis (Toledo), Donovan Newby (Toledo), Wes Hooker (North Park), Vuk Djuric (Lehigh), Jack Kahoun (Bethel), Chris Hodges (Purdue), and Jaxson Dian (St. Ambrose) to name a few.
Ryan Sroka Talks Recent Visit and Recruiting
Huntley junior wing Ryan Sroka impressed at the Spartz Fall Showcase. The 2020 wing recently took a visit to Illinois Wesleyan. “I really liked the campus. It was nice and small plus I like the coaches. They play really good ball over there and I think I fit that system over there.” Also Judson, Wisconsin Parkside, and Benedictine are showing early interest.
Latest with Oswego East Guard
Demari Grant is a point guard that shined with Chicago Lockdown over the summer. Quick and shifty guard with athleticism and a pull up game. On the recruiting front he says he has been in communication lately with Minnesota Crookston. “I like how they play an up tempo game. Their coach really likes their guards being able to handle the ball, create, and get in the lane.” They already have a commitment from Lyons combo guard Tyrese Shines. “They haven’t talked to me about it too much, but it is kind of obvious with me and Tyrese play similar games. I can get in the lane and he can shoot. It is a good combination.” Detroit also has been by to see him in open gyms.
Nalls Makes Move to Neuqua Valley and Talks Recruiting
Senior point guard Sentwali Nalls has transferred to play his senior season at Neuqua Valley. On the move he said, “It is to get better opportunities on and off the court. In the classroom as well as on the court. Being able to expand my game, lead, and hopefully get some looks.” The lead guard says on the recruiting front he is hearing from Illinois Institute of Technology. On Saturday he visited Milwaukee School of Engineering.
JR Cison Remains Sleeper
Lake Zurich 2019 point guard JR Cison is a tough and competitive lead guard that has a big time pull up game. He told us on the recruiting front, “Not much. I have been reaching out to some schools and getting responses from them. Interest from a few D2’s.” More small colleges need to get to see him during the high school season!
Connor Webb Garnering Interest
Lisle 2020 small forward Connor Webb is a plus shooter with size on the perimeter. Showed improved athleticism at the Spartz Showcase. He says that Indiana Wesleyan and Eureka are showing interest.
Top 10 2021 Tevin Smith Updates Early Recruitment
Danville wing Tevin Smith is a powerful wing with big time athleticism. At his best slashing, getting out in transition, and playing above the rim. He updated us on his early recruitment saying, “Illinois State recently came to see me. Purdue, Oregon has talked to me more, Butler, Stanford, UT-Martin, and Illinois.” The schools that have been into open gyms are Butler, Illinois State. What stands out about Butler? “The way they play. The chemistry they have. They like me a lot. I call them every two weeks and tell them how I am doing.” On Illinois State he said, “They want me to come to a game and talk to me more.” Right now UT-Martin is his only offer.
Elite 2022 Getting Early Attention in Open Gyms
Simeon freshman post AJ Casey is one of the best prospects in the state regardless of class. Colleges are starting to take notice! Casey told us that Wake Forest and Wisconsin have shown early interest after seeing him workout. On the Badgers he said, “The program is good. When I started watching basketball they were really good.” With Wake Forest he mentions, “Tim Duncan is one of my favorite players of all time. His footwork was amazing. I will definitely consider Wake Forest.”