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Chi-Town Tip Off: 2027 New Names

Chi-Town Tip Off: 2027 New Names
Joshua Burish
Joshua Burish April 16, 2025 @ 08:00 AM
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In this article:

Vincent Strissel
Vincent Strissel 5'6" | SG/PG | 2027
IL
Tony Ruffolo
Tony Ruffolo 6'3" | SG | 2027
IL
Orville Cross Jr
Orville Cross Jr 6'3" | SF | 2027
IL
Curtis Ellis
Curtis Ellis 5'11" | PG | 2027
IL
Armany Sutton
Armany Sutton 5'10" | PG/SG | 2027
IL
Brody Bays
Brody Bays 6'2" | PF | 2027
IL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Chi-Town Tip Off spotlighted a fresh wave of 2027 talent. From skilled guards to emerging wings, these new names made the most of their reps—flashing potential, toughness, and feel. Here are a few who stood out and deserve a closer look moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2834004"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2839687,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67fdf45c39339"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lanky 6'3” wing, out of Rolling Meadows, who plays with purpose and feel. Shows strong initiative to cut and attack the paint, creating looks for himself and opening up opportunities for teammates. Stays active off the ball and makes good reads in the flow of the offense. Defensively, he moves well laterally, defends with his chest, and keeps his hands up—disciplined and engaged on that end. Solid two-way presence with upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2835483"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2839689,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67fdf45c393c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Confident three-point shooter with good arc and clean mechanics. Plays with a fire—constantly running, hustling, and covering ground on both ends. Brings energy and effort every time he steps on the floor. Flashed a crafty reverse finish that shows touch and creativity around the rim. High-motor guard who makes things happen through effort and confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2434576"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2839691,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67fdf45c39415"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Physical presence who rebounds well on the defensive end and controls the paint with strength and positioning. Competes hard down low and shows patience when handling the ball in traffic. Flashes some potential as a floor spacer with hints of outside shooting. Tough, steady interior player who brings value on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2809287"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ff3a4880efa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Adept at getting downhill and consistently pressuring the interior defense. Shows glimpses of toughness—willing to take contact and still finish plays. Made a strong impact as a driver, using speed and control to get into the paint. Adds a touch of flair with his ball-handling, keeping defenders on edge and creating space for himself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2832362"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ff3a4880f4f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Long and active defender who uses his length to contest at the rim while staying vertical. Has soft hands—handles quick passes well and shows touch as a catch-and-shoot threat from three. Capable of finding cutters from the perimeter. High-points rebounds and competes inside, though can get a little eager chasing blocks. Versatile stretch-forward with a solid blend of size, skill, and awareness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2807185"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ff3a4880f93"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pure shooting form with a clean release—just needs more consistency to become a true threat. Can attack off the bounce and collapse the defense, showing the awareness to kick out to open shooters. Plays with confidence as a lead guard, but still has room to grow in ball-handling control and shot selection. Solid foundation with clear upside as a scorer and decision-maker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

The Chi-Town Tip Off spotlighted a fresh wave of 2027 talent. From skilled guards to emerging wings, these new names made the most of their reps—flashing potential, toughness, and feel. Here are a few who stood out and deserve a closer look moving forward.

Tony Ruffolo

Tony Ruffolo

IL
SG
HEIGHT 6'3"
POS SG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Tony
Ruffolo SG
Class
2027
Height
6'3"
HS
Rolling Meadows
|
IL
Chi-Town Tip Off: 2027 New Names
Lanky 6’3” wing, out of Rolling Meadows, who plays with purpose and feel. Shows strong initiative to cut...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Tony Ruffolo

State: Illinois
School: Rolling Meadows
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Vincent Strissel

Vincent Strissel

HEIGHT 5'6"
POS SG/PG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Vincent
Strissel SG/PG
Class
2027
Height
5'6"
HS
Cary Grove
|
IL
Chi-Town Tip Off: 2027 New Names
Confident three-point shooter with good arc and clean mechanics. Plays with a fire—constantly running, hustling, and covering ground...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Vincent Strissel

State: Illinois
School: Cary Grove
Club: PAC Elite
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Brody Bays

Brody Bays

HEIGHT 6'2"
POS PF
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Brody
Bays PF
Class
2027
Height
6'2"
HS
Cary Grove
|
IL
Chi-Town Tip Off: 2027 New Names
Physical presence who rebounds well on the defensive end and controls the paint with strength and positioning. Competes...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Brody Bays

Instagram
State: Illinois
School: Cary Grove
Club: PAC Elite
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Curtis Ellis

Curtis Ellis

IL
PG
HEIGHT 5'11"
POS PG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Curtis
Ellis PG
Class
2027
Height
5'11"
HS
Fenton
|
IL
Chi-Town Tip Off: 2027 New Names
Adept at getting downhill and consistently pressuring the interior defense. Shows glimpses of toughness—willing to take contact and...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Curtis Ellis

Instagram
State: Illinois
School: Fenton
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Orville Cross Jr

Orville Cross Jr

HEIGHT 6'3"
POS SF
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Orville
Cross Jr SF
Class
2027
Height
6'3"
HS
Thornton Fractional South
|
IL
Chi-Town Tip Off: 2027 New Names
Long and active defender who uses his length to contest at the rim while staying vertical. Has soft...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Orville Cross Jr

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Thornton Fractional South
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Armany Sutton

Armany Sutton

HEIGHT 5'10"
POS PG/SG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Armany
Sutton PG/SG
Class
2027
Height
5'10"
HS
Fenton
|
IL
Chi-Town Tip Off: 2027 New Names
Pure shooting form with a clean release—just needs more consistency to become a true threat. Can attack off...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Armany Sutton

Instagram
State: Illinois
School: Fenton
Club: Crossover Basketball
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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