CEC: 2020 & 2021 Evaluations
This past weekend PrepHoopsIllinois was in the house for coverage of the Chicago Elite Classic. We have given you our 5 Best Game stories, Standouts from each day, and now it is time for the massive scouting report of 65+ players. We break down the prospects in 2020 and 2021 from Illinois at the event.
PG DJ Steward (Fenwick – 2020)
Steward is one of the best handful of prospects in the state regardless of class. He is a 6’2” long and rangy lead guard. Projectable game to be a big time player at the next level. He was just average at the Chicago Elite Classic. Steward had a lot of trouble finishing at the rim against the tough OPRF defenders. He did show a knack for getting his own rebounds with a quick and explosive second jump. Steward grabbed seven offensive rebounds that were mostly off his own misses. Hit a corner three, but the shot from deep was not something he looked for consistently. Steward had 13 points (5-16 FG) and 8 boards on the night. It wasn’t his best performance, but I would take him over any player that participated in the three high school games long term!
SF Stedman Ihejirika (St. Rita – 2020)
Another new name on our radar here. The St. Rita 6’4” forward is a well-built small forward. Drilled a nice looking 15 foot jumper and also finished well in the lane. Not the most explosive athlete. He had 5 points (2-3FG). Good role player for St. Rita.
PG Joel Watts (St. Rita – 2020)
Watts is a 5’11” point guard that is coming off an injury so he was limited to only 11 minutes of play. The small point guard is best pushing in transition where he uses his lack of size to get to the rim. Also had a nice dish in the paint. Struggled turning the ball over with six turnovers. Still working his way back into things.
PG Adam Miller (Morgan Park – 2020)
Miller is the top sophomore in the state of Illinois. He has size at 6’4” and big time game. He shot the ball the best we have seen from three. Miller shot it with confidence and stepped into each of his shots making 4-5 from deep with his lefty stroke. Most impressive was when he cleared it out to go one on one, then crossed his man, and drilled a pull up triple. Made several crisp passes showing he can be a combo guard at the next level. He had 18 points and 4 assists. High-major prospect.
PG Marcus Watson (Morgan Park – 2020)
Watson is a 5’10” lefty point guard that is quick and shifty with the ball. Gets penetration finding teammates in the drive and kick or with quick dishes inside. Sound passer that is improving as a decision maker showing more true point guard skills. Has some scoring pop as well with his ability to get to the rim and foul line. He had 5 points, 4 dimes, and 2 steals.
F Isaiah Burrell (Kenwood – 2020)
Burrell is the youngest of the Burrell brothers. Like the others he is an athletic combo forward that makes his impact by flying around and making plays. Bouncy in the paint and quick to the offensive glass. Not very skilled at this stage offensively. He had 10 points (4-5 FG) and 4 boards.
SF Khailieo Terry (Champaign Central – 2021)
Terry is a freak athlete at 6’4” that impressed us last week when we saw him at the Decatur Turkey Tourney. He is so explosive around the hoop getting on the offensive glass for put backs. Huge leaper that’s best dunk of the day was a monster tip jam early in the contest. The thick legged combo forward doesn’t show a ton of still and is just a raw athlete that makes an impact with his energy, athleticism, and tenacity. Defensively he is definitely a presence in the lane swatting shots. Long term level is TBD, but needs to be on the D1 radar. He had 14 points (7-9 FG), 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
SG Ahamad Bynum (Simeon – 2021)
Bynum is one of the early contenders for the top 2021 prospect in Illinois. The 6’2” shooting guard has wiry strength and plus athleticism. Will only play sparingly for the Wolverines this year, but could be their next star prospect down the line. Bynum didn’t do too much in his seven minutes on the floor going 0-3 from the field. When he was out there he didn’t look out of place on the big court with players three years older than him. D1 programs should check in early with him.