Top Illinois 2021 Wings
The wing class is insanely loaded in the 2021 class. How stacked is it? 10 of the top 12 overall prospects in the class are shooting guards or small forwards! We look at the premier wings in the junior group…
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Continue ReadingThe wing class is insanely loaded in the 2021 class. How stacked is it? 10 of the top 12 overall prospects in the class are shooting guards or small forwards! We look at the premier wings in the junior group here!
Max Christie (Rolling Meadows)
Current Ranking: #1
Christie has been the top prospect in this class since they came into high school and there is no reason to believe he won’t go wire to wire as #1. The long and wiry two guard has such a feathery jump shot from all over the floor. Hits off the catch, can create his own shot off the dribble, and is improving his fadeaway game out of the post. Just an effortless player that makes everything look so easy on the floor.
Bryce Hopkins (Fenwick)
Current Ranking: #2
Hopkins is one of the most dominating players in the state of Illinois. He is a big bodied combo forward that over powers most opponents with his ability to get to the rim and on the glass. He attacks downhill with brute force, but is also skilled handling it and maneuvering through the defense. Solid jump shooter that showed it off a the Proviso West Tournament when we saw him connect on several pull ups including the game winning three. He has already committed to Louisville.
Brandon Weston (Morgan Park)
Current Ranking: #3
Weston is an athletic two guard that after sitting out last season has showed why he is such a coveted prospect at the next level. He has been a big time perimeter scorer for the Mustangs all season long. Three level scorer that can get buckets off the bounce, from the mid-range, and hitting threes. More than just a scorer he is a plus defender and really good wing rebounder.
Ahamad Bynum (Simeon)
Current Ranking: #5
Bynum has already giving his early verbal commitment to DePaul. The Blue Demons are getting one of the premier bucket getters in the state. We often refer to Bynum as a microwave scorer. Meaning he can heat up in a hurry and carry his team. The Chicago tough guard has done just that in several of the outings we have seen him this year drilling threes in bunches. Brings a tenacity to the game that will allow him to be an impactful player at DePaul.
John Poulakidas (Neuqua Valley)
Current Ranking: #6
Poulakidas is a name that has been in the mix as a top 10 player for the last two seasons. What do we like about his game so much? He is a left handed wing that has an elite jumper. The 6’5” small forward is an big time shooter that has one of the most lethal pull up games we have seen in recent memory. He drills them from three and stopping and popping on a dime from 15 feet. Has also improved his athleticism and ability to score off the bounce tightening up his handles.
Louis Lesmond (Niles Notre Dame)
Current Ranking: #7
Lesmond is one of the premier shooters in this class. The wing is from France and transferred to Niles Notre Dame after playing his sophomore season at Evanston. He has positional size and a feathery jump shot. Knocks down shots at a high clip from beyond the arc with deep range. His athleticism and all-around game has started to shine through as a junior.
Isaiah Barnes (OPRF)
Current Ranking: #9
Barnes is a smooth two guard with a high ceiling for a prospect. At times he can carry his team with his scoring as a three level bucket getter. We have seen him several times this year get off to slow starts in games only to rally in the second half for huge performances in the last 16 minutes. Would like to see that consistency there all game long. His upside as a prospect is evident with a smooth jumper.
Jaylin Gibson (Evanston)
Current Ranking: #10
Gibson is the best stat sheet stuffer in this class. He isn’t necessarily elite at one aspect, but is good at everything. We think his best asset is his ability to distribute the basketball whether he is playing on or off the ball. Feel especially collapsing the defense and kicking to shooters. Rebounds very well from his wing spot and is a plus defender at either backcourt spot. As a scorer he is a slasher that can convert at the rim and flashes as a shooter.
Troy D’Amico (Niles Notre Dame)
Current Ranking: #11
D’Amico is a prospect that just produces! The Notre Dame wing has been the most consistent threat for the Dons this season. Long and wiry frame with a smooth perimeter game knocking down shots, putting it on the deck, rebounding, and he can really pass from his three man spot. Has position versatility to play either forward position. This kid brings it every night!
Tevin Smith (Danville)
Current Ranking: #12
Smith is coming off a serious injury that cost him his entire spring and summer. We saw him early in the season at Team Rose and he looked like nothing ever happened. He did have a big brace on his knee, but beyond that he was aggressive from the jump lighting up the score board with buckets, hitting the glass, and making a major impact on the game.