Fresh Face Make Names at Chi-Town Tip Off

Steve Parham April 20, 2026 @ 03:00 PM

The talent pool at this past weekend's Chi-Town Tip-Off ran deep, but beyond the usual names, a handful of new prospects emerged and made strong first impressions. Whether it was size, athleticism, or feel for the game, these players showed enough to put themselves firmly on the radar moving forward.   Javion Hatton | Greater Purpose Athletics | 2028 | 6'5”   One of the more intriguing long-term prospects spotted, Hatton brings a blend of athleticism and physicality that immediately stands out. The two-sport athlete (football) showcased his bounce in transition, finishing above the rim and powering through contact with ease. His strength allowed him to thrive in traffic, while his natural hands—likely developed on the football field as a wide receiver—translated well on the hardwood, securing tough catches and converting inside. Hatton was also active on the glass and altered numerous shots with his timing. Still developing, but the upside here is undeniable.   Brandal Orr | Geek Squad | 2028 | 6'1”   Orr made his presence felt with a combination of size, aggression, and activity. The 6'1” guard attacked the rim with purpose, finishing through contact and embracing physical play. Defensively, he covered ground effectively, sliding well laterally and competing on every possession. Offensively, he showed a willingness to move the ball and make the right play, particularly in transition. With his motor and versatility, Orr is another name to keep tabs on as he heads into the high school scene at Leo.   Giovanni Sanderlin | Fueled By Faith | 2028 | 6'2”   Playing up at the 17U level, Sanderlin didn't just survive—he produced. The quick, instinctive guard made his impact primarily on the defensive end, jumping passing lanes and turning steals into easy transition points. He also showed confidence knocking down a perimeter shot from the left wing. His ability to compete against older competition while staying productive speaks volumes about his instincts and motor.   Jordan Wright | Team FVV | 2029 | 5'11”   Wright brought toughness and composure to the guard spot. A capable shooter, he picked his spots well and didn't force offense, instead taking what the defense gave him. He has a sturdy frame that allows him to absorb contact and finish at the rim. Wright also displayed versatility, operating both on and off the ball, showing early signs of a guard who understands how to play. With continued development, he has a path to becoming a varsity contributor sooner rather than later.   Allen Washington | Geek Squad | 2029 | 5'10”   Washington impressed with his poise and decision-making while playing up a level. The floor general stayed under control, consistently keeping his dribble alive and navigating pressure without panic. Rather than hunting shots, he focused on facilitating and keeping teammates involved. His ability to manage the game and make smart reads stood out, making him a solid guard prospect to monitor in the coming years.   Zuri Burgess | Team FVV | 2029 | 5'11”   Burgess put himself on the map with his perimeter shooting, delivering one of the more impressive shot-making performances of the weekend. The freshman guard caught fire, knocking down four triples while showing deep range and confidence. His quick release allows him to get shots off cleanly, even under pressure, and he never hesitated when given space. Burgess' ability to stretch the floor and capitalize from the outside makes him a clear perimeter threat and another young name trending upward.

The talent pool at this past weekend's Chi-Town Tip-Off ran deep, but beyond the usual names, a handful of new prospects emerged and made strong first impressions. Whether it was size, athleticism, or feel for the game, these players showed enough to put themselves firmly on the radar moving forward.