2026 Prospects Not Talked About Enough

In this series we are going to look at a group of prospects in the state that are ranked, but not talked about quite enough heading into the season.  Here are the 2026 Prospects Not Talked About Enough!

Adoni Vassilakis Adoni Vassilakis 6'0" | PG Marist | 2026 State IL (Marist)

The Marist point guard has a bit of an old school type of game.  High IQ guard that has an advanced feel for the game.  Sees plays before they happen.  Makes good decisions with the ball while still showcasing some flair as a playmaker.  Creative finisher around the cup with his soft touch finishing game and is a more than capable three point shooter with a quick lefty shot.

Christopher Kirkpatrick Christopher Kirkpatrick 6'2" | PG New Trier | 2026 State IL (New Trier)

Kirkpatrick is a two guard that has seen his stock rise in recent months.  Brings athleticism and shot making on the perimeter which is always a good combination at a young age.

Oliver Gray Oliver Gray 6'2" | SF Barrington | 2026 State IL (Barrington)

Gray is another prospect that can really shoot the basketball.  Small forward is an exceptional three point shooter that is starting to show he can attack those hard close outs.

Cameron Mercer Cameron Mercer 6'2" | SG Riverside Brookfield | 2026 State IL (Riverside Brookfield)

Mercer is going to be the clear #2 option for RB this year and should get some quality looks off their big man Cicic.  Smooth shooter that can hit from three and has displayed creativity with the ball in his hands off the bounce.

Jake Pollack Jake Pollack 6'7" | C Deerfield | 2026 State IL (Deerfield)

Pollack is a 6’7” lefty four with an inside/outside game.  He has some face up game being able to deck it a little and is a capable spot up shooter.  In the paint he has quickness on the glass clearing them defensively or getting second chance points on the offensive end.

Amare Pryor Amare Pryor 6'0" | PG Bloom | 2026 State IL (Bloom)

This angular lefty combo guard transferred over to Bloom from Hyde Park for his sophomore campaign.  He is a defender first with his instincts, length, and quickness on that end along with being able to knock in mid-range jumpers offensively.

Jocahana Pullum Jocahana Pullum 6'5" | SF Simeon Career Academy | 2026 State IL (Simeon)

Bouncy combo forward that plays above the rim.  Should bring some energy for the Wolverines this year on the glass and defensively.

Karson Thomas Karson Thomas 6'3" | SG Lincoln Way East | 2026 State IL (Lincoln Way East)

Thomas was very good at the recent Pangos camp.  Liked what we saw out of the scoring wing burying pull ups one after another.

Michael Oliver Michael Oliver 5'9" | PG Curie | 2026 State IL (Curie)

Oliver is the son of Curie’s coach and he can really shoot the rock!  The sophomore hit several big ones in key moments as a freshman.  We expect him to be a spark again for Curie with his perimeter shot making!

Marshawn Cocroft Marshawn Cocroft 5'10" | PG Aurora Christian | 2026 State IL (Aurora Christian)

This point guard has speed to burn!  Can really get up and down the floor in a hurry and has scoring potential from the lead guard spot.