2030 Illinois Prospects Shine at Prep Hoops NEXT Camp

From skilled guards pushing the pace, to versatile wings scoring at all three levels, and bigs who controlled the paint, the gym was full of young prospects ready to make their mark, proving the next generation in Illinois is as promising as ever. Here's a breakdown of the standouts who separated themselves at camp.    Kent Lucas controlled the game and carried the scoring load by playing with strong instincts and feel for the game. He split traffic with spins and counters, often creating fouls most times he drove the lane. Lucas also consistently hit teammates ahead of the defense with advance passes, always moving the ball closer to the basket and keeping the tempo in his team's favor.     Jackson Simmons showed good active hands in helpside position, creating deflections in the passing lanes and swipes in the drive lanes. His awareness and anticipation on the defensive end consistently disrupted opposing possessions.     As a guard, Jacob Pharthong's activity on the glass was impressive, using his first and second jump to outleap opponents for rebounds, especially on the offensive end where he created second-chance shots and extended possessions consistently. A lefty with a quick first step, Pharthong also displayed sharp court awareness with his passing, spotting cross-court openings on the wing and backdoor cutters along the baseline.     Yates White Buffalo didn't avoid contact, he absorbed bumps midair and manipulated them, using defenders' momentum against them to springboard into finishing angles. He showcased advanced body control and touch, consistently kissing shots high off the glass before crashing to the floor.     Sullivan Schneiderman showcased touch and body control around the rim, able to finish reverse layups with using the rim as protection against taller defenders while angling his finishes off the glass, a sign of advanced finishing potential. Lightning-quick release from deep range, playing off constant motion, showing off his ability to stretch the defense several feet beyond the arc while firing with confidence before closeouts could bother him.

From skilled guards pushing the pace, to versatile wings scoring at all three levels, and bigs who controlled the paint, the gym was full of young prospects ready to make their mark, proving the next generation in Illinois is as promising as ever. Here's a breakdown of the standouts who separated themselves at camp.