Illinois Tune Up: Next Generation Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was assigned to cover the 17U at last week's Illinois Tune Up. However, the uniqueness of the two day mid-week warn up tournament left plenty of time to check out the action from other divisions. As an out of state scout, I can assert that the future is very bright in Illinois and the greater Chicago area (including Northern Indiana) Following are from standouts from the region's next generation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3597555' first='Chris' last='Jones'] <strong>6-1 2029 St Viator</strong> <strong>(IL)</strong> (pictured) Long and lean wing played well for an [program_tooltip program_id='2076264' first='Illinois' last='Central Elite'] that was down one of their top perimeter options. Jones was a good shooter in the mid-range. Not a point guard at this point in his development, but he knew how to get open looks. Stayed in motion off the ball and came off of screens well. While he looked his age, long arms helped him play taller than his listed height. Especially on the defensive end. While good in the mid-range he shot with ease from beyond the arc as well. Standout contest was opening victory against Ball Elite, putting up 10 points. Did I mention that Jones did this all while playing up two grade levels in the 17U division? The future is extremely bright for this prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3604328' first='Revell' last='Gilbert'] <strong>6-7 2029 Joliet Central (IL)</strong> Uber long prospect who passes the eye test in a major way. Got in a fair amount of work during the two-day event. Playing both in his age group and with older teams in the D1 Jets program. I was particularly impressed with his play in a loss to very talented [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] squad (see below) Scored at the rim with easy elevation. Shot was hard to block with his high left-handed release point. Quite skinny but was not easily moved off his spot in the post. Good ball handler who showed long term wing potential. Intense player who emotions got the better of him at times. Nothing concerning as a 2029 prospect. I would rather have too much intensity than a passive player. Certainly a long-term name to know in Illinois' 2029 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2554722' first='Trey' last='C. Hardaway'] <strong>6-3 2029 Crown Point (IN)</strong> Powerfully built versatile player who did not resemble of 2029 prospect. Stocky build allowed to play at the rim. Also had the ball handling and perimeter shot to play away from the basket. Teamed well with Gilbert on the D1 Jets 15U squad. Type of prospect who could go either way developmentally. If he continues to grow vertically could be a matchup nightmare on the block. If improves his perimeter skills could be a power two guard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3685870' first='Nasir' last='Faniel'] <strong>6-4 2030 Merrillville (IN)</strong> Like Hardaway, did not resemble a 2029 prospect at all. Explosive wing was talented in an impressive Thursday victory over a good D1 Jets 2029 squad (see above) However he saved his best for last in a Friday EYBL matchup against a Meanstreets 2030 squad. Playing with a [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] unit that was down their best perimeter option on the second day due to injury. Faniel came up big in the clutch in the close victory. Good ball handler who got to his spots easily both on the perimeter and in penetration. Explosive athlete who got up to the rim quickly. Wiry but strong build helped him finish through contact. Finished 16 clutch points in the close victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3687258' first='Larnell' last='Smith'] <strong>6-6 2030 NA (IL) </strong>Long and lanky post who ran with a [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] 2030 group that played up an age division. Very mobile and showed good ball skills. Stepped out and hit a three in a close contest against the [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire']. Didn't play much late. Not sure if it was a matchup issue or not. Needs to add weight and strength, but this is a prospect who has yet to step foot in high school. Has as much long-term upside as any player I saw in the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->