2025 Prospects Primed for Breakout Seasons

Which 2025 prospects do we feel are primed for a breakout season?  Here are 15 players that we feel fit that description heading into the Illinois high school basketball year!

[player_tooltip player_id='1545139' first='Jake' last='Nosek'] (Metea Valley)

Nosek jumped into the top 15 with the way he played over the summer and has a chance to move even higher with a big junior season.  Stretch five that can really shoot the basketball and is a rim protector.

[player_tooltip player_id='1385297' first='Jonas' last='Johnson'] (DePaul Prep)

Johnson was sidelined this summer with an injury.  We feel he has all the skills that translate into being a D1 four man at the next level with his skill set.  He will have a much larger role this year for the defending state champs.

[player_tooltip player_id='1295579' first='Jax' last='Abalos'] (Batavia)

One of the best shooters in the state regardless of class.  Abalos is absolutely lights out with a quick stroke, clean mechanics, and lightning quick release.  Great positional size and is a quality athlete.

[player_tooltip player_id='1766497' first='Zion' last='Gross'] (Joliet West)

Gross is a long and rangy small forward that has improved his ball skills over the last year.  Has a chance to be a two way player that can impact on both ends.  Will be the #2 option for Joliet West next to McNair.

[player_tooltip player_id='2105166' first='Vincas' last='Buzelis'] (Hinsdale Central)

Buzelis older brother has a chance to be the #1 pick in the NBA Draft this year.  The younger brother moved back to Illinois and is primed to make a big leap as well.  His athleticism pops off the table along with great physical tools.  It is about putting it together consistently now.

[player_tooltip player_id='1385305' first='Lorenzo' last='Shields'] (Simeon)

Shiels is a combo guard that flies a bit under the radar.  Athletic guard that is a plus perimeter defender at the point of attack.  Has upside as an offensive player with his creativity and shot making potential.

[player_tooltip player_id='1545141' first='Kyrese' last='Lukens'] (Herrin)

Lukens is one of the best kept secrets in the state.  The Herrin lead guard is a high IQ guard that makes others better in both the half court and transition.  Stocky frame allows him to score at the rim and should be one of the best floor generals in southern Illinois this season.

[player_tooltip player_id='1545135' first='Shaunassey' last='Hatchett'] (Springfield Lanphier)

A favorite from the PHC that is ready to emerge as a big time player in central Illinois.  Physical combo forward that plays with a high-motor, athleticism, and has some emerging skill.  Two way player!

[player_tooltip player_id='2105169' first='Arden' last='Eaves'] (Thornwood)

Eaves recently picked up his first D1 offer and more could be coming soon.  Positional size, good athlete, rebounds, and has a ton of upside to impact both offensively and defensively.

[player_tooltip player_id='1568153' first='Sam' last='Donald'] (Columbia)

Donald will be one of the breakout players in southern Illinois this season.  Skilled face up four that can stretch with his shooting, put it on the deck, and rim run.  Like his all-around game.

[player_tooltip player_id='1385301' first='JT' last='Pettigrew'] (Bolingbrook)

Pettigrew is starting to gain quite a bit of momentum heading into the season.  The Fenwick transfer is going to be a key for Bolingbrook replacing all their big men.  He is a skilled back to the basket scorer that rebounds in his area.

[player_tooltip player_id='1545138' first='Braden' last='Freeman'] (Moline)

Freeman will take on a much larger role this season for Moline as his brother and Harding are now at Iowa.  Looking forward to seeing what the versatile small forward can do when he has more opportunities to show off his full arsenal.

[player_tooltip player_id='1545146' first='Matthew' last='Zobrist'] (Metamora)

Zobrist impressed in limited minutes as both a freshman and sophomore.  The lefty is a plus shooter from three that will have the opportunity to expand his game at the lead guard spot on perhaps the best team in the state.

[player_tooltip player_id='2044507' first='Brent' last='Taylor'] (Lincoln Way East)

Taylor was outstanding at the Prep Hoops Top 250 in the fall.  Primed for a big move up the board if he keeps up with what we saw there.  Wiry and smooth offensive scorer that can get buckets from all three levels.

[player_tooltip player_id='2105203' first='Kobe' last='Walker'] (Normal Community)

Walker is a big bodied five man that will come off the bench for a loaded Normal Community squad playing behind their two senior posts.  Don't