Illinois Freshman Showcase: Front Court Prospects With Upside

The Prep Hoops Illinois Freshman Showcase was filled with plenty of talent across different positions. In this article, we will break down some intriguing prospects that present a mix of size, athleticism, and developing skill that stood out. Here is a closer look at some young bigs and power forwards who are putting themselves on the radar early.    Long and mobile forward with intriguing blend of upside. Johnson has the mobility to consistently impact the paint on both ends. He alters shots in the driving lanes at will and had one of the most effective rim presence out of anyone at the camp. He rebounds it at a high clip both ways and outlets immediately off d boards. In the transition phase, Johnson runs the floor positionally well for size and creates opportunities around the basket for layups or above the rim finishes. He had 1 breakaway dunk in the team's second game of the day that he made look really simple. At this stage, his combination of physical tools, solid motor and developing mobility creates major issues for defenses and provides him with considerable long-term trajectory to expand into.     A long and lanky prospects who brings intriguing versatility with his ability to operate inside and out. Paulioukonis spaces the floor on the offensive side with functional offensive feel to work in ball screening actions and float from elbow to the block for interior options. His length impacts defensively by changing shot trajectories on drivers and helping create turnovers. His value goes beyond traditional box scoring production as he runs the floor well for size keeping pace with guards. Paulioukonis finished in transition multiple times and projects as a valuable front court asset.     The Joliet Catholic PF impacted possessions with length, rebounding activity, and willingness to compete through traffic. Dulinsky helped generate second chance production on the offensive glass during the team's second game of the day. He finished effectively around bodies and has solid mobility to secure defensive rebounds before initiating the break for quick outlets. He also elevated possessions routinely with hustle plays and flashed functional feel as a passer off of BLOB actions or from inside to out in the ½ court setting. Dulinsky brings strong attributes around the paint at this stage which will continue to provide balanced and efficient 2 way value.     A long and lanky prospect that catches your attention right away because of size. Showed ability to run the floor and capitalize in transition a couple of times. In the team's second game of the day he had a couple fast break layins and a powerful dunk in traffic. His high percentage opportunities around the rim helped provide a boost in the teams 20+ point come back deficit. Defensively Stewart made a big impact in the 2nd part of the game because of his high verticality and ability to take up space on the inside. Stewart has developing production skills to go on both ends but the center from Rantoul will see plenty of eyes on his game for good reason as his high school years begin.     A long and rangy prospect that utilizes plus length to disrupt possessions on the defensive end. Olivares did a goob job of playing in the team's 4 man role to help generate turnovers stripping passes on tough digs, forcing jump balls on the floor, and providing perimeter shot blocking. His defensive contributions impacts the game in a big way. On the other side Olivares plays hard as well. He rim ran ahead of the defense a couple of times for transition finishes off pitch aheads while adding a spot up 3 as well. A 2 way product from East Leyden with intriguing versatility.     Watched his team play in their 3rd game of the day and there wasn't much that Sandifer couldn't do. Presents as a versatile forward with plus length and bounce who impacts across multiple areas. Uses athleticism, defensive stamina, and anticipation to provide an advantage. Has advanced creation for his size using quick spin moves off the bounce, change of direction to generate space on smaller bodies, and showed shot making from 15 feet on a step back and a 3 off the dribble. Defensively Sandifer translates as a disruptive tool tallying numerous blocks at the rim while also challenging on the perimeter. His rebounding, rim running motor, and ability to finish above the rim on multiple occasions with dunks gives him a high ceiling at the stage as he continues to develop.

The Prep Hoops Illinois Freshman Showcase was filled with plenty of talent across different positions. In this article, we will break down some intriguing prospects that present a mix of size, athleticism, and developing skill that stood out. Here is a closer look at some young bigs and power forwards who are putting themselves on the radar early.