Illinois' The Expo: Mike's First Impressions-Under The Radar Guys

Prep Hoops was back in Illinois hosting it's first event in the Prairie State since mid July. What a day it was to come back to. Tons of bright future stars in the classes of 2026 and 2027 got together for the day and competed under one roof for The Expo. I had the chance to witness 6 games throughout the day. There will be a lot to go over from this camp with many evaluations forthcoming throughout the coming weeks. Let's start off by walking through some of the initial impressions from a thrilling day in Aurora, IL.      Made his presence known on the defensive side of the ball. Likes to take on that initiative. Guards knowing how and when to take risks. Liked his demeanor in the 2 or 3 slot offensively. Had a couple dribble drive takes in Game 1. Finished with vengeance on a straight line drive middle of lane for a 1 handed slam. Athletically fit to be effective at next level. Can burst into another level of speed quickly and took advantage of that ability in the fast break.     Athletically sound and highly mobile on both sides of the ball. Really can sky on his finishes at the basket. Took it hard to the rim a couple times off the dribble. Uses body effectively with quickness to maneuver and finds gaps in the defense. Liked his defensive communication. Can get up the court fast in transition.     Got the day started on a bright note in Game 1 playing alongside another talented guard. Confident in the 1 or 2 roles and is physically fit to help a team win games at the next level. Takes on those positions with positive demeanor. Has good bounce at the rim with a strong frame while remaining poised. Works fast in transition putting pressure on the defense while speeding the game up. Knocked down spot up 3's throughout the day. Will be successful for the Dolphins over next 2 years.     Caught him in the last game of the day. Strong and well built frame at the guard spot for the next level. Can play at the 1 or 2 locations depending what you need. With a quick first step can create space or jet by the defender. Had a couple tough takes to the rim in traffic with strong finishing ability. Likes to get out and run the floor to speed up the game. Uses athleticism to his advantage and has really solid bounce at the cup.     Possessed quick handles with a point guard first mentality. Nifty with the ball. Helped team maintain lead and finish out a W for the day vs an on paper tougher squad. Sprayed it out quickly once defense collapsed for better shot selection. Can spot up and knock it down from 3 ball land or pull up from mid-range. Soft touch at the rim while changing speeds effectively. Keen demeanor affecting the game in a positive way.     A lengthy swingman that is poised in multi facets of the game. Caught team's first game of day and shared the rock well. Made a pitch ahead for coast to coast layin assist, swung it on the perimeter for better shot selection, and made a tip out on an O-Board for another conversion. Challenges down low defensively on drives utilizing wing span effectively. Hit a big 3 to end first half to pull team within 2 possessions. Puts team in good position to win each play and competes with determination.     Made a big impact on the game in team's last game of day. Had a spurt where he scored on 4 consecutive possessions in rhythm on offense. A player that utilizes the ball screen about as effectively as anyone in attendance today at the camp. An overall 3 level scoring threat. Defensively came to play hard nosed with high IQ. Guards on the ball efficiently moving feet well and knows where to be at positionally off the ball. Scores it at a high clip and knows how to get to his spots against more quickness. Stock will continue to rise.     Lefty PG that has a natural feel for the game. Knows where guys are to find the open man. Solid and confident passer all around. Dropped off a couple no looks throughout the day. Hit guys in the primary break phase or in the half court setting going off the bounce to fill up the assist department. Scores it when given the opportunity. On the breakaway had multiple solo finishes with a sweet and1 on taller height.     Saw him a couple times today and was consistent in both outings. Possesses quick handles and feet to change speeds in a hurry. Made a couple tough plays in the thick of the defense to still convert. Knocked down the trey off of catch and shoot opportunities. Had a great take coast to coast off of a D board and then dropped a dime off after drawing defender in. Will take a charge defending against bigger size. Impactful over next 2 years in the always competitive Southland Conference.

Prep Hoops was back in Illinois hosting it's first event in the Prairie State since mid July. What a day it was to come back to. Tons of bright future stars in the classes of 2026 and 2027 got together for the day and competed under one roof for The Expo. I had the chance to witness 6 games throughout the day. There will be a lot to go over from this camp with many evaluations forthcoming throughout the coming weeks. Let's start off by walking through some of the initial impressions from a thrilling day in Aurora, IL.