#LiveSZNKickoff: Illinois Under the Radar Names

<p>What Illinois prospects made a name for themselves in Lincoln?  Here are some sleeper prospects from the event in <strong>#LiveSZNKickoff: Illinois Under the Radar Names!</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="821777" first="Isaiah" last="Holden"] (Illinois Hoopstars 17U)</strong></p> <p>Holden is a prospect that in a normal year would have multiple D2s all over him, but with the transfer portal and pandemic the unsigned senior has fallen through the cracks.  High IQ and leadership at the point guard spot for the Evanston floor general.  Plus shooter pulling up off the bounce and can stretch the floor as a spot up shooter.  Strong body and has a runner game.  Makes those around him better while also finding his spots to score.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1210394" first="Kevin" last="Vasser"] (Illinois Hoopstars 17U)</strong></p> <p>Vasser showed some skills late in the high school season at Yorkville Christian and had a solid event for the Hoopstars.  He is a great utility player that does a little bit of everything knocking down open looks, defends, and is a decent passer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1113517" first="Maurice" last="Thomas"] (Illinois Hoopstars 16U)</strong></p> <p>Thomas is a major sleeper in the 2023 class as he wasn’t seen on the varsity level last season on a loaded DePaul Prep squad.  Thomas has a good feel for the game at his lead guard spot while also bringing some scoring pop to the table.  Solid defender at the point as well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048310" first="George" last="Bellevue"] (Illinois Hoopstars 16U)</strong></p> <p>Bellevue is a ranked player that is seeing his stock rise with each outing.  Bouncy power forward who plays with a high-motor.  He gets on the offensive glass for second chance points and is an excellent rebounder in traffic.  Will be interesting to see where his game goes over the next year.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Rashard Young Jr. (Team 815 North 17U)</strong></p> <p>The 6’0” shooting guard from Rockford Guilford had a strong weekend for Team 815.  What we were intrigued by was his ability to score it from multiple levels.  Tough kid that gets buckets.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048715" first="Matt" last="Somerville"] (South Cook Jaguars 17U)</strong></p> <p>Somerville is another ranked prospect that is not known to many as he was a reserve for Whitney Young this past season.  Plus size on the wing along with above average athleticism.  Great combination along with his three point game which he hit several of throughout the event in Nebraska.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1210382" first="Devon" last="Richardson"] (South Cook Jaguars 17U)</strong></p> <p>Richardson is listed at 6’8” and the five man has a wide body.  Very good area rebounder and we were impressed with how well he moved for his size.  Displayed nimble footwork and skill on the block.  Soft touch and good hands in the paint.  The Leo post is a name to know going forward!</p>