Program MVP: Francis Okoro
Who was the MVP of each grassroots team program this past spring and summer? This might not necessarily be the best player although in many cases it is. We are looking at the player from Illinois that elevated their game and stepped up when it mattered most taking both themselves and their teams to the next level.
The Brad Beal Elite MVP was a tough call. They were mostly led by out of state talent in Darius Garland and a monster performance from Jericole Hellems down at the Peach Jam where he put on a show for the ages. The in-state battle came down to Normal West center Francis Okoro and Belleville West power forward EJ Liddell. Both put in strong efforts and are the top two prospects in the 2019 class in the state. We gave the edge to Francis Okoro. In the Nike EYBL regular season against the best competition in the nation with most of them being a year older than him Okoro averaged 8.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. He is a physical specimen that has a college ready body right now! His raw strength combined with his athleticism make him a special prospect. Okoro has the ability to rebound at as high of rate as anyone in the country. He showed that in the EYBL. Also when he gets post touches Okoro can do damage with quick spins and powerful dunks. Runs the floor about as well as any big in the state. Elite high-major prospect in our eyes.
Congrats to Normal West 2019 center Francis Okoro on winning the PrepHoopsIllinois Program MVP for Brad Beal Elite.