Illinois’ Freshman Showcase: Mike’s First Looks

Prep Hoops was back in Illinois this weekend playing host to the classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. It was a great 2 days worth of events seeing nearly 400 players showcasing their skills and abilities in the western suburbs of Chicago. PHI was on top of coverage from all angles at the 3 camps. Sunday's festivities got the day started by taking in the class of 2029 guys. To start things off, let's breakdown some of the players who will be entering their first year of high school basketball this up coming winter season.    Caught him in some 3 on 3 action to start the morning session off. Has an explosive first step that comes with handling abilities. Gets separation from the defender and then makes his move. Is a 3 level scorer. Spotted up from distance off the catch and nailed a tough elbow shot nothing but nylon. Made multiple conversions at the rim. Secured a couple O boards as well for second chance opportunities. A skilled guard to watch out for over next 4 years hailing from the western burbs.     Started the day lights out and put on an absolute shooting clinic. Buttery smooth from 3 ball land and comes with driving ability as well. Hit the first 4 he took and then proceeded to knock down a couple more all in rhythm within the first 10 minutes of the day. Played hard nosed defensively on the ball and away from the action. Got his hands on it for a couple take-a-ways which converted to positive offense. Scored inside multiple times utilizing a pump fake and again off a steal. Competes with solid poise and confidence.       Watched one of his early session games. A lengthy guard with a lot of natural athleticism already but has an even higher ceiling to look forward to. Can certainly guard the 3 and 4 locations as well defensively with quickness and wing span. Rebounded it getting the ball at its highest point utilizing his length. Does the same when finishing which makes him tough to guard at the rim. Positive verbal communicator to teammates talking on screens. Utilized multiple skill strengths to his advantage.     Fundamentally was sound on the block in the 3v3 session and consistent again with patience in the paint running 5's. Made a catch in the low post to spin off defender and score. Backed down defender on the dribble and scored again. Overall knows how to utilize his body with his back to the basket. Has an old school feel with his passing ability which is really under-appreciated in today's game. Shared it hitting a cutter and kicked it out when drawing multiple defenders down in the paint. With size and length was still making drives to the basket look simplistic. A lot to look forward to over next 4 years for this young man.     Saw second 3v3 game and was tough with the ball getting to the bucket. Takes on contact to still convert. Splashed home a couple 3's off catch and shoot opportunities in good rhythm. Defensively liked his ability to fight through screens to stick with the ball handler. Uses natural length to his advantage while guarding the perimeter. Durable underneath and operates with strength for positioning.     Patience on the catch letting the game come to him. Faces up to see what options to go with. Will let the play develop for best decision. Has a smooth soft finishing touch at the rim.  Cuts hard away from the action to open up space for teammates. Made a hard back door slash on the baseline to retrieve it and score. Converted on a put back off his own O board. Overall makes smart plays on and off the ball.     Started the day off on a high note in 5v5 action. Sped the game up in multiple actions to keep defense on their heals and back peddling. There were plenty of guys that were fast today at camp but AJ was one of the fastest with or without the ball in his hands from rim to rim. The kid has wheels that nobody could challenge to stay in front of. Played like a bull dog on defense again from endline to endline. Came away with multiple steals in the back court which converted to positive offense. A gamer who likes to compete. Complimented it off with efficient shooting abilities as well. Will be fun a fun Celtic to watch next 4 years.     Caught his first game of the camp running 5's. Plays the point position and orchestrates the show smoothly. Sees the next play ahead of time knowing where and when defenders are coming. Drove to the cup on the base and kicked it out for oppo side corner 3 assist. Got into the lane and dropped off another easy dime in heavy traffic. Fluid decision making skills. Utilized quickness to come up with a couple pick pockets that went the other way for scores. Overall a solid playmaker that creates good opportunities for the team.

Prep Hoops was back in Illinois this weekend playing host to the classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. It was a great 2 days worth of events seeing nearly 400 players showcasing their skills and abilities in the western suburbs of Chicago. PHI was on top of coverage from all angles at the 3 camps. Sunday's festivities got the day started by taking in the class of 2029 guys. To start things off, let's breakdown some of the players who will be entering their first year of high school basketball this up coming winter season.