Rumble Up North: 2021 Illinois Recruiting Notebook
There were a ton of high level prospects in the Prep Hoops Rumble Up North event from Illinois last weekend. PHI caught up with some of the top 2022 prospects to see where their early recruitments stand. We dive into that here in our Rumble Up North: 2021 Illinois Recruiting Notebook!
John Poulakidas
John
Poulakidas
6'6" | SF
Nequa Valley | 2021
State
#155
Nation
IL
(Young & Reckless)
Poulakidas is the #5 overall prospect in the 2021 class and the top uncommitted wing on the board. The lefty small forward can really shoot it and has greatly improved his all-around game. We asked him what is new on the recruiting front? “Nothing really new. Still hearing from Minnesota, Yale, and Butler. Also hearing from Arizona State.” While up in Minnesota for the event Poulakidas said he and his dad drove around the Gophers campus to check out things on their own. “I thought it was nice. Urban campus and everything seemed like it was right there in a small radius which was also nice.” What is the next step in the recruiting process for him? “Looking to make a decision in the next 30-60 days.”
Isaiah Holden
Isaiah
Holden
5'10" | PG
Evanston | 2021
State
IL
(Illinois Hoopstars)
Holden was excellent throughout the Hoopstars run in Minnesota. He tells us that Holy Cross talked to him during the season, but not since. D2 Maryville is the main school involved in his recruitment at this point.
Odin Lium
Odin
Lium
6'5" | SF
Oswego East | 2021
State
IL
(HIT)
The Oswego East wing has size, length, and a skilled offensive game. The schools that have been in contact include Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota, Missouri-St. Louis, Concordia St.Paul, Southwest Minnesota State, Minnesota Duluth, Elmhurst, Olney Central, Mineral Area, University of Mary, University of Indianapolis, and Augustana.
Hamahrie Bowers
Hamahrie
Bowers
6'5" | SF
Hillcrest | 2021
State
IL
(Illinois Hoopstars)
This Hillcrest wing brings length and athleticism on the wing with the ability to check multiple spots. Bowers tells PHI he has been communicating most with Illinois-Springfield, IUPUI, and Western Illinois.
Jalen Houston
Jalen
Houston
6'0" | PG
Hyde Park | 2021
NC
(Bogan)
The new Bogan point guard is one of Chicago’s top 2021 guards. He tells PHI that he has been talking with Southern Illinois and Miami (OH).
