Steve’s Thursday Prospects Who Popped at The Tune Up: Illinois

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use 4th of July Code “Fourth50” for 50% off your subscription. Code Only Good Through Weekend***</em><br><br>What Prospects Popped ahead of the 4^th of July at The Tune Up: Illinois on Friday?  Here are a few that caught our attention!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aiah Baldwin | All IN | 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baldwin put together an impressive two-way performance, finishing with 16 points and 7 rebounds. The versatile 6-foot-6 wing used his football-like strength and nonstop motor to impact every possession. The 6'6 finished through contact with either hand, attacked the rim efficiently, and forced opposing bigs to step out and defend him on the perimeter. Defensively, Baldwin was just as productive, locking up on the ball, rotating as a weak-side rim protector, and making winning plays all over the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2389107' first='Haze' last='Massey'] | All IN | 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Massey exploded out of the gates against Royalty Hoops, opening with three quick finishes at the rim and a three-pointer. Scoring 26 points in the first contest. The explosive guard showcased elite athleticism, attacking downhill, scoring from all three levels, and finishing above the rim with lob finishes and powerful two-foot dunks. He was equally dominant defensively, jumping passing lanes, ripping ball handlers clean, and turning steals into transition offense. Massey finished with 19 points and 5 steals in an impressive victory over [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2532321' first='Elijah' last='Bell'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] EYCL | 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell came through in crunch time. He knocked down a clutch three to cut the deficit to one possession before using a smooth crossover and strong drive to bank home the go-ahead bucket on the next trip. Bell's physicality stands out as he embraces contact attacking the paint, yet he also has the footwork and finesse to create in isolation. His poise and shot-making late in the game were difference-makers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2255121' first='David' last='Showman'] | All IN | 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Showman caught fire from deep with one of the best shooting displays of the day. His quick release, prepared footwork, and constant shot readiness allowed him to bury multiple triples, including three from well beyond the college line. More than just a spot-up shooter, Showman comfortably created off the bounce and consistently found his spots. He capped his performance by drilling the game-tying three that forced overtime. The 6'5 wing has been the steady hand for Denards 17U squad.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3643306' first='Amari' last='Williams'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] | 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams delivered one of his strongest performances of the offseason. The broad-shouldered post played with confidence and relentless energy, finishing with 16 points while controlling the paint. He kept his game simple and effective by sealing defenders, attacking the offensive glass, and using polished up-and-under moves to score around the basket. His physical presence and improved confidence made him a force inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2416198' first='TJ' last='Eaton'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] | 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eaton impacted the game on both ends, finishing with 17 points while making life difficult for opposing ball handlers. The lengthy wing used his defensive instincts and wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and dictate possessions. Offensively, he mixed in baseline pull-ups, a three-pointer, and crafty finishes at the rim. His combination of size, defensive versatility, and offensive feel continues to make him a prospect that should attract increased college attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players who Showed Out:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2879381' first='Mekhi' last='Young'] | Blueprint Hoops 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Orville Cross | All In 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2532333' first='Jordan' last='Johnson'] | Blueprint Hoops 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2442186' first='Ty' last='Smith'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brayden Alford | [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->