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<p>With the high school season officially wrapped, it's always a good time to reflect. Four years ago, the Prep Hoops Illinois Freshman Camp featured a group of intriguing freshmen—players with upside, tools, and flashes of what they could become. Now, as their high school careers come to a close, it's interesting to track the paths of those who left the state and carved out their own journeys elsewhere. This piece highlights a handful of those prospects and how they evolved from camp standouts into seasoned seniors.</p>
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<p><strong>Gabriel Sularski | 6'4 (Then) → 6'6 (Now) | Benet Academy → Layton Christian (UT)</strong></p>
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<p>Then:</p>
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<p>One of the more physically developed forwards at camp, Sularski brought versatility to the floor. He handled the ball comfortably on the perimeter and could create offense both facing up and with his back to the basket. A natural scorer, he showed touch around the rim with either hand and displayed polished footwork in the post. While more of a small forward long-term, he had the ability to slide inside and produce.</p>
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<p>Now:</p>
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<p>Sularski took his talents out west to Layton Christian Academy in Utah, where he continued his upward trajectory. Now standing 6'6, he has transitioned into more of a point-forward role, showing the ability to initiate offense and create for others. Once viewed as one of the top prospects in Illinois before leaving, Sularski has maintained that status nationally. He earned an invitation to Basketball Without Borders during NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles—an indicator of his global upside. Still uncommitted, he holds multiple Division I offers and continues to trend upward.</p>
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<p>Evaluation:</p>
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<p>A versatile forward with playmaking ability, Sularski's growth into a perimeter-oriented creator has elevated his ceiling. His blend of size, skill, and feel makes him a coveted next-level prospect.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552478' first='Jadin' last='Schilb'] | 6'3 | Champaign Centennial → International (Czech Republic / Spain)</strong></p>
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<p>Then:</p>
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<p>Schilb was one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in attendance. A lanky guard with natural fluidity, he was smooth off the bounce and showed the ability to navigate tight spaces. His size and length allowed him to see over defenses and make plays as a lead guard. While his jumper was still developing, the upside was clear.</p>
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<p>Now:</p>
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<p>Schilb's path took an international turn after a standout sophomore season in Illinois, where he earned First Team All-Area honors in 2024. Since then, he has gained valuable experience across multiple levels overseas. He spent time in the Czech Republic playing for USK Praha at both the U19 level and in the country's 1 Liga (second division). Currently, he is competing in Spain with Movistar Estudiantes' second team in the Spanish 4th Division. On the international stage, Schilb has continued to produce. He represented NextGen Abu Dhabi in EuroLeague U18 competition and most recently averaged 18 points per game at the Avance Global Cup in Málaga, earning Second Team All-Tournament honors.</p>
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<p>Evaluation:</p>
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<p>Schilb's development has taken a unique and impressive route. His combination of size, playmaking, and international experience gives him a high ceiling, especially as his perimeter shooting continues to improve.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2617446' first='Rico' last='D'Alessandro'] | 6'4 (Then) → 6'5 (Now) | Whitney Young → Sequoia National (AZ Prep)</strong></p>
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<p>Then:</p>
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<p>D'Alessandro stood out early with his maturity and feel for the game. A high-IQ wing, he consistently made the right reads based on defensive coverage. While capable of knocking down shots, he was at his best attacking the rim, where his athleticism was evident. With his ball skills and frame, he projected as a potential versatile forward long-term.</p>
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<p>Now:</p>
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<p>After time at Whitney Young and a stint at Maine South, D'Alessandro took the prep route and relocated to Arizona, joining Sequoia National. Now at 6'5, he has continued to build on his athletic foundation and motor, showing improved consistency and physicality.</p>
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<p>Evaluation:</p>
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<p>D'Alessandro's progression into a high-energy, versatile forward has been steady. His athleticism, coupled with improved skill development, gives him tools to impact the game on both ends as he continues to develop.</p>
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<p><strong>Andre Tyler | 6'2 | St. Rita → Simeon → Higley (AZ)</strong></p>
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<p>Then:</p>
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<p>Tyler brought confidence and explosiveness to camp. A dynamic scoring guard, he created separation with ease and could finish through contact or with finesse at the rim. His competitive edge was evident, especially in high-intensity moments. Early on, he projected as one of the more dangerous scorers in his class.</p>
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<p>Now:</p>
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<p>Tyler's journey included stops at Simeon before ultimately heading to Arizona, where he suited up for Higley High School. Once ranked among the top 10 players in Illinois, he later checked in at No. 27 in the Prep Hoops Arizona rankings. His game has continued to evolve—he still plays above the rim in transition, can knock down off-the-dribble threes, and has the ability to defend multiple positions.</p>
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<p>Evaluation:</p>
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<p>A high-level athlete with scoring instincts, Tyler remains a tough cover. His blend of shot creation and defensive versatility makes him an intriguing option moving forward, with the junior college route firmly in play.</p>
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<p><strong>Mickeis Johnson | 6'2 | Romeoville → Florida Coastal Prep (FL)</strong></p>
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<p>Then:</p>
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<p>Johnson was a physically strong presence who thrived around the basket. A forward with guard-like skills, he handled the ball well enough to attack defenders off the bounce. He had soft hands, good touch finishing inside, and was a relentless rebounder who could also push the break.</p>
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<p>Now:</p>
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<p>After splitting time between Romeoville and Joliet West, Johnson moved to Florida Coastal Prep to finish his career. There, he reached a major milestone, surpassing 1,000 career points. Evaluators in Florida now describe him as a “power guard”—a player capable of defending top perimeter threats while also stretching the floor and attacking downhill.</p>
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<p>Evaluation:</p>
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<p>Johnson's evolution into a physical, two-way guard highlights his adaptability. His toughness and expanding offensive game make him a valuable piece at the next level.</p>
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<p>There's no single path to development—and this group proves it.</p>
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<p>From Utah to Arizona to Europe, these former camp standouts took different routes, but each found ways to grow their game beyond Illinois borders. What started as flashes of potential at a freshman camp turned into real production, opportunity, and in some cases, national and international recognition.</p>
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<p>The camp setting is just the beginning. What these players did after is what ultimately defined their journeys.</p>
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With the high school season officially wrapped, it's always a good time to reflect. Four years ago, the Prep Hoops Illinois Freshman Camp featured a group of intriguing freshmen—players with upside, tools, and flashes of what they could become. Now, as their high school careers come to a close, it's interesting to track the paths of those who left the state and carved out their own journeys elsewhere. This piece highlights a handful of those prospects and how they evolved from camp standouts into seasoned seniors.
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