Best Available: 2018 SF
The senior seasons have concluded for the class of 2018. Now it is time for them to focus on their futures in college. For many that means taking visits and making a call. Others there is still work to be done playing in unsigned senior showcases or this spring on the travel team circuit to try to get more attention from college coaches. We recently released our final 2018 rankings. With that being said we are breaking down the Best Available at each position in the state. Here are the top unsigned small forward on the board!
Drew Peterson (Libertyville)
Level Projection: MM
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Peterson is the top overall uncommitted prospect in the state. The 6’6” small forward is a big time scorer that can shoot it from three and is an underrated athlete. Sound passer. So under recruited it is insane! Mid-major schools in the Midwest are crazy for passing on this kid. #6 overall prospect in the 2018 class.
Terrence Shannon (Lincoln Park)
Level Projection: LM/JUCO/Prep
Travel Team:
Shannon has a ton of helium coming off a monster senior campaign. The 6’6” forward shows the ability to shoot it from three with a rainbow shot, handles it in the open floor, rebounds, and blocks shots. A lot of potential! What route he will choose after his senior year is up in the air, but low-majors should be all over him right now.
Dannie Smith (Orr)
Level Projection: LM/JUCO
Travel Team: Team Rose
Smith is a tough and physical wing that is a sound perimeter shooter from three and posts up in key moments. Defends and is an underrated passer. This kid just gets stuff done and has a will to do whatever is needed to win.
Justin Hardy (St. Charles East)
Level Projection: D2
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Hardy is a bit of a tweener, but at the D2 level should be able to be effective with his motor, skill, and high basketball IQ.
Naseer Turner (Kenwood)
Level Projection: D2
Travel Team: Chicago Demons
Turner is a projectable wing that has up and down production. Flashes smooth handles and mid-range pull up. Like his potential a perimeter defender and rebounding wing.
Jalen Boyd (St. Joseph’s)
Level Projection: D3
Travel Team: Chicago Lockdown
Boyd can bring a lot to the table with his angular frame. Defends multiple positions and is a plus mid-range pull up shooter with his lefty stroke.
Calvin Fisher (Monticello)
Level Projection: D3
Travel Team: Illinois Irish
The 6’6” Monticello wing has plus size for the position with a strong build. Fisher shoots the ball well from three especially off the catch. Also has the ability to mix in a mid-range jumper on occasion. Plays hard and really competes on every possession.
Josh Boulanger (Brother Rice)
Level Projection: D3
Travel Team: Chicago Lockdown
Bouncy forward that is an excellent offensive rebounder and rangy defender. Great glue guy at small college level!
Bakari Simmons (Simeon)
Level Projection: D3
Travel Team: Mac Irvin Fire
Simmons defense is what he brings to the table at the next level. Simeon usually puts him on the opposing team’s best player. Limited offensively.
Charles McKinney (Joliet West)
Level Projection: D3
Travel Team: Illinois T-Wolves
Angular wing that is a slashing scorer and has scoring potential at the small college level.
William “Griff” Ryan (New Trier)
Level Projection: D3
Travel Team: Hoops4Health
Stretches the floor with his perimeter shooting. Tough kid. Not a great athlete.
Joffari Brown (St. Joseph’s)
Level Projection: D3
Travel Team:
Brown is a productive high school player that might not project as well to the college level due to his lack of athleticism. He can get on the glass and score in the mid-range. Tough!
Damond Crosby (Salem)
Level Projection: D3
Travel Team: Illinois Bears
Projectable wing that made strides as a senior. Looks the part with his projectable frame and athleticism. Smooth scorer that makes it looks effortless at times, but other times disappears.
Damarion Bariffe-Smith (Niles North)
Level Projection: D3
Travel Team: All-In Athletics
Super long and rangy wing with plus athleticism that brings a lot of defense to the table. Rebounds for a wing and scores best in the paint.