Program Preview: Champaign Heat
The spring is almost here! That means the Prep Hoops Circuit is just around the corner! It is time for us to start previewing the teams participating on the circuit and talking to their directors.
We caught up with Kharis Gordon of the Champaign Heat to discuss their upcoming season! Check out what they had to say!
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
We chose the Prep Hoops Circuit after reaching out to college coaches about their knowledge of and experience with Prep Hoops and many college coaches gave Prep Hoops great endorsements and ensured me my players would have a great platform to receive college recruiting exposure.
What is the goal of your program for 2020?
Our goal for 2020 is for our 16u team to continue gaining more and more exposure to College programs and to play competition at the highest level to prove we have one of the best 16u teams in the Midwest. Our 13u team wants to prove they are a team to keep an eye on as they develop over the next few years. 13u is in its 2nd year and building on a solid year last year and is reloaded with some new players.
What is your program’s mission each year?
Mission of Champaign Heat Basketball:
The purpose of this team is to further the maturation of young basketball athletes to young adults. Our focus, objective and goal, is to have the best athletes on and off the court every time we play. Through the various challenges and experiences we will face together as a team, we hope to utilize those opportunities to further develop the athletic and professional development of our Champaign Heat youth athletes.
What players are the prospects people should keep an eye on at each age level?
16u
#13 6’4 G David Hubbard, St. Thomas More HS
Athletic Point-Forward with all around game that passes well, finishes at the rim well, and has a solid mid range game.
#23 6’8 F Sam Bradbury, Mattoon HS
250 lbs,15 years old still, size 17 shoe with a D1 body build already. This big man is athletic, has a soft touch and hands, is a great defender and help defender and finishes strong around the basket. He is a work horse. He also is a good free throw shooter.
#24 6’8 F Luke Koller, Mahomet HS
Luke has a solid build, sneaky athleticism, is a solid rebounder and can score from the inside and outside and off the dribble.
(All 3 guys have D1-D3 interest so far)
13u
#13 5’3 G Tyler Blythe, Deland MS
Combo Guard that can shoot from deep, has a nice handle, and plays solid D. Fiery competitor.
#11 5’8 Coy Taylor, Prairieve View Ogden MS
Coy is our top wing. He is a strong, powerful, quick wing that can play the 1-3, can shoot it, drive it, and is great st creating for his teammates. His PVO team earned 2nd place in the IESA 1a Championship this past season.
#8 5’9 SF Plamedie Ibinimion, Jefferson MS
This kid is a super athlete! He is almost dunking and has a julius Randle type of game. He is good at everything and is a lock down defender and a walking bucket.
What PrepHoops Circuit Events will you be competing in?
Hardwork Live Chicago
Summer Challenge Chicago
Grit Region Finals Indy