Jennings' Illinois and Wisconsin Standouts from Grand Rapids

<p>Over the weekend, I was in Grand Rapids, Michigan officiating on Court 1 at the Puma NXTPRO event. Here are some Illinois and Wisconsin prospects that stood out. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wisconsin</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Without a doubt, White was the best shooter I saw this weekend in Grand Rapids. He's one of the few players who I think are more comfortable shooting off the dribble than in a catch-and-shoot situation. Nevertheless, Mikey is a guy who can hit college-range 3s already and is solid operating in the middle of the court. This range should continue to extend as he adds strength. On-ball defense is White's next best attribute, keeping a ball-handler in front of him for long stretches was a key to his team's success with the shot clock. He already holds offers from Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Eastern Illinois. I would expect that list to expand over the course of the AAU season. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Another solid guard on a loaded DFTP squad, Preston possesses many transferable skills to the next level. First, he has the potential to be a pure, two-way point guard. With a quick first step, he can get by most of his initial defenders. From there, he has the vision to be able to make the correct decision. Also, a more than capable shooter who understands the difference between a good and bad shot. Finally, I love his competitive spirit, the kid sells out on defense and is consistently communicating with teammates on and off the court. Not too many AAU guys are doing that at 8am on a Sunday, but Preston is one of those dudes. He cares about winning and proved to me that he will do whatever it takes to do so, regardless of what his stat line is at the end of the game.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A very high-upside prospect with a great frame, easily 6'8 with a wing-span that must be close to 7'. Wright can truly be a force on the interior of both ends of the court when he wants to be. The size allows him to grab rebounds from the strong and weak sides of the paint. I'd like to see him be more aggressive in seeking out dunking opportunities, but his touch around the rim is decent. Despite some fouling issues, the potential E'lonte has as a shot blocker is immense. I saw flashes all weekend long, and he even made the game-sealing block to win a game. This will for sure be a prospect I keep tabs on throughout the upcoming AAU circuit.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Illinois</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Ben was one of the more fundamentally-sound players in Grand Rapids this weekend. Hiveley possesses a high basketball-IQ that puts him in great positions for steals. Despite being around 6', this doesn't deter him from competing and winning attempts for rebounds in traffic. This is due to his strength, surely the weight room is a place he frequents. Also, I like that Ben doesn't force anything on either end of the court, he lets the game come to him. He is definitely a good enough shooter to take more shots, but that isn't how he plays. After doing some research, it looks like he excels on the football field as well, so I'm interested in seeing which sport he will choose to pursue playing at the next level.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A very-athletic guard prospect from Freeport High School in Illinois, Kazion uses his speed and strength to get to his spots on offense. He hit quite a few tough, contested jumpers this past weekend. Morehead's effort on both ends of the floor was apparent as he sold out all game long. There aren't any glaring weaknesses in his game and with his unique mix of athleticism and intensity, Kazion should have a huge summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2785912' first='Team' last='FVV'].</p>    <p>Michigan/Ohio Standouts from the Puma NXTPRO event: <a href="https://prephoops.com/2026/04/top-performers-from-the-storm-classic-and-puma-nxtpro/" id="https://prephoops.com/2026/04/top-performers-from-the-storm-classic-and-puma-nxtpro/">https://prephoops.com/2026/04/top-performers-from-the-storm-classic-and-puma-nxtpro/</a></p>

Over the weekend, I was in Grand Rapids, Michigan officiating on Court 1 at the Puma NXTPRO event. Here are some Illinois and Wisconsin prospects that stood out.