2024 Rankings: Top Posts
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PHI has unveiled our latest edition of the 2024 Illinois Prospect Rankings! With that comes a breakdown of each position group. Today we look at the Top Post Prospects in the class! Good group of big men led by the…
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Continue ReadingPHI has unveiled our latest edition of the 2024 Illinois Prospect Rankings! With that comes a breakdown of each position group. Today we look at the Top Post Prospects in the class! Good group of big men led by the top four prospects overall in the class.
Morez Johnson Morez Johnson 6'9" | PF Thornton | 2024 State #33 Nation IL (Thornton)
Current Ranking: #1
Johnson is without question the top prospect in this class and regardless of class in Illinois. The power forward was absolutely dominant at Peach Jam earning MVP honors for his play in pool play leading Meanstreets ‘ last=”] to a perfect 5-0 record. He has established himself as the premier rebounder in the country with his aggressiveness on the boards and the tenacity he plays with. Complete force defensively blocking shots, switching, and using his mobility all over the floor. Offensively he is a ferocious offensive rebounder, dunker, and rim runner. The skill is coming really fast as he is now knocking down mid-range jumpers on the regular and even threes on occasion along with being able to rip and put it on the deck. Committed to Illinois before his sophomore year of high school.
Cooper Koch Cooper Koch 6'8" | PF Metamora | 2024 State #81 Nation IL (Metamora)
Current Ranking: #2
Koch bumps up a couple of spots with the transfers out of the two players ahead of him. The Iowa commit fits the new age four man along with his future system perfectly. Stretch power forward that can really shoot the basketball at a high clip from the perimeter. He can shot fake and score on drives, is a plus shot blocker, and active offensive rebounder. Will need to continue to add strength to play in the Big 10, but all the tools are there to be a great player for the Hawkeyes.
Lathan Sommerville (Peoria Richwoods)
Current Ranking: #3
The Rutgers commit was a complete force when we saw him during the summer with Peoria Richwoods. He had almost a Shaq like quality to his game with the brute force he put on the rim with dunks and throwing opponents around like rag dolls. Sommerville is a physical five that has good footwork around the hoop and touch when he needs to use it. One of the better rebounders in the class with his strong hands. Rutgers is getting a good one!
Jason Jakstys Jason Jakstys 6'10" | C Yorkville | 2024 State #141 Nation IL (Yorkville)
Current Ranking: #4
The recent Illini commit moves up a spot in our latest rankings after a good showing this summer. Developmental upside is here with Jakstys. Long and lanky frame with broad shoulders. Will definitely need to add strength to play in the Big 10, but so much intrigue here. We have been fans for years of his upside as he is a skilled five that can score in the post with advanced moves, stretch with his shooting, rim run with athleticism, and is a very good shot blocker.
Jaylan McElroy Jaylan McElroy 6'7" | PF DePaul Prep | 2024 State #262 Nation IL (DePaul Prep)
Current Ranking: #8
McElroy is a mobile four man that continues to produce. We like what he brings on both ends of the floor as a two way player. Defensively he is a very good rebounder that plays taller than his height with his length and angular frame. Mobile defender that can switch and is a capable shot blocker. Offensively he rim runs, makes plays off the bounce, and is a very active offensive rebounder with his quick second jump.
Calvin Robins Jr Calvin Robins Jr 6'5" | PF Kenwood | 2024 State IL (Kenwood)
Current Ranking: #13
Robins is a bouncy four man that was sidelined with an injury this summer. He is slightly undersized, but more than makes up for it with what he brings as an elite athlete that plays above the rim throwing down thunderous dunks, is a high level rebounder, and swats shots defensively. You are buying the athleticism and high-motor here!
Eoin Dillon Eoin Dillon 6'8" | C Peoria Notre Dame | 2024 State #294 Nation IL (Peoria Notre Dame)
Current Ranking: #14
Dillon has one of the more intriguing skill sets among posts in this class as the PND standout shined with the Illinois Wolves showing off his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting while still using touch around the hoop and being a good rebounder.
Jaheem Webber Jaheem Webber 6'9" | C Normal Community | 2024 State #300 Nation IL (Normal Community)
Current Ranking: #15
Wide bodied more traditional five man looked in much better condition when we saw him in June. Power player that likes to get guys on his back and go to work with his strength and nifty footwork. Very good area rebounder that snatches them with his extremely strong hands. Solid passing five.
Jaden Smith Jaden Smith 6'10" | C Kenwood | 2024 State IL (Kenwood)
Current Ranking: #16
Smith had moments where we were very impressed over the last couple of months especially in June. He has all the physical tools you could ever ask for and the production finally started to come along in June. It was the simple things like rebounding in his area, protecting the rim defensively, and rim running that showcased what he can do if he just plays within himself.
Stefan Cicic Stefan Cicic 7'0" | C Riverside Brookfield | 2024 State IL (Riverside Brookfield)
Current Ranking: #27
Cicic had some strong moments this summer for RB. Wide bodied five that is a more traditional center with his ability to anchor deep and utilize quick moves with either power, footwork, or hook shots for scores. Very good area rebounder and even showed some improved shooting touch hitting about one a game from three.