The Tune Up Illinois: 2027 And 2028 Versatile Forwards To Know

Illinois' The Tune Up took place over the 4th of July weekend in the Chicago land area. A solid amount of teams showed up for the first weekend in July on the Prep Hoops Circuit to start the final month of summer travel ball. In this article, we will take a deeper look into some of the small and power forwards from the classes of 2027 and 2028 who stood out.    It's been good to see Shim progress as an athlete and IQ player over the last year and a half. I first saw him last Spring and his coordination has significantly improved along with his motor to run the floor. It was evident over the weekend to see him catch a lob from beyond the perimeter and rim run consistently keeping pace with quick guards in the transition phase. He continues to gain more strength on his frame as well. With his plus length with already adequate size, his wingspan will continue to be a challenge at the basket for drivers. Shim's attitude on the offensive boards are also a bright upside to consider as he is timing the ball effectively off the rim and giving his team more second chance opportunities. The ceiling continues to be raised for the 2028 Forward from Kenwood.     I caught Olyunka in the later evening game on Thursday. The small forward could slide into a swing man at times and is versatile to do so. He possesses a strong aptitude to rim run as an undersized post and remain competitive throughout. He showed positive activity rebounding on both ends to time the ball right off the rim. His slashing ability popped as well while gaining a step and then drawing fouls on dribble drive action. Defensively he chased down a fast break for a clean block and continued to show solid verticality in the ½ court setting as well.     There wasn't much that the defense could do to stop Cross in his team's late morning game on Friday. I tallied him for a game high 26 points while scoring those in a variety of ways. He repeatedly dived hard after providing ball screens to retrieve it and score quickly. He also showed soft touch with a baby hook over more size, finished through contact for a couple of and1s, and ran the break ahead of the defense for a 1 hand power slam. In the paint, Cross will lead by example with battling for rebounds and helping grab second chance opportunities on the offensive end. By using his strong frame, he endures physicality while drawing consistent fouls. Overall Cross will add value on both sides of the ball as an interior anchor with a tough and relentless presence.     Kopp scored a couple of crucial and impactful buckets in the teams early morning Saturday game to help gut out a close win from a double digit behind comeback. I've watched the Auburn 2027 Forward play once earlier this spring and once with his school team over summer league and he brings a high energetic motor with passion to the game. Down low, Kopp endures physicality and will help win on the glass with a lot of effort. He has a solid frame and rim runs competitively with a motor throughout. He'll fight for positioning offensively and will bang with bigger bodies on the defensive end. The 6'3 Forward from Auburn should be a slated for a standout senior season and should continue to gain more traction on the recruiting trail.     Another 2027 prospect that made an impact 2 weekends in a row. I had the chance to see Childs play a few days ago at Ridgwood with his Peoria squad and he continued to impress this weekend with his Royalty Hoops team. He provides length and versatility as a small forward with long strides and a plus wingspan. He made his presence felt with a high-motor and physical presence on both ends of the floor. In the rebounding department Childs secures boards at a high point and pushes the break for quality looks. Offensively he is able to finish through contact and scored it on a reverse layup, and 1's, and diving hard to the rim after ball screening. He seemed to always be in the action no matter where the ball was. Defensively he communicates in ball screen coverages and consistently plays with a composed controlled yet competitive demeanor.     Kirkland is a strong lefty forward that endures physicality down low. He worked cohesively well with team's other big in the evening game on Thursday. Offensively he runs the floor hard in transition and works well on breakaways. In the ½ court setting, he consistently earned trips to the free throw line while attacking the rim and staying aggressive. Defensively Kirkland utilizes his length to help challenge the passing lanes and presents a toughness demeanor down low. Overall Kirkland's high motor and energy made him a difficult matchup throughout.     Bennet shows intriguing size and physicality while possessing an adequate motor from the power forward spot. He makes his presence felt around the interior while operating effectively on the block with coordinated hands and feet. He converted on quick turn and finishes and also powering his way through contact for other tough scores. His ability to establish position and display stamina on break phases shows ability to impact multiple positions. Defensively he adds disruptions around the rim to protect. The combination of toughness and two way production makes him a reliable presence in the paint.

Illinois' The Tune Up took place over the 4th of July weekend in the Chicago land area. A solid amount of teams showed up for the first weekend in July on the Prep Hoops Circuit to start the final month of summer travel ball. In this article, we will take a deeper look into some of the small and power forwards from the classes of 2027 and 2028 who stood out.