Chi-Town Tip Off: Steve Evening Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The evening session at the Chi-Town Tip-Off brought together a strong mix of size, upside, and production across multiple classes. Several prospects separated themselves with high-level play, showcasing both skill and long-term potential. Here's a look at the top performers from the night:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2323618' first='Alex' last='Sirbu'] | 6'9” | [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] | 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sirbu continues to establish himself as one of the premier bigs in the 2027 class. The 6'9” post lived around the rim, applying constant pressure inside with polished footwork and a strong interior presence. He ran the floor well, carved out space, and finished efficiently with a mix of spins, hook shots, and sweeping finishes in the paint. Sirbu's motor and touch were on full display, as he poured in 14 first-half points and consistently controlled the interior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3454823' first='Landon' last='Ray'] | 6'5” | Midwest Bobcats | 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ray is a long, wiry forward with intriguing two-way upside. At 6'5”, he disrupted passing lanes and generated turnovers with his length and instincts. Offensively, he showed a smooth ability to get downhill while also stretching the floor with a clean perimeter stroke. Ray impacted the game in multiple ways—finishing on cuts, facilitating for teammates, and scoring efficiently. His versatility and feel make him a clear rising name in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2823116' first='Derek' last='Brown'] | 6'4” | Geek Squad | 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown delivered one of the most dominant performances of the session, finishing with 28 points. The 6'4” forward brings a strong, physical frame combined with guard-like mobility, allowing him to create mismatches across the floor. He excelled attacking the basket, using his size and body control to finish through contact. Brown's ability to handle, score, and impose his will made him a standout in Geek Squad's opening game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2531981' first='Cole' last='Kelly'] | 6'7” | [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] | 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelly showcased why he's considered one of the top young prospects in the state, even while playing up at the 17U level. The 6'7” lefty wing brings a polished, well-rounded game—combining shooting touch, basketball IQ, and downhill scoring ability. He knocked down perimeter shots, made smart reads, and attacked when opportunities presented themselves. Kelly posted scored 25 combined from both blowout wins, reinforcing his consistency and advanced skill set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2978085' first='Cameron' last='Curry'] | 6'4” | IL Bears | 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Curry's athleticism immediately jumped off the floor. The 6'4” wing used his handle and burst to get downhill, finishing plays with authority at the rim. He electrified the gym with multiple tomahawk dunks, slicing through the lane with ease. Beyond the highlights, Curry showed the ability to create off the dribble and convert in traffic. A high-upside athlete out of Southern Illinois, he's a name worth tracking moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->