Varsity Newcomers: Top Post Prospects

<p>One aspect that some people don’t understand is just because you didn’t play at all or just a little on varsity as a freshman or even sophomore doesn’t devalue you at all as a prospect.  In some cases there are just a ton of talented upperclassmen in front of them.  So many things can factor into this.  Here we dive into a group of top prospects at each position that have not played varsity or maybe just a couple games.  Check out our<strong> Varsity Newcomers: Top Post Prospects</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863585" first="Xavier" last="Amos"] (Whitney Young – 2022)</strong></p> <p>Amos has been a highly ranked prospect for about a year now despite not being a contributor on the varsity level.  Broad shouldered four man showed his potential last year at Pangos Camp and Prep Hoops Top 250 which earned him a D1 grade.  Nice combination of strength, skill, and athleticism.  Hearing rave reviews about him this fall.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="771553" first="Lance" last="Rodgers"] (Simeon – 2022)</strong></p> <p>Simeon always has late developing big men.  Rodgers could be the next one in line.  Really like his strength and ability to rebound the basketball.  Defense is ahead of his offense at this stage, but he has potential to be an impactful player now and is a scholarship guy at the next level.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="996073" first="Kai" last="Rios"] (Rock Island – 2022)</strong></p> <p>This three sport standout didn’t play varsity according to his travel team coach, but with the Illinois Hoopstars he was fantastic anchoring down low with his scoring in the paint.  Also a plus rebounder and has some passing feel.  On a team at Rock Island that is loaded with guards he is the perfect fit for what they do.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048717" first="Marcus" last="Overstreet"] (Whitney Young – 2022)</strong></p> <p>Overstreet put his name on our radar this summer with the Illinois Jaguars.  Athletic five man that is a rim runner, shot blocker, and solid rebounder.  Could provide some help up front for the Dolphins next to Casey.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939069" first="Davius" last="Loury"] (Kenwood – 2023)</strong></p> <p>Loury made the move over from Simeon to Kenwood this year.  Doesn’t have any varsity experience, but holds D1 offers already.  Strong bodied 6’7” post that mauls on the glass and is a versatile offensive threat.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048305" first="Wesley" last="Rubin"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="1048306" first="Miles" last="Rubin"] (Homewood Flossmoor – 2023)</strong></p> <p>These twins are ready to breakout his season.  The 6’7” HF duo are D1 prospects with their elite shot blocking prowess to go along with skill on the offensive end.  Can play inside/out on that end of the floor.  Very bright futures here for the Chicago Lockdown duo.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939051" first="Darrion" last="Baker"] (St. Rita – 2023)</strong></p> <p>Baker was hurt all of last season, but he is one of the future standouts in the St. Rita 2023 class.  Four man with mobility that can clean up on the glass and finish around the hoop.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048309" first="Mike" last="Gardner"] (Bloom – 2023)</strong></p> <p>Bloom had a pair of D1 prospects up front last year including Minnesota commit [player_tooltip player_id="916667" first="Martice" last="Mitchell"].  Gardner is a player we look to step into a varsity role inside this year backing up [player_tooltip player_id="863599" first="Emondrek" last="Ford"].</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048312" first="Gurmane" last="Springfield"] (Champaign Centennial – 2023)</strong></p> <p>Springfield is a strong bodied power forward that had a nice summer for the Illinois Hoopstars 15U.  Should make noise this summer for Champaign Centennial.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939048" first="Keon" last="Alexander"] (Bolingbrook – 2023)</strong></p> <p>Alexander intrigued us when we have seen him.  The lefty is extremely bouncy around the hoop getting on the offensive glass.  He and Younger are primed to be a dynamic duo up front for the next three years.</p>