Sleeper 2019 Post Prospects
We close out our examination of the 2019 class with sleeper prospects at the power forward and center positions.
Charlie Hoehne (OPRF)
Mobile four man that knows how to use that to his advantage on both ends. Comfortable defending in a ball screen and switching to multiple positions being able to stay in front of guards and defend big men. He can slash it at times when facing up, runs the floor really well, passes it out of the post, and got a lot of second chance points during July. Pick and pop threat as a shooting four man.
Karl Wright (Springfield Lanphier)
Wright is a slightly undersized four man that is an elite level athlete. Showed that off in July for the Illinois Irish! Runs the floor and is a great player to throw lobs to as he has tremendous timing catching dunks. We have always known he is a high flier so what might have been even more impressive was the perimeter skill he showed knocking down a few jumpers. If he can add this to his game consistently over the few months his recruitment will start to take off. Nice job as a rebounder that high pointed them in traffic.
Vuk Djuric (Lane Tech)
Djuric stands at 6’6” from Lane Tech. The big man is a versatile prospect that can play inside and outside. Quality athlete for how strong he is. Handles it facing up and makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Beast area rebounder the snatches them at a very high rate. Soft touch around the hoop and has nice footwork. Face up ability being able to hit from mid-range.
Evan Pogge (Normal Community)
Pogge is a tough and physical center that played well for the second Illinois Irish squad as a feature player. Very good area rebounder with his raw strength on the interior along with his efficient scoring on the block.
Pavle Pantovic (DePaul Prep)
Pantovic stands at 6’6” and plays with great strength and physicality on the block. His skill level really shows through as well. Scores with right and left handed hook shots. Mixes in baseline spins. Solid area rebounder. GREAT teammate that is so encouraging even when he didn’t get to play in some games for the Wolves in July.
Michael Tyler (Springfield Southeast)
Tyler emerged on our radar during Springfield Southeast’s run through the tournament. The long and lanky four man changes the game defensively with his length and anticipation. Definitely has major bounce and showed that off blocking shots. Flashes skill on occasion, but most of his points come on put backs.
Danardo Jones (Timothy Christian)
Although he isn’t the most productive player at this stage this Timothy Christian forward might have one of the highest ceilings when it comes to small college players in this class. He has a strong frame and is an elite level athlete! Jones plays above the rim with thunderous slams and big blocks. He isn’t consistent with it at this stage.
Tanner Bergman (Nashville)
Bergman is a post from Nashville that has gotten his body in better shape. Trimmed down some of the baby fat and has continued to add muscle. He runs the floor well. Also displays nifty footwork around the hoop on up and unders.
Noah May (Downers Grove North)
May is an upside play at the center position in the 2019 class. The 6’7” Downers Grove North big man needs to add strength to max out his ability, but he showed some intriguing skills. Active player with length that fought on the boards and used his length on the defensive end.
Stephen Torre (Highland)
This 6’8” center has great height in the paint. Will definitely need to add strength as time goes along. He struggles finishing at times. Flashes with skill and dunks on occasion.
Jackson Kenyon (Deerfield)
This power forward has quality size and length in the post. Rebounds well in traffic and can attack from the mid-post. Played well at the West Coast Academic Camp.