Top Available 2018 Posts
The big man group was pretty thin to begin with in the 2018 class and with a few commitments it is picked over even more, but there are a few players that have emerged as intriguing prospects. Here are the best available post prospects in the state in the senior class.
C Jalen Shaw (Larkin)
Current Ranking: #11
Travel Team: Kessel Heat
Shaw is a legit sized big man at 6’10” with great length. Rim protector and solid rebounder. Flashes skill on the offensive end finishing with dunks and can surprise opponents with a mid-range jumper. Runs the floor well. He started off the season really hot and then seemed to cool down in the middle of the season. We like what his long term potential is. Shaw is the top JUCO prospect in the state.
PF Raekwon Drake (Orr)
Current Ranking: #14
Travel Team: Team Rose
Drake’s game is based on his toughness and junk yard dog mentality around the hoop getting on the glass and finishing strong. His skill level has improved in the last 12 months. That was seen during the end of his junior season and continued into the spring with Team Rose. His jump shot has improved its consistency from 15 feet. Drake can now handle it with more ease attacking off the bounce from the perimeter. Nobody in the state plays harder than Drake. He rebounds outstanding in traffic and is a tough defender. His second jump to the offensive glass is a major weapon. His toughness, tenacity, and ability to dominate a game on the glass are what makes him a really intriguing prospect at the low-major to mid-major level.
PF Dusan Mahorcic (Niles Notre Dame)
Current Ranking: #21
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
At 6’9” he has size and length that project well long term. Broad shoulders to add the strength that he will need to for the college level. He made strides with the Illinois Wolves on the circuit and has taken that confidence into his senior season. Mobile post that runs the floor well and has good footwork in the paint. Makes sound post moves sometimes they are just a bit slow. His go to on the block is a right handed jump hook. Soft touch around the basket and has potential on a mid-range jumper with a good looking stroke. Tough rebounder that plays with a lot of grit on the glass. Still gaining confidence in his game.
PF Terrence Shannon (Lincoln Park)
Current Ranking: #32
Travel Team:
Shannon came off the bench and was absolutely spectacular when we saw him at the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic. Impressive looking prospect standing at 6’6” with long arms. He is a lefty that displayed deep range on his three point shot. Drilled 3-6 from beyond the arc. Elevation off the floor with a clean looking shot mechanically. Handles the ball well and can score off the bounce. Defensively he snatched rebounds, was mobile defending on the perimeter, and also swatted shots. If he qualifies would be a potential low-major player, but might have to go the JUCO route. We will definitely keep tabs on him!
PF Cameron Burrell (Morgan Park)
Current Ranking: #33
Travel Team: Mac Irvin Fire
Burrell is off to a hot start during his senior year! He flies around all game on the offensive glass for second chance opportunities. This is what he brings to the table as a prospect at the next level. Energy forward that crashes the glass and gets offensive rebound put backs. Most of his points come in this fashion. Also gets an occasional dunk off an out of bounds play and hits a mid-range shot every now and then. Not really skilled, but makes an impact with his energy level. Could boost his stock to the D2 level if he continues this strong play.
C Gabe Bergeron (Dundee Crown)
Current Ranking: #53
Travel Team: Fundamental U
Bergeron is a 6’8” post that has length and broad shoulders. Good athlete that is mobile and runs the floor well for a post. Rim runner in the open floor. Works well in the pick and roll setting good screens and finishing at the rack. Finishes well in the paint with quick and bouncy post moves where he gets height on his shots. Quality rebounder in and out of area. D2 prospect that needs to be on more schools radars.
PF Kyle King (St. Charles North)
Current Ranking: #54
Travel Team: Tri City Thunder
The 6’5” power forward is a 2018 prospect that might not jump out athletically, but he just gets stuff done! King has a strong build, but retains quality mobility. Plays with a high energy motor. Extremely good rebounder in his area. Fights hard on the glass and has strong hands so when it is in his mitts it is over! Offensively he is skilled on the interior making quick and aggressive moves when the ball is in his hands. Soft touch around the hoop. Finishes well through contact. Outstanding passer particularly out of the high post area. D3/NAIA steal!
PF Jordan Boyd (St. Joseph’s)
Current Ranking: #57
Travel Team: Chicago Lockdown
Boyd stands at 6’6” and is more of an interior presence. The aspect that always stands out about Boyd is how well he finishes in the paint. Not the biggest or overly athletic, but he knows how to finish around the hoop. Goes through contact many times converting and-1’s and getting to the line. The crafty four man has a feel around the hoop knowing how to score with his back to the basket with a soft touch. Good hands allow him to get dunks on dump off passes. Underrated outlet passer. Small college game changer.