Parham Perspective: Illinois Olympic Team

<p>As the world finishes up the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan if we had a national high school basketball event and we can send only the players from our state regardless of class what eight players would you choose and why. Here is my Illinois fantasy team. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><u>Starters</u></strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="925183" first="Braden" last="Huff"]  (Glenbard West) 2022</strong></p> <p>At 6’10 Huff provides Illinois with a real mismatch problem for any opposing state. Braden can make plays from the perimeter and force bigs who want to protect the paint have to guard him. Huff is a multi-skilled player at the center position that makes the most sense here with great and hands and foot work around the rim. He has good touch from 3 and is an exceptional passer. Another draw to add Braden is he hasn’t lost many games over the past year and so his ability to win would be a huge for a team that’s being put together. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863588" first="Kam" last="Craft"]  (Buffalo Grove) 2022</strong></p> <p>Craft is the main scoring threat of this team. A three level scorer he is the engine on the offensive side. Kam shoots it at a high clip from mid to deep range. When guards try to jam him and force him off the three, he gets to the rim and is sneaky athletic.  Craft was one of the top scoring guards on the highest stages this summer. Wouldn’t imagine him not doing the same for this team </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939077" first="Javonte" last="Taylor"] (Kenwood)  2023</strong></p> <p>Another scoring threat to this team would have to be JJ. The 6’8 wing is excellent in the open court situations. He is one of the few players you can give the green light to shoot the three on a fast break. Taylor is uber athletic and uses his length to help him on both ends mainly to create highlight filled dunks in games. JJ will easily get 16 to 22 points before you even realize it. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="989263" first="Asa" last="Thomas"] (Lake Forest) 2023</strong></p> <p>Thomas is the zone buster that I need for my team. With so much talent in the front court I need a player who can stretch the defense even more. Asa has volleyball line type of range on the court. He is one of those players you have to cover as soon as he crosses half court. Thomas is also a solid athlete and at 6’5 he is a prime candidate for this team because he can switch 1 - 4 on defense.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048712" first="Tavari" last="Johnson"] (Lyons Township) 2022</strong></p> <p>Tavari was clearly one of the most consistent lead guards on the Prep Hoops Circuit this year. He has a knack to make the right decision majority of the time. Johnson would flourish in the pick and roll game and with shooters spaced out all around him, Tavari would have high assists numbers. And when defenders would take away his passing options look to Johnson to also score from all three levels. A dangerous weapon that Illinois could unleash.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><u>Bench</u></strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863585" first="Xavier" last="Amos"] (Whitney Young) 2022</strong></p> <p>Amos is here because he is prime candidate for my bench team. A 6’7 player who can guard 5 through 3 on defense with length and athleticism.  Xavier also has a versatile scoring punch with being able to catch and shoot but also can beat guys off the dribble to score. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="925222" first="Jeremiah" last="Jones"] (Marian Catholic) 2022</strong></p> <p>Jones is my defensive guy who will bother the other teams scorer or lead guard. Jeremiah in my opinion is the best two way guard in the state meaning he is very effective offensively and defensively.  Jones is great on ball and playing in the passing lanes. He would create havoc in the backcourt.  On offense he’s a streaky shooter but does a great job at slithering in the lane and getting fouls. A can’t miss role playing piece for my team.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939050" first="Darrin" last="Ames"] (Kenwood) 2023</strong></p> <p>When constructing a team like this Ames is the next lead guard to have on your squad. The lefty guard can play on and off the ball, is a terrific spaced out catch and shoot player, and will also get to the rim at will. Darrin also comes with a grittiness to his game and doesn’t fade when competition heats up. Ames also would be a candidate to run the team in the future, so you make sure he’s gaining knowledge from the guards before him. </p>