Top 250 Expo – Max’s Sleeper Standouts

<p>The Illinois Top 250 Expo featured an array of talented prospects across multiple classes all playing under one roof in Romeoville. Some of the biggest names in the state were in attendance, but these seven prospects flying under-the-radar managed to make some noise and catch my attention in the process.</p> <p><strong>Timothy "TJ" Griffin Jr. (6’2 2022 G, Stagg)- </strong>Timothy was one of the hardest working defenders I saw over the course of the day. At 6’2 he has a strong frame and is able to guard bigger than his size, which allowed him to switch on screens and guard just about any player on the floor. He would be the first player on the floor for a loose ball in his area, and also did well moving his feet to get into position to draw two charges in the game I saw. Offensively he’s a fundamentally sound player who isn’t going to force up shots and will make smart decisions with the ball. Potential as a 3 and D player at the next level.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1106935" first="Nathan" last="Boldt"] (6’10 2022 PF/C, Barrington)- </strong>I had the chance to watch Nathan a few times in the summer, and once again he impressed on Sunday with his play on both ends of the floor. The length immediately catches your eye and he backs it up with production on the defensive glass, using his size to swallow up boards. Offensively he has the mobility to beat other guys his size up the floor, and he showed he’s a threat in the pick-and-roll. Nathan has good hands to receive when rolling to the hoop, and the coordination to gain his balance and go up to finish in traffic. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1168383" first="Adam" last="Labuda"] (6’3 2023 W, Lockport Township)- </strong>Really liked the energy that Adam brought to the floor for his team. Wasn’t going to be a player who got 10+ shots a game, but just worked hard to make plays with the chances he got. On one occasion he took a steal and turned it into a dunk on the other end, followed up by an emphatic yell that got his teammates on the floor and on the bench fired up for the next defensive possession. Has the size to guard a few different spots and is someone who’s going to work hard to help his team win no matter what role he’s in.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1295568" first="Marvin" last="Lingan"] (5’8 2023 PG, Carl Sandburg)- </strong>Marvin was letting his game do the talking on Sunday, as he was simply too quick for opposing defenders to keep in front. His shifty handle and quick burst to the rim led to a handful of crafty finishes in the game I saw, as Marvin has no fear going up against size around the basket. He went on a solo run that included two buckets, and then a trip to the foul line where he sunk the free throw to help him put up 7 points in just over a minute of play. Marvin isn’t afraid to mix it up on the defensive end either as he’s able to get under guys and apply pressure on the ball.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1113520" first="Kevin" last="Anthony"] (6’8 2023 PF/C, Von Steuben)- </strong>A long and wiry big man with a high ceiling as a prospect, Kevin impressed with his play in the paint. Defensively he has a ton of potential as a shot blocker due to his length and mobility that allows him to slide into position to make plays. He ran the floor hard to pick up some transition opportunities, and was tough for opponents to keep off the offensive glass due to his constant activity. Showed touch around the rim which allowed him to convert dump-off passes or offensive rebounds into a quick two points. Lots of upside as he continues to add strength and skill.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="989272" first="Bristol" last="Lewis"] (6’2 2023 G, Geneseo)- </strong>Really liked the versatility that Bristol displayed on the offensive end. Proved he’s a threat shooting the ball from deep, but also showed some skill to take his man off the dribble and use his size to finish around the rim. Lewis was playing alongside a talented big man, and made sure he got him some clean looks around the rim off of pick &amp; rolls. On multiple occasions I saw Bristol thread the needle between two defenders to hit his post in stride towards the basket for an easy two points. He has solid positional size as well, which allows him to guard either guard spot on the defensive end.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048329" first="Tylon" last="Toliver"] (6’2 2023 PG, Lincoln Way East)- </strong>Nice upside on the 2023 point guard prospect. Has a strong frame with solid size, and showed some explosive athleticism that allowed him to rebound the ball well for a guard. Offensively he can play on or off the ball, and showed he come off screens and get squared up to fire off a clean look from three or mid-range. Elevates on his jumper making it hard for opposing guards to get a hand up and contest on him, and his shots were falling at a high percentage. Can also make plays in transition using his speed to beat other players up the floor.</p>