Chi-Town Tip Off: Illinois New Names Emerge 17U

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Chi-Town Tip Off in Chicago featured many of the top prospects in the state of Illinois.&nbsp; We examine the event from all angles including here in <strong>Chi-Town Tip Off: Illinois New Names Emerge 17U</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2400476' first='Deven' last='Triplett'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075515' first='Hoops' last='4 Health'] 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Triplett caught our attention as a 6'0” combo guard from Joliet Central.&nbsp; The lefty has some shake off the bounce getting in the lane along with being able to pop in a three.&nbsp; Showed active hands on the defensive end as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2400721' first='Nyshawn' last='Turner'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075515' first='Hoops' last='4 Health'] 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Turner is a strong bodied wing from Rich Township that was most effective using his strength rebounding, defending, and is a solid passer making good decisions with the ball in his hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2387669' first='Josh' last='Stone'] (Illinois T-Wolves 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stone is a lefty combo guard that can really shoot the basketball with a sweet stroke off the catch.&nbsp; Active defender, solid passer, and is a sneaky guard rebounder at about 6'2”.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2382662' first='Nasir' last='Sears'] (Illinois T-Wolves 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sears is a Joliet West product that made noise for the T-Wolves.&nbsp; He is explosive in the open floor with the ball in his hands.&nbsp; Scores at the rim being able to finish through contact for and-1 conversions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2423481' first='Machi' last='Nelson'] (M14 Adidas Gold 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nelson was a standout in both games we caught.&nbsp; The Proviso West point guard is on the smaller side, but makes up for it with his speed, pull up game, and quickness in the lane.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2323332' first='Caleb' last='Henry'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075957' first='The' last='Work Foundation'] 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Henry is a 2026 from De La Salle that played up on the 17U level.&nbsp; Long and lanky 6'5” wing that showed he could be slippery on drives to the basket.&nbsp; Converted well at the rim scoring off the dribble.&nbsp; Bounce on the glass and needs some work on the jumper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2452415' first='Brad' last='Johnson'] Jr. ([program_tooltip program_id='2075385' first='Chicago' last='Grinders'] 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson Jr. was the breakout player of the event for me.&nbsp; The Curie 7^th man last year elevated his stock to where he could be a top 50 player in our next update.&nbsp; Wing that has good size at about 6'5” with the ability to knock in jumpers from all over the floor.&nbsp; Did it from both two and three in the game.&nbsp; &nbsp;Gets height on his shot and was confident letting them fly hitting at better than a 50% clip in the two games I watched.&nbsp; Also has some solid handles and can defend a little.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shaun Cooper ([program_tooltip program_id='2075385' first='Chicago' last='Grinders'] 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big man from Southland at about 6'6” that is a good area rebounder.&nbsp; Plays with toughness in the paint and is mostly a rebounder and post defender at this stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2444443' first='Max' last='Justic'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2414566' first='Mike' last='Glennon Elite'] 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Justic caught our attention as the lefty guard scored 18 points while dishing out a ton of dimes in the game we saw.&nbsp; The Brother Rice point guard plays with good pace and feel.&nbsp; Solid pull up game, makes quick decisions with the ball, and has active hands on the defensive end getting steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2399484' first='Kareem' last='Parker'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2622592' first='Flight' last='Athletics'] 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parker is an athletic four man that right now is more of a rebounder and defender.&nbsp; Liked what he brought on the glass snatching rebounds and how he walled up against other big men with his length at 6'6”.&nbsp; Scored on the offensive glass and in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2408504' first='Cole' last='Bero'] (Illinois Elite 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bero is a 2026 shooting guard from Hinsdale Central that played up on the 17U level.&nbsp; He can really shoot the basketball off the catch which is what impressed us most.&nbsp; Also mixed in some hesi takes for nifty finishes, but his shot making is what he excels at most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2403833' first='Logan' last='Arteaga'] (Big 3 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arteaga is a 6'5” post from Palatine that has a sweet right handed hook shot on the block.&nbsp; The solid athlete can also step out some hitting a three and was active on the glass.&nbsp; Played with toughness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1766477' first='Zion' last='Young'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2076257' first='Illinois' last='Heat'] 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Young is a 6'7” five man from Schaumburg that has a good frame and has slimmed down some since early in his career.&nbsp; Very good rebounder around the hoop that gets tip ins and finishes out of the dunker spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2442135' first='Liam' last='Hanson'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'] 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Libertyville 2025 point guard was in attack mode at the end of day 2.&nbsp; He had a variety of tough takes while also scoring in transition off his defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Freddie Hassan (M14 Adidas Gold 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kaneland 6'5” power forward brings athleticism up front for M14.&nbsp; Very good offensive rebounder that got put backs and would finish out of the dunker spot.&nbsp; Good frame and toughness around the hoop.&nbsp; Solid post defender.&nbsp; Flashed some spot up shooting potential from three.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->