Illinois Freshman Showcase: Future Stars
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A list of future stars from this past Saturday at the Illinois Freshman Showcase: BJ Powell — PG — Lincoln Way East You don’t see too many high school basketball prospects with multiple Division One scholarship offers as a freshman.…
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Continue ReadingA list of future stars from this past Saturday at the Illinois Freshman Showcase:
BJ Powell — PG — Lincoln Way East
You don’t see too many high school basketball prospects with multiple Division One scholarship offers as a freshman. Yet, Powell has already been able to snag two D1 offers! On Saturday, the point guard was able to show why he is regarded as a top prospect. Powell has deep shooting range and is a very good ball-handler. While he is still very young in his basketball career, I expect huge things from the PG.
Maks De Palo Maks De Palo 6'8" | PF New Trier | 2026 IL — C — New Trier
There weren’t many prospects in attendance on Saturday that were able to successfully slow down De Palo in the paint. The 6-foot-8 center was simply too big and too skilled. De Palo was able to do an awesome job of using his size to rebound and get layups. If the center continues to develop and improve, he could be a really great high school player.
Nasir Rankin Nasir Rankin 6'2" | SG Whitney Young | 2026 State IL — PG — Whitney Young
I have been raving about Rankin’s game since Saturday. And I might not stop writing about how good he is anytime soon. The point guard is very advanced for his age. He is such a dangerous weapon on the offensive end of the court. The Whitney Young PG makes the right basketball plays. He doesn’t ever push too much. If he improves his craft, he is no-doubt a future star.
Remi Edwards Remi Edwards 6'3" | PF De La Salle Institute | 2026 IL — C — De La Salle
Edwards is going to be a very good player in the future. Standing at 6-foot-3 with a strong build, the center does a great job of using his size to find success on both ends of the court. He doesn’t just have positional size, though. Edwards is also very skilled. He has some impressive post moves and is also very mobile.
Mickeis Johnson Mickeis Johnson 6'3" | SG Romeoville | 2026 State IL — G — Romeoville
Johnson is going to be a problem. The guard was doing it all on Saturday. For a prospect that is so young, I was extremely impressed with Johnson’s advanced skillset. He is very athletic and skilled. Around the hoop, Johnson showed an impressive ability to finish some really difficult layups. He was able to finish with either hand and get buckets through contact.
Rocco Pagliocca Rocco Pagliocca 6'1" | PG Stevenson | 2026 State IL — PG — Stevenson
On the offensive end of the court, Pagliocca’s game is so smooth. The point guard is an outstanding ballhandler and scorer. He is able to make some really impressive moves. When he has the ball in his hands, Pagliocca is really, really dangerous. The PG puts a ton of pressure on opposing defenders.