The Race for Mr. Basketball: DJ Steward
In this series we take a look at the potential candidates for Mr. Basketball in the state of Illinois for this upcoming season. Here we profile new Whitney Young junior point guard DJ Steward!
Profile:
Steward currently sets as the state’s #2 junior prospect. He transferred from Fenwick to Whitney Young after a coaching change with the Friars. What Steward brings to the table as a prospect in a smooth combo guard that handles it will and can really shoot the ball. Plus shooter pulling up from both mid-range and three. Like what he brings to the table from an intangibles standpoint with a high basketball IQ.
Odds to Win:
20/1
Why He Can Win:
Best player on perhaps the best team in the state. That is usually a good start to your candidacy. Whitney Young will have a national schedule that will also see them play in central Illinois and southern Illinois. This will definitely help him as more people will get eyeballs on the talented junior. He is ready to shine on the big stage especially after a very good July with Meanstreets.
Obstacles to Win:
The first is we don’t exactly know how all this is going to work with so many talented guards at Whitney Young. They have five or six guards that could start on almost any team in the state. That is a lot of mouths to feed and make happy for coach Slaughter. Will DJ be able to post the scoring numbers game in and game out with all of these guys on his team? Also anytime you are in a new situation it could take some time to adjust.