PrepHoopsIllinois Top 250 Expo: 2017 Standouts Part 1
The PrepHoopsIllinois Top 250 Expo featured a quality group of 2017 prospects. They were able to showcase their abilities in front of scouts and college coaches in attendance. Here is part 1 of our look at the 2017 prospects at the event.
SG Marvin Nesbitt (Butler Prep – 2017)
A day after his commitment to UMKC Nesbitt showed exactly why he is a D1 player at the Top 250 Expo. The freak athlete displayed why he is one of Chicago’s best kept secrets as well. Nesbitt is a bouncy wing that uses it in a variety of ways. What impressed us most was his ability to get to the offensive glass. He was constantly around the ball with his second jump getting offensive rebound put backs. Definitely knows how to play above the rim! He had back to back jams in one game including a monster highlight reel one! Handles the ball well off the bounce showing he could change directions and beat the help defense to the rim. Best in the transition game where he can let his physical gifts go to work! Like his potential on the defensive end.
SG Logan Atkins (South Elgin – 2017)
Atkins is a well-built 6’4” shooting guard that plays with a motor! He has a nose for the basketball, dives after loose balls, and cuts hard without the ball to get open. Atkins can really shoot it from the perimeter. Mixed in a variety of pull up triples as well as several off the catch. Sets up his shot by moving on the baseline running his defender around to where he can find an open space to get his shot off. D3/NAIA prospect.
SF Seth Moeller (Prince of Peace, IA – 2017)
Moeller is just barely across the border and we are going to make sure our friends at PrepHoopsIowa are aware of this 6’3” wing. The shooting guard is a skilled wing with a good looking shot from beyond the three point arc. He let it fly quite a bit and they kept going in. Has enough handles to mix in a runner every now and then in the lane. Competes on the defensive end moving laterally staying in front of his man. D3/NAIA prospect.
PF Dolapo Olayinka (Mather – 2017)
Was a huge fan of what this forward brought to the table throughout this spring and summer for All-In/Young & Reckless. At 6’4” he is a bit undersized, but just mauls bigger opponents on the interior. Great combination of athleticism and strength to go along with a never ending motor. Tough rebounder that gets a lot of his points on second chance opportunities. Skill level is improving and handles it on occasion showing improvement in that area. Quality interior defender.
SG Matt Giannakopoulos (Glenbrook South – 2017)
This wing stood out to us when we saw him in July with Full Package and he showed well again at the camp. Shooter with size. Can’t have enough of those! Strong build and plays with a high IQ. When handling the ball he is looking to pass which he had several nice ones. Best as a catch and shoot guy from deep at the D3/NAIA level.
PF Tee’Aaron Powell (Marian Catholic – 2017)
Powell is a post prospect that is being heavily recruited by multiple D2 programs. He has long arms and quality size at 6’8”. Showed improved fluidity with his post moves. Powell uses his length to get his hook shot at a high enough point that it is difficult for opponents to defend it. Hands have made strides as well catching several tough passes in traffic.
PF Brandon Lawani (Bolingbrook – 2017)
The angular power forward was ready to make a statement from the jump at the camp. Lawani stands at 6’7” with quality length. He was particularly impressive in the drill work to start the session. The Bolingbrook senior showed improved ball handling looking smooth going in and out of the drills. Finished every single rep with an explosive dunk. Really like the motor that he plays with. Active rebounder that gets the most out of his ability. Recently picked up a D2 Lewis offer.
PG Willie Herenton (Stevenson – 2017)
Herenton is a scoring point guard that was in attack mode at the camp. He was going at his man with straight line drives finishing a few nice layups at the rim. Also got out in the transition game where he pushed the tempo.
SG James Pennington (Thornwood – 2017)
The 6’2” shooting guard has a nice rangy frame. Quality athlete that exceled in transition. Long strides and covers ground in a short amount of time. Small college prospect.
PG Trey Mack (St. Ignatius – 2017)
Mack has good size at 6’3” with long arms. Shifty with the ball in his hands and has the ability to keep defenders off balance. Likes to score using his pull up jumper creating space to get the shot off.