Chi-Town Tip Off: Top Forwards/Centers
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Best forwards and centers from this past weekend at the Chi-Town Tip Off: JJ Taylor — SF — Mac Irvin Fire 17U Taylor was no doubt the biggest star of the weekend. But at the Chi-Town Tip Off, he didn’t…
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Continue ReadingBest forwards and centers from this past weekend at the Chi-Town Tip Off:
JJ Taylor — SF — Mac Irvin Fire 17U
Taylor was no doubt the biggest star of the weekend. But at the Chi-Town Tip Off, he didn’t rest on his laurels. He brought his A game. In a matchup against M14 Hoops, the small forward was awesome. He put up 26 points, including the game winning shot as time expired.
Mike Jones Mike Jones 6'7" | PF Chi-Prep | 2025 State #164 Nation IL — PF — Team Rose 3SSB 16U
I loved how aggressive Jones was this weekend. In a matchup against Meanstreets, the power forward showed no fear. He relentlessly attacked the basket. Jones is an athletic, strong prospect who uses his size and physical gifts to score well in the paint. In a loss against Meanstreets, he was able to put up 16 points.
Nikola Abusara Nikola Abusara 6'5" | SF Benet | 2023 State IL — SF — Full Package 17U
I really like Abusara as a two-way prospect. On offense, he is a dangerous slasher that is able to use his size and athleticism to score well in the paint. On defense, he has quick feet and long arms. These physical attributes make him very tough to get a bucket on.
Chirs Riddle — SF — Mac Irvin Fire 16U
It appears as if there is endless upside with Riddle. The small forward does a little bit of everything. He locks down on defense, has the necessary athleticism, can make outside shots, and is very tough to slow down as a driver. I really liked what Riddle did this weekend and I can’t wait to see him develop.
Morez Johnson Morez Johnson 6'9" | PF Thornton | 2024 State #33 Nation IL — PF — Meanstreets 16U
I think that Illinois got a really good player in Johnson. The power forward is a really strong prospect who doesn’t shy away from contact in the paint. He is an explosive athlete who is able to throw down some really impressive dunks. Look for Johnson’s stock to keep rising this AAU season.
Darrion Baker Darrion Baker 6'8" | PF St Rita | 2023 State #227 Nation IL — PF — Team Rose 3SSB
Coming off some impressive showings at 3SSB tournaments, Baker proved that the hype was real this past weekend in Chicago. The power forward played very well and was offered by Radford following his great tournament. On the block, Baker is a real problem for opposing defenders. He has multiple impressive moves that he uses to score.
James Brown James Brown 6'9" | C Link Academy (from Chicago) | 2024 #66 Nation MO — C — Meanstreets 16U
Currently the number one ranked prospect in Illinois’ 2024 class showed why he is regarded as such a great prospect at the Chi-Town Tip Off. The center is a tremendous rebounder and shot blocker. He is also very nimble and athletic for his size. If Brown keeps improving, I think that he could become a real problem at the next level.
Mark Nikolich-Wilson Mark Nikolich-Wilson 6'7" | C Rolling Meadows | 2023 State IL — C — Full Package 17U
Nikolich-Wilson is a very unique prospect. Playing the center position, the Full Package standout is nimble-footed and surprisingly quick for his size. He is very effective on the block as a passer and scorer. He possesses good post moves and has great court vision. Nikolich-Wilson has been one of my favorite players to watch this spring.