Sophomore ID Camp First Glance

The Illinois Sophomore ID Camp was buzzing from the opening whistle, as the 2028 class showcased their development and competitiveness. Players arrived eager to prove themselves, and several prospects boosted their stock with standout performances. Here's a breakdown of the players who made an immediate impression in my first look of the day of each of them.    This sophomore wing has a natural feel for the game and finds ways to impact both ends of the floor. Defensively, his length and lateral quickness allow him to cut off drives, clog lanes, and force turnovers with sharp positioning and active hands. Offensively, he glides to the rim with smooth finishes, including a polished reverse layup in his arsenal. With his ability to score at all three levels and defend at a high rate, his ceiling continues to rise.     Trending upward, Pittman showcased a versatile skill set. His shifty handle makes it difficult for defenders to stay in front, allowing him to consistently penetrate and collapse defenses. He mixes in change-of-pace attacks with a smooth stop-and-pop jumper, making him a fun watch. Inside, he finishes creatively with touch, through contact, or sets up teammates with sharp assists. With his all-around offensive arsenal, Pittman's game is only going to keep elevating.     An intriguing guard who played with confidence and proved he's one to watch. He attacks the rim with speed and purpose. Keeps his head up to deliver quick transition passes. Off the ball, he finds gaps in the defense and makes himself available as a scoring threat. On the glass, he competes beyond his position going after rebounds and chasing long misses on the offensive end. His athleticism stood out as well, nearly converting a dunk attempt that showcased his bounce.     Loughlin was a blast to watch, making play after play to keep his team competitive. He created with a slick hesitation, spin, or a quick first step, constantly putting pressure on the defense. Even when he didn't finish, he impacted the game with sharp last-second passes and a willingness to share the ball. Defensively, he was a ballhawk — shuffling his feet to cut off drives, jumping passing lanes, and even sprinting the sideline to get in front of the ball-handler. His mix of creativity, hustle, and unselfishness made him stand out each time he hit the floor.     He continues to improve as a ball-handler, becoming more effective when attacking off the drive. In the open court, he delivered flashy yet precise passes that drew plenty of attention. What truly separated him, though, was his shot-making — capable of heating up quickly and knocking down multiple threes in a game. His ability to score in bunches makes him a constant focal point for opposing defenses and a dangerous weapon whenever he's on the floor.     The lefty combo guard plays with an explosive edge, using a quick first step to gain position off the bounce and the strength to absorb contact at the rim. He mixes up his finishes effectively, even finding ways to score over taller defenders. Off the ball, he spaces well by filling to the corner, where his fluid release makes him a reliable option from deep. He also flashed playmaking upside, threading passes through tight pockets.     A skilled lefty, stands out with his advanced mid-range game. He creates separation before rising into a smooth jumper, and his preference for the fadeaway to his left makes him tough to defend. Edwards complements that with soft touch around the rim and the vision to drive and dish when defenses collapse. In transition, he makes quick, decisive reads that keep the tempo high and teammates involved. His mid-range scoring gives him a reliable weapon that consistently puts pressure on opponents.

The Illinois Sophomore ID Camp was buzzing from the opening whistle, as the 2028 class showcased their development and competitiveness. Players arrived eager to prove themselves, and several prospects boosted their stock with standout performances. Here's a breakdown of the players who made an immediate impression in my first look of the day of each of them.