Class of 2019 Post Stock Risers
Which power forwards and centers elevated their stock the most this spring and got the biggest bump in the PrepHoopsIllinois 2019 rankings?
EJ Liddell (Belleville West)
Previous Rank: #5
Current Rank: #2
Liddell was already considered among the top 5 players in the class, but his stock went up even more since our last update. It begins with what he did to close out the high school season going for 40+ and 30+ against high level 2017 recruits leading his team to wins. Then he backed it up with more strong play this spring for Brad Beal Elite on the circuit. Versatile offensive player that can really rebound. High-major.
Chris White (Marian Catholic)
Previous Rank: #51
Current Rank: #26
White intrigued us when we saw him at Christmas and impressed even more late in the season. Every time we evaluated this 6’6” forward he showed glimpses of his immense potential. Uber athletic post that runs the floor and finishes in transition. Like his upside as a scorer in the half court as well. Low-majors need to look into him.
Thomas Welch (Naperville North)
Previous Rank: NR
Current Rank: #30
Welch is a player that came on our radar late in the high school season. He is a skilled low-post player that is extremely efficient with his touches. Soft touch and good footwork. Joined the Illinois Wolves this spring where he made his presence felt on their 16U squad. Could be primed for a breakout junior year.
Nate Ferguson (Lemont)
Previous Rank: NR
Current Rank: #30
Ferguson emerged on our radar in a major way this spring playing for Chicago Lockdown 16U. Strong frame and good length. He is a stretch four man that can knock down pick and pop shots with ease. Fades away from drivers for feathery jumpers. Dominant on the glass. Ferguson is a beast on the defensive glass. Also very effective on the offensive glass not only high pointing balls for himself, but when he can’t grab it he taps it out to his guards. Does this numerous times a game. D2 prospect with low-major upside.
TJ Wicks (Kankakee)
Previous Rank: NR
Current Rank: #35
Wicks is a relatively unknown prospect at 6’9” from Kankakee. The long and rangy forward has great length and an ideal frame to add strength onto for the college level. At this point he is still fairly thin, but the 2019 prospect has time to add that on as time goes. Bouncy around the hoop with explosion off the floor and runs the court with ease. Potential, but he is still extremely raw as he didn’t even play much varsity last year.
Jermaine Hamlin (Lincoln)
Previous Rank: NR
Current Rank: #37
Hamlin is an intriguing 6’9” post from Lincoln High School. A high school program that is usually known for their skilled guards has a legit sized post with some potential. He is still raw, but definitely has some tools to work with. The lefty isn’t an overly skilled post scorer at this stage. Has some trouble finishing. Once he gets a little more coordinated should improve on this. High points rebounds and snatches them in traffic. Has the ability to grow into a plus rebounder and post defender.
Keith Randolph (Belleville West)
Previous Rank: NR
Current Rank: #46
Randolph is an undersized 6’5” power forward that plays extremely physical. He makes up for his lack of height with his never ending motor. Randolph keeps coming at you over and over. Broad shoulders and strong upper body. He is pretty mobile for his size. Quality area rebounder that snatches them with his strong hands. Gets most of his points off dump off passes and hitting the offensive glass. Runs the floor well. Offensive skill set will need to develop in time for him to max out his potential. Like we said though he does move well and is light on his feet which are a couple of good indicators that he could improve as a back to the basket scorer. Seals well receiving the ball. Defensively he gets under his opponents skin with his constant pressure. Randolph projects at this stage as a D2 prospect.
Charlie Hoehne (OPRF)
Previous Rank: NR
Current Rank: #59
Hoehne is a 6’6” four man that plays well on the interior. He has soft hands receiving the basketball and a good touch around the hoop. Understands how to seal his man off in the post and position his body to where he can score. Flashes a good shooting stroke from both mid-range and the free throw line. The most impressive part is his ability to attack off the bounce from the mid-range area. Can take his opposing post off the bounce a couple dribbles especially on the baseline and finish with good body control at the rim. Crashes the offensive glass for put backs and competes on the defensive end with his length.
Tanner Bergman (Nashville)
Previous Rank: NR
Current Rank: #95
Bergman is a thick bodied 6’5” center that is a back to the basket player that plays physical. Plays well in the high/low game sealing his man off and finishing at the cup. Flashes skilled post moves. Good footwork out of the post. Not overly athletic. Finishes through contact. Should be a productive small college post scorer that rebounds well within his area.