Illinois Top 50 Prospects Regardless of Class: #16-#20
In September we released our rankings for the classes of 2019, 2020, and 2021. What if you took those classes and did an overall ranking regardless of class? This is what they would look like! This is our Illinois Top 50 Prospects Regardless of Class!
Today we unveil prospects #16 – #20!
#16 Chris Payton (Bloomington – 2019)
Last Year’s Rank: #18
Payton is a big man that had a dominant junior season last year. Consistently posted eye popping numbers in primetime matchups. What you have to like about Payton is the athleticism he brings to the table at the four spot. High points rebounds in traffic and is an effective shot blocking presence. Offensively he can score with his back to the basket and has improved his face up jumper.
#17 Terrence Hargrove (East St. Louis – 2019)
Last Year’s Rank: #10
Hargrove is one of the best athletes in the state. The bouncy combo forward who is headed to St. Louis University plays with a high motor on both ends of the floor. His tenacity and quickness around the hoop is what makes him such a special prospect. Hargrove has a knack for rebounding the basketball and is a plus defender both on the perimeter and blocking shots. Offensively he excels getting on the glass for put backs and scoring in transition.
#18 Ramean Hinton (Curie – 2020)
Last Year’s Rank: NR
Hinton is one of the more under recruited juniors in the state. Powerful and athletic two guard that is a straight bucket getter! With Team Rose during the spring his jump shot made huge strides as he went from an ok shooter to one of the better ones in the class. Combine that with his ability to get to the rim and he is a scary prospect. Plays with an all-out motor!
#19 Nate Ferguson (Lemont – 2019)
Last Year’s Rank: #41
Been a huge fan of this Drake commit for a while. The Lemont four man filled out his frame with strength in his upper body. His athleticism popped off the floor during the spring and summer with Chicago Lockdown. He finishes well around the hoop with both power and fundamentals. Runs the floor well and stretches it out to beyond the arc with his shot in the pick/pop game. Potential as a weakside shot blocker.
#20 Tom Welch (Naperville North – 2019)
Last Year’s Rank: NR
Welch is one of the top two sport athletes in the state as he is also one of the best soccer players in America as a goalie. The Naperville North power forward’s future however will be on the hardwood at Loyola. He is a versatile four man that brings toughness inside rebounding and defending the post. Can also handle it on the perimeter attacking with ease from the high-post.