Looking Forward: 2020 Prospects
What players are we most looking forward to seeing this upcoming season? There can be a variety of reasons we are really anticipating seeing these prospects. Here is our group of 2020 players.
SF Lamontay Daughtery (DuQuoin)
Daughtery is already the #3 player in the state, but we think he is primed to absolutely dominate this season. He showed in both July and the fall progression in not only his game, but his demeanor. The talented wing is starting to realize how good he can be with his athleticism and skill. Expect some high-majors to check in on him throughout the year.
PG Tyler Beard (Whitney Young)
Beard played the side kick to DJ Steward for Meanstreets, but he proved at the Pangos Camp he is a big time prospect in his own right. The 6’3” point guard has athleticism and can really get to the rim. Jump shot is emerging and can get others involved. Beard will be part of a loaded backcourt, but we think he will be able to make an impact for the Dolphins and get college coaches to take notice with their national schedule.
SF Jayden Johnson (Batavia)
Johnson played strong in July and this fall. The Fundamental U standout is a high IQ wing that can flat out score the basketball. Plus shooter and his athleticism continues to improve. Look for him to jump into the top 10 of the next rankings update and colleges are already keeping tabs on this wing.
PF Kee Hargrow (Joliet Central)
Huge fan of Hargrow and what he did during the spring and summer for Meanstreets. He has literally no idea how good he can be. Bouncy forward that runs the floor, gets on the glass, and blocks shots. All the raw tools are there he just needs to improve overall skill set, be productive on the high school level, and get that dominant mindset.
PF Dominic Franklin (Bogan)
Franklin moved up from ATL last spring and will attend Bogan this year. A bit of a sleeper as if you didn’t see him with Young & Reckless 15U then coaches haven’t seen him, but with his frame and athleticism there is a lot to like here with this young big man! Should see minutes for Bogan and will excel in their system.
PG PJ Edwards (Springfield Lanphier)
Edwards was solid on the circuit last year for All-In, but never really had that dominant game that we had been waiting for. He showed well this fall at both the camps we saw him at and will take that momentum into the season. The 6’3” powerful point guard has all the tools to be the next star at Lanphier with his scoring ability and playmaking in the open floor.
PF Patrick Readye (Belleville Althoff)
Readye mostly played on the JV team last year for Althoff who had a loaded squad a season ago. With the graduation of all of those guys he is now the primed prospect on the team. He has size, strength, and the tools to be a beast on the interior. Flashed that with Brad Beal Elite 15U and will have the chance to explode this season.
C Martice Mitchell (Bloom)
Mitchell is a legit 6’8” with long arms and upside. The physical tools are present and the mindset is starting to get there. He began to show more aggression and fighting harder on the interior this fall more than we saw in the summer. Mitchell can stretch the floor with his shooting and protect the rim on defense. With a stacked group of sophomores college coaches will definitely be through to see Mitchell and his running mates.
C Nate Seputis (Lincoln Way East)
Seputis played up on the circuit for Team RWA 16U and in our eyes was by far and away their best long term prospect. Big man that anchors on the block, scores with his back to the basket, boards, and can hit face up shot. What is not to like out of this 6’9” big man. He will have a perimeter threat with Shafer bombing in threes and opening up things inside for Seputis.
C Yves Nkomba (La Sallette Academy)
Nkomba played for the KC Pacers last summer and caught our eye with his 6’9” frame and athleticism. Moves very well and is a monster defensively. Rebounds and blocks shots. Offensively he is still a bit raw, but does show glimpses with his soft touch around the hoop. Runs the floor well. Will play with the Illinois Irish spring.
SG Amir Spann (Mt. Vernon)
Spann is a strong and athletic two guard with big time bounce! He will have a couple wow plays every game, but the production throughout the game isn’t always there. We think he will show that this year as a sophomore for Mt. Vernon. The guard has the ability to be a major impact player in southern Illinois if it all clicks this year. One of best sophomore prospects in the 618.