Illinois Class of 2018 Outlook

<p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">It is still extremely early in the process, but the 2018 class is starting to take shape.  Right now it is led by a duo at the top in dynamic shooting guards Tim Finke (Champaign Central) and Kezo Brown (Simeon).  Each could be considered top 25 prospects nationally in the sophomore class.  Finke is a 6’5” wing with plus athleticism, a high basketball IQ, and is a phenomenal shooter.  Brown is a slick slashing lefty that can score with ease and gets where ever he wants on the floor.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">As in most classes when they are young point guard is the position with the most depth at this stage with potentially seven or eight on the D1 radar.  That group is led by Ayo Dosunmu (Morgan Park) and Marquan Williams (Perspectives).  Both are exciting lead guards that make plays in the open floor for themselves and others.  Chase Adams (Marian Catholic), Kaleb Thornton (Nazareth Academy), Xavier Castaneda (Whitney Young), Thomas Hughes (United Township), Kendle Moore (Danville), and Kenny Strawbridge (Rockford Lutheran) have each showed ability to run the show at a high level.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">The shooting guard group after the two potential five-stars has an athletic group of wings with upside in Justin Boyd (Whitney Young), Darius Beane (Carbondale), Drew Peterson (Libertyville), Armon Brummett (Decatur MacArthur), Lacey Watson (Rock Island), Anthony Lynch (South Elgin), Cardell McGee (Springfield Lanphier), and Camron Donatlan (West Aurora).  At the small forward group it lost some its star power with the transfer of Alan Griffin out of state, but has several nice prospects at a young age in Joffari Brown (St. Joseph’s), Brendon Marton (Streamwood), Talen Horton-Tucker (Simeon), Jalen Boyd (St. Joseph’s), Bakari Simmons (Simeon), and Kani Acree (Carbondale).</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">The power forward group is filled with high ceiling guys that if they grow could be scary good.  That is led by a Meanstreets 15U trio of Messiah Jones (Simeon), Jordan Boyd (St. Joseph’s), and Raekwon Drake (Orr).  Jordan Morris (Proviso East) and Treavon Martin (Curie) are physical presences inside.  Justin Hardy (St. Charles East) is a skilled undersized four that is one to watch closely down the road.  At the center position it is all about upside with raw prospects Edu Okanu (TF South) and Isa Maguire (Lindbloom) leading the way.</span></span></p>