Jumbo Guards Make Statement at The Tune Up Illinois

Size in the backcourt was on full display during the Prep Hoops Tune Up Illinois event over the holiday weekend. These bigger guards consistently created advantages with their strength, versatility, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Whether they were initiating the offense, attacking the paint, or defending multiple positions, this group showed why bigger guards continue to be one of the most valuable commodities in today's game.   [player_tooltip player_id='2822689' first='Nate' last='Munson'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2622592' first='Flight' last='Athletics'] | 2027   Munson continues to prove that bigger guards can be elite facilitators. The sturdy, physical guard plays with tremendous pace and poise, never looking rushed while constantly surveying the floor with his head up. He excels at pushing the tempo when opportunities present themselves and routinely delivers teammates easier scoring chances with his passing. Like he does for Lockport during the high school season, Munson is also capable of creating his own offense, doing much of his damage by getting downhill and finishing through traffic.   [player_tooltip player_id='2814168' first='Sam' last='Fuller'] | All In | 2027   The 6-foot-5 guard showcased why his versatility is such a weapon. Fuller is comfortable playing either on or off the ball, using his size and strength to overpower defenders on drives. He consistently attacked the lane, finishing with either hand while favoring his sweeping finish going to the right. Beyond his scoring ability, Fuller flashed underrated playmaking instincts, collapsing the defense before finding post players or shooters spotted up around the perimeter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2125623' first='D'Angelo' last='Perkins'] | All In | 2027   Perkins was one of the more effective downhill guards in attendance. The athletic 6-foot-2 point guard used his long frame to see over defenders and consistently create quality looks. While he's naturally wired to score off the bounce, Perkins also embraced the role of secondary playmaker, making smart reads after getting into the paint. His ability to pressure defenses with his first step makes him difficult to contain.   [player_tooltip player_id='3625295' first='Colby' last='Irvin'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] | 2028   Irvin continues to prove there's much more to his game than his football-like frame. The wide-bodied guard creates separation with his strength and does an excellent job finishing in the lane, often utilizing a soft one-handed push shot around the basket. His vision and basketball IQ allow him to create opportunities for teammates, and when defenders leave him open, he's more than capable of knocking down perimeter jumpers.   [player_tooltip player_id='2829613' first='Danny' last='Ruffin'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2075515' first='Hoops' last='4 Health'] | 2027   Ruffin has embraced a much different role this travel season than he plays during the high school year. Serving as [program_tooltip program_id='2075515' first='Hoops' last='4 Health']'s primary ball-handler and offensive creator, the stocky 6-foot guard displayed his ability to score from all three levels while facilitating for teammates. He elevates well on his mid-range jumper, attacks gaps with confidence, and when shots aren't falling, he's more than willing to play through contact and use his strength to finish around the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='3669950' first='Collin' last='Tobin'] | All In | 2027   Tobin's physical maturity and shot-making stood out throughout the weekend. The strong 6-foot-2 guard consistently knocked down perimeter jumpers with a quick, repeatable release while also showing the ability to attack in straight-line drives. He rebounded extremely well for a guard, often igniting transition opportunities with pinpoint outlet passes or pushing the break himself. His combination of size, shooting, and toughness makes him an intriguing backcourt prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='2416198' first='TJ' last='Eaton'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] EYCL | 2027   Eaton was one of the biggest stock risers from the event. The 6-foot-3 guard uses his length exceptionally well on the defensive end, contesting perimeter shots and disrupting passing lanes. Offensively, he thrived in transition, either finishing himself or making the correct read after getting paint touches. Eaton also proved capable of creating his own offense in the half court, making difficult jumpers look effortless throughout the weekend.   [player_tooltip player_id='2532321' first='Elijah' last='Bell'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] EYCL | 2027   Bell continued the strong stretch he's put together throughout the live periods. The well-built guard uses his strength to punish smaller defenders, frequently posting up guards and bullying his way to the basket. He consistently finished through contact while drawing fouls and also flashed improved passing instincts when defenses collapsed. Bell's continued development and consistency have made him one of the more productive physical guards in the 2027 class.

Size in the backcourt was on full display during the Prep Hoops Tune Up Illinois event over the holiday weekend. These bigger guards consistently created advantages with their strength, versatility, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Whether they were initiating the offense, attacking the paint, or defending multiple positions, this group showed why bigger guards continue to be one of the most valuable commodities in today's game.