PrepHoopsIllinois Top 250 Expo: 2018 Standouts Part 2
The PrepHoopsIllinois Top 250 Expo featured a quality group of 2018 prospects. They were able to showcase their abilities in front of scouts and college coaches in attendance. Here is part 2 of our look at the 2018 prospects at the event.
SG RJ McGee (Kenwood – 2018)
McGee is a 6’5” shooting guard from Kenwood. He hangs his hat on his athleticism and strength as a two guard. Explosive leaper that can finish above the rim and make plays attacking the hoop. It is all about putting consistency together for McGee because he has a lot of ability.
SF Ryan Kutsor (Lake Zurich – 2018)
Like what Kutsor brings to the table as a player. At 6’4” he has a well-built frame along with good mobility on the wing. The aspect that we noticed the most growth at the camp was in his ball handling. Kutsor is known as a plus perimeter three point marksmen. He can definitely do that with a sweet stroke from three off the catch. His slashing and handles have gotten tighter though which will open up more avenues for him. Unselfish player that is willing to make the extra pass. Worth early consideration at the D2 level and could develop into a LM D1 prospect.
SG Samvit Ram (Stevenson – 2018)
Ram stands at 6’2” with a slender build. Crafty scorer in the lane that likes to use straight line takes to get buckets. Solid rebounder from the wing position as he was more than willing to stick his nose in and get boards. Small college prospect.
SG Justin Johnson (Carterville – 2018)
We have seen this 6’2” southern Illinois two guard play quite a bit during his young career during high school and in camp settings. The two sport star plays with a lot of grit and toughness. Solid in transition as he runs the floor hard. Has the ability to shoot it. Plays with a high motor.
F Caleb Strohmeier (Edwardsville – 2018)
Strohmeier is one of the top combo forward prospects in the 2018 class. The junior stands at 6’7” with a versatile inside/outside game. Good using fakes facing up and keeping the defense off balance when handling the ball. Moves well away from the ball to get open. Started off slow shooting it in one of the games from three, but got it going as the day went along. Displayed toughness defending on the interior. Needs to be on the low-major D1 radar.
G Darren Williams (Joliet West – 2018)
The 6’0” point guard from Joliet West had several nice takes to the hoop. Solid ball handler and plays with a good motor. Has defensive potential. D3/NAIA prospect.
PF Jordan Morris (Proviso East – 2018)
Physical and athletic undersized four man that has the ability to face up and take his man off the bounce a couple dribbles using his power inside. Quality athlete that is built like an outside linebacker! Potential D2 prospect.
SG Vahe Kalayjian (Loyola – 2018)
Kalayjian has participated in a variety of camps we have seen over the years and has always had solid showings. Sound jump shooter from both mid-range and three. Makes the most of his opportunities with the ball. Look for him to take on a bigger role at Loyola this year. D3/NAIA priority in 2018.
SG Ryan Cicenas (Riverside Brookfield – 2018)
Cicenas is coming off a quality summer with Mercury Elite in July where he raised his stock with his perimeter shooting. He continued that at the Top 250 Expo. Sound perimeter shooter who is also a sneaky athlete that will emerge as a major threat for Riverside Brookfield this high school season.
PG Jalen Hodge (O’Fallon – 2018)
Quick and shifty left handed point guard with solid size at 6’0”. Really like how he is always in control of the game when the ball is in his hands. Has a feel for being a playmaker in the open floor and playing with pace. Mixes in scoring and passing. Look forward to seeing his progress this season.