Why D2 Programs Are Winning with Illinois 2027 Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your subscription***</em><br><br>Recruiting is not what it used to be in Illinois or the country for that matter with the transfer portal.&nbsp; There are less players getting opportunities at the D1 level out of high school.&nbsp; With the current state of basketball it wouldn't shock us to see as many D2 commits in the 2027 class as D1.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year in Illinois D2 programs are capitalizing on it by snagging some really nice commitments before the early signing period.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125659' first='Kristopher' last='Mporokoso'] (Waubonsie Valley) and [player_tooltip player_id='2125687' first='Travis' last='Brown'] (West Aurora) – Winona State</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winona State landed a top 10 player in the state a year ago in Libertyville center Bryce Wegrzyn getting a steal.&nbsp; They backed it up with a pair of D1 caliber prospects in #8 overall [player_tooltip player_id='2125659' first='Kristopher' last='Mporokoso'] and #13 overall [player_tooltip player_id='2125687' first='Travis' last='Brown'].&nbsp; Mporokoso is a well built lefty with a good shooting stroke and can handle it on the wing.&nbsp; Brown is super slick with the rock weaving in and out of the defense while creating his own shot.&nbsp; Winona State sees the value in identifying early and getting these prospects to build their program around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2839876' first='Ryan' last='Dinnon'] (Andrew) – UW Parkside</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Loved this pick up by UW-Parkside!&nbsp; Stretch fours and fives are always a commodity and that is what Dinnon brings.&nbsp; The Andrew post can really shoot the ball from deep along with being a quality area rebounder.&nbsp; Plays with physicality around the hoop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125668' first='Nedas' last='Venckus'] and Nojus Venckus (Lockport) – Emporia State</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Venckus twins have D1 ability with their combination of athleticism, passing, cutting, and consistent shot making.&nbsp; They play so well off each other it was natural they would go to the same school at the next level.&nbsp; Great gets for Emporia State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2839879' first='Timmy' last='Sloan'] (Lyons) – Northern Michigan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sloan is one of my favorite point guards in this class.&nbsp; He has plus positional size to see over the defense pushing in the open floor and making plays with his feel for the game as a passer.&nbsp;&nbsp; Also has a strong frame and can shoot it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3430180' first='Brendan' last='Petty'] (Morton) – Illinois-Springfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Petty is a central Illinois wing who had a break out junior campaign.&nbsp; You have to like the versatility he brings on the offensive end being able to impact in a number of ways along with using his athleticism on the defensive end.&nbsp; UIS got on him early getting him committed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2991689' first='Myles' last='Montgomery'] (Sacred Heart Griffin) – North Georgia</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Montgomery is a leader at the point guard position.&nbsp; The lefty knows how to run the show for his team with his pin point passing and jets with the rock.&nbsp; Also can create off the bounce with his quickness and is a capable shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->