Fall 2023 New Names to Emerge: Part 1

Prep Hoops Illinois dives into what we saw from a variety of events during the fall months. We saw tons of basketball over the last few months and now we recap that. Check out our Fall 2023 New Names to Emerge: Part 1! [player_tooltip player_id="1048375" first="Nik" last="Polonowski"] (Lyons) Event: Breakaway Scrimmage Intrigued by this big man from Lyons. At 6’6” this post displayed a really nice mid-range game connecting from 15-18 feet at a high clip and then being able to extend it to beyond the arc on one occasion. Handled it some in the open floor and flashed athleticism on the defensive end.   [player_tooltip player_id="1048324" first="Daniel" last="Johnson"] (Whitney Young) Event: Stealth Final Runs 2023 Johnson is an intriguing prospect at 6’4”. The forward from Whitney Young has a lot of projectability with his length and frame. Solid rebounder with a quick second jump. Struggled finishing in the paint throughout the event. Runs the floor well. Upside player to track!   [player_tooltip player_id="1048382" first="Lierre" last="Collier"] (Marist) Event: Stealth Final Runs 2023 In an event where it is hard to stand out defensively that is exactly what Collier did. Put his name on our radar with his in your face defense creating turnovers. Also had a shot block from his guard spot at 6’1”. Brings athleticism to the table on both ends of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id="1048386" first="Jeloni" last="Johnson"] (Proviso East) Event: Stealth Final Runs 2023 Johnson is a good sized guard at 6’3” with a sound pull up game from 15-18 feet that he can stretch out to three. Projectability with his length which he used getting a steal before taking it coast to coast. [player_tooltip player_id="1048315" first="Troy" last="Cicero"] (Joliet Central) Event: Illinois Wolves Scrimmages Another new name who came across our radar was this 6’0” point guard. Cicero is a smooth lead guard that manipulates ball screen action and can get to the rim with athleticism. Blew by his man with a burst off the bounce. Did hit one three as well. Showed a good feel for the game. [player_tooltip player_id="1048308" first="Chris" last="Martin"] (Mundelein) Event: Illinois Wolves Scrimmages Martin was impressive in our initial evaluation of him. The 6’6” four man has a strong frame combined with mobility on the interior. Finished with power through his defenders and also had the ability to go around them with quick post moves. Reminded us a little of a young [player_tooltip player_id="529038" first="Chris" last="Hodges"] at the same stage.   [player_tooltip player_id="1048330" first="Wyatt" last="Thompson"] (Dwight) Event: Illinois Wolves Scrimmages Thompson is a thick bodied small forward with excellent size at 6’6”. Drilled a three and got on the offensive glass for a put back. Not a ton of production other than that, but one to definitely track! [player_tooltip player_id="1048317" first="Foster" last="Ogbonna"] (Rolling Meadows) Event: Illinois Wolves Scrimmages We saw Ogbonna during the high school season and were intrigued. The 6’4” combo forward is a thick bodied prospect that plays with a high-motor. Runs the floor hard in transition, can put it on the deck slashing from the wing, handles well in the open floor, and rebounds at a high rate. Ben Oosterbaan (Hinsdale Central) Event: Stealth Next Wave Session 1 Best prospect on the floor I saw on this night was Hinsdale Central face up four man Oosterbaan. He also took home MVP honors for his performance. Very skilled 6’4” player that can handle it with ease in space. Took his man off the bounce several times. Capable three point shooter with a nice looking stroke. Crashed the boards on both ends including defensively where he was able to take it off the glass and go the other way. One to watch! [player_tooltip player_id="1055130" first="McGrady" last="Noyes"] (Triad) Event: Illinois Bears 2023/2024 Scrimmage Came away intrigued with this 6’3” guard. Early on it was his passing that made an impression in the drive and kick along with hitting a rim runner in stride. The solid athlete is a capable shot maker from beyond the arc and gets out in transition for finishes. Has some projectability.   Caden Hawkins (Carterville) Event: Illinois Bears 2023/2024 Scrimmage Hawkins is a prospect that can fill it up inside and outside of the arc. Did just that at the scrimmages. Like how he can slash and finish tough layups and also crashes the glass for second chances from his guard spot. [player_tooltip player_id="1048391" first="Kade" last="Lustenberger"] (Carterville) Event: Illinois Bears 2023/2024 Scrimmage Another projectable four that has some upside. Only 6’4” right now, but should continue to grow. Has touch around the hoop with a hook shot, runs the floor with fluidity in the open floor, and can crash the offensive glass. Kal Kilgast (ICCP) Event: HIT Scrimmages Kilgast is a 6’1” combo guard that has a sweet looking pull up jump shot that he put on display throughout the scrimmages. Knocked down mid-range jumpers from all over the court pulling up on a dime along with making runners. Range stretched out to beyond the arc on several occasions. Shooting combo guard!