Chi-Town Tip Off: Top Illinois PG/Combo Performers
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The Chi-Town Tip Off over the weekend in Chicago featured many of the top prospects in the state of Illinois. We examine the event from all angles including here in Chi-Town Tip Off: Top Illinois PG/Combo Performers! Machi Nelson (M14…
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Continue ReadingThe Chi-Town Tip Off over the weekend in Chicago featured many of the top prospects in the state of Illinois. We examine the event from all angles including here in Chi-Town Tip Off: Top Illinois PG/Combo Performers!
Machi Nelson (M14 Adidas Gold 17U)
Nelson had a big weekend emerging as a prospect to watch going forward. He is a smaller guard that is lightning quick with the rock in his hands. The Proviso West guard is a shifty ball handler that got where he needed on the floor. He finished with toughness and athleticism at the rim. Also knocked in pull up mid-range shots at a good clip and can stretch to three on occasion. Pushes pace with speed in the open floor.
Rae’Qwon Rogers Rae’Qwon Rogers 6'3" | SG Bowen | 2025 State IL ( The Work Foundation 17U)
The Bowen product is one of the least heralded lead guards in the Illinois 2025 class. Brings strength and big time athleticism to the table. Excels in the open floor where he can use his speed, explosiveness, and athleticism getting to the rim. Solid passer showing better instincts than we had previously seen.
Max Justic ( Mike Glennon Elite 17U)
Lead guard from Brother Rice that is a southpaw. He did a nice job of controlling the game with his pace, passing, and creative scoring off the bounce. Soft touch finishing game in the lane and has a nice pull up. Sound distributor with crisp passing.
Tristian Saunders Tristian Saunders 6'3" | SG Joliet West | 2025 State IL (Flight Athletics 17U)
Saunders had an eye opening performance when we saw him on Saturday. The Joliet West combo guard has good size along with plus length. Shot it very well from three hitting four of them in a 16 point outing. Length played well on the defensive end and he showed some playmaking feel.
Marquis Clark Marquis Clark 6'2" | PG Whitney Young | 2026 State IL ( Meanstreets ‘ last=”] 2026 16U)
Ultra smooth combo that is best as a scorer. Struggled a bit in the first game, but played well in their second contest on Saturday. Smooth combo from Whitney Young that handles it well. He is at his best when getting downhill for scores at the rim where he can finish with a nifty soft touch finishing game and acrobatic layups at the rim. Plays off his defense getting steals for buckets and can hit a mid-range shot.
Khalil Jones Khalil Jones 5'11" | PG St. Laurence | 2025 State IL ( Chicago Hoops 17U)
Jones is a rock solid lead guard from St. Laurence that has an excellent feel for running a team. Makes sound decisions and is a good ball handler. That was shown on one shake when he went behind his back making his man fall before putting the ball in the hoop.
Drew Barrington Drew Barrington 6'0" | PG Carterville | 2025 State IL ( Illinois Bears 17U)
Barrington is a steady force at the lead guard spot. The Carterville point guard was excellent in the game we saw slicing through the lane for runners, floaters, and tough layups. Got to the rim or was fouled on several takes. Also did a good job of setting others up with his passing in a 14 point and 5 dime performance.
Jaxson Davis Jaxson Davis 6'1" | PG Warren | 2027 IL ( Meanstreets ‘ last=”] 2027 16U)
Davis is a lead guard that ranks among the best prospects in the state of Illinois’ freshman class and one of the best period. What we like about the Warren 2027 guard is the poise that he plays with. Shifty off the bounce winning one on one with the rock in his hands. Also shook his man off the bounce before draining a three. Shot it well from beyond the arc and was good taking it to the rim. Excellent passer and decision maker.
Devin Cleveland Devin Cleveland 6'2" | PG Kenwood | 2027 IL (Mac Irvin Fire 2027 16U)
Cleveland is among the elite prospects regardless of class. The Kenwood lead guard is a long and rangy prospect with deep range on his shot. Made some NBA range threes in the game that we saw where he scored 27 points. So free and fluid off the bounce getting to his spots or to the cup. Pushes in the open floor, works well around ball screens, and impacts defensively with his length.
Dariontez Monroe ( Illinois Bears 15U)
Monroe is a 2027 guard from Sparta that put his name on the map late in the high school season. Lefty combo that brings strength to the position along with the ability to get downhill. Sound three point shooter especially off the catch and uses his length defensively to create turnovers.