2026 Prospects Primed for Breakout Season
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Which 2026 prospects do we feel are primed for a breakout season? Here are 10 players that we feel fit that description heading into the Illinois high school basketball year! Andre Tyler Andre Tyler 6'4" | SG Simeon | 2026…
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Continue ReadingWhich 2026 prospects do we feel are primed for a breakout season? Here are 10 players that we feel fit that description heading into the Illinois high school basketball year!
Andre Tyler Andre Tyler 6'4" | SG Simeon | 2026 State IL (Simeon)
Tyler is a transfer from St. Rita that ranks inside the top 10 already, but he has a ton of momentum to make a run up the board with the way he is playing. Long and athletic two guard that has a big time scoring game from three levels and plays with flair. Wouldn’t shock us if he is the leading scorer for the Wolverines this season.
Lincoln Williams Lincoln Williams 6'5" | SF Kankakee | 2026 State IL (Kankakee)
Williams has a ton of physical tools to like with his length, size, and athleticism. His instincts on the defensive end standout with his anticipation and ability to get in passing lanes. The offensive skill set is all there for a breakout season!
Mason Lockett (Oswego East)
Lockett is a skilled wing that can really shoot the basketball. Has an overall smooth game especially when letting it fly off the catch, but make no mistake he can deck it as well. Plus defender that is gaining steam heading into the season.
Colin Stack Colin Stack 6'9" | C Benet | 2026 State IL (Benet)
Stack is a center that will be impactful on a young, but loaded Benet squad. He has legit size and length. Rebounds well, runs the floor, and can knock down a face up shot. Biggest strength at this stage might be his shot blocking.
Christopher Kirkpatrick Christopher Kirkpatrick 6'3" | PG New Trier | 2026 State IL (New Trier)
Kirkpatrick is a two guard from New Trier with a lot of momentum after several strong showings over the last several months. Tough and versatile scoring guard that will see a big role for New Trier this year.
Nasir Rankin Nasir Rankin 6'2" | SG Whitney Young | 2026 State IL (Whitney Young)
Rankin is playing the best hoops of his career coming off a big showing at the Pangos Camp earning Co-MVP honors of the Top 30 game. Super athletic two guard that shines in transition and has the tools to be a plus defender.
Cameron Mercer Cameron Mercer 6'2" | SG Riverside Brookfield | 2026 State IL (Riverside Brookfield)
Mercer is a smooth two guard that can impact with his shot making, creative handles, and defense. The son of former NBA player Ron Mercer is ready to be the side kick to Cicic for a RB team looking to do big things this season.
Morgan Travis Morgan Travis 5'11" | PG De La Salle | 2026 State IL (De La Salle)
Travis flies a bit under the radar, but he has been rock solid over the last few months. Look for Travis to take the reigns at the lead guard spot for a Meteors team that we could see making a serious run to Champaign.
Jayden Riley Jayden Riley 6'1" | PG Yorkville Christian | 2026 State IL (Yorkville Christian)
Riley is primed to make a move up the board. Transferred over to Yorkville Christian where his passing is going to be on full display in their high scoring offense. One of the most electric young distributors in the state that also has improved his jumper.
Jayden Madden Jayden Madden 6'9" | C Romeoville | 2026 State IL (Romeoville)
Madden is a player I can’t wait to see this year. Long and lanky with legit size that has upside written all over him! He can rim run, score in the post with touch, finish out of the dunker spot, and even flash a mid-range shot. Defensively he is a monster swatting shots and rebounding.