Preseason Mr. Basketball Favorites
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With the season almost here it is time to dive into the favorites for Mr. Basketball in the state of Illinois! Morez Johnson Morez Johnson 6'9" | PF Thornton | 2024 State #33 Nation IL (Thornton) Odds 2/1 Why He…
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Continue ReadingWith the season almost here it is time to dive into the favorites for Mr. Basketball in the state of Illinois!
Morez Johnson Morez Johnson 6'9" | PF Thornton | 2024 State #33 Nation IL (Thornton)
Odds
2/1
Why He Can Win
Johnson comes into the season as the odds on favorite to win Mr. Basketball. The Illini commit is the top ranked senior in the state along with regardless of class. He has the name recognition for several years, will post monster numbers, win games, and has the in-state commitment. All of that will help him with voters.
Jack Stanton Jack Stanton 6'2" | SG Downers Grove North | 2024 State #222 Nation IL (Downers Grove North)
Odds
5/1
Why He Can Win
Stanton put himself on the radar of casual basketball fans and writers across the state last season closing with a run that helped lead his team down state. DGN is going to have another big season and Stanton will be leading the way with massive scoring outputs. If he does it in big games watch out!
Cooper Koch Cooper Koch 6'8" | PF Metamora | 2024 State #81 Nation IL (Metamora)
Odds
6/1
Why He Can Win
Koch is an Iowa commit that made the move from Peoria Notre Dame to defending 3A champs Metamora for his senior campaign. Koch is going to be on one of the most high profile teams in the state playing in marquee events. Should consistently post double doubles.
Angelo Ciaravino Angelo Ciaravino 6'6" | SF Mt. Carmel | 2024 State #160 Nation IL (Mt. Carmel)
Odds
10/1
Why He Can Win
Ciaravino was already a top 10 prospect, but took it to another level this summer emerging as a legit Mr. Basketball contender. The Northwestern commit is the highest player on this list in either the CCL or CPS. They will play in a ton of big games and primetime events. The Caravan should be one of the best teams in the Chicago area this season.
Lathan Sommerville (Peoria Richwoods)
Odds
12/1
Why He Can Win
The Rutgers commit returns to the state with a lot of fanfare, but we feel it will be even more after the casual fan watches him play throughout the year in tournaments, shootouts, and key central Illinois matchups. Strong and athletic five man that finishes with force around the hoop. Close to automatic as a 18/10/3 every night on a team that will be among the best in the central part of the state.
Bryce Heard Bryce Heard 6'6" | SG Homewood Flossmoor | 2025 State #86 Nation IL (Homewood Flossmoor)
Odds
15/1
Why He Can Win
Heard moved back to Illinois after a year at prep power Montverde. There is a ton to like here. First is he will be looked at in the same light as Jeremy Fears last year when he came back leaving a prep power to return to Illinois. Second he is on a stacked HF team. Third is he is a national recruit. Fourth he is primed to post big numbers from day one.
Antonio Munoz Antonio Munoz 6'6" | SF Whitney Young | 2025 State #194 Nation IL (Whitney Young)
Odds
25/1
Why He Can Win
If Whitney Young is going to take the jump we expect with their young group it will be because this 2025 prospect posts huge numbers. He plays hard and has an exciting style to his game with big dunks and blocks. If he can put up 15/8 while leading the Dolphins to a good record we could be seeing him fly up this list.
Phoenix Gill Phoenix Gill 6'3" | SG St. Ignatius | 2025 State #72 Nation IL (St. Ignatius)
Odds
25/1
Why He Can Win
Gill sets at the top of the 2025 prospect rankings. He will be one of the more recognized players in the state not only because of that, but his dad is a former college star and NBA player. He closed out the season strong showing he was ready to take the next step to being the man for Iggy. Will play good competition and he is option #1, #2, and #3 for his team.
Jason Jakstys Jason Jakstys 6'10" | C Yorkville | 2024 State #141 Nation IL (Yorkville)
Odds
30/1
Why He Can Win
Jakstys is an Illini commit that has a ton of long term potential. PHI has been a fan for a long time and now everyone else is catching on. Good shot blocker and versatile scorer. Could easily see him posting a line of 18/10/3 this season.
Calvin Robins Jr Calvin Robins Jr 6'5" | PF Kenwood | 2024 State IL (Kenwood)
Odds
40/1
Why He Can Win
Kenwood could very easily be the best team in the state this year. It is hard though to see anyone posting massive numbers as there are so many players that will post between 5 and 12 points a game. If he gets back to full health Robins is the best bet to post big numbers and do it in a fun style with his massive dunks and swats.