Arch Elite Showcase: 2019 Evaluations
PrepHoopsIllinois was at the Arch Elite Showcase in St. Louis over the weekend. Here are our 2019 evaluations from the event!
SG Perry Cowan (Illinois Wolves)
Cowan had a consistent day for the Wolves in St. Louis. The DePaul Prep 6’4” shooting guard is a smooth operator on the perimeter that when he gets confidence early in the game can be a tough cover. What really got Cowan going was getting out in transition for scores. He did excellent in that area of the game. Ran the floor hard and got multiple dunks. That got his confidence flowing in the half court where he knocked down some of his go to mid-range jumpers. Low-major plus/mid-major prospect.
PG Marquise Kennedy (Illinois Wolves)
Kennedy has had quite the spring! The Brother Rice combo guard that elevated his game and did so again in the second half of the game that we saw. He started off a bit slow, but then really got it going. It began with his activity on the defensive end. He got multiple steals that he either finished in transition or dished for assists. Then he attacked downhill over and over again with his burst off the bounce. Kennedy is a low-major prospect that has mid-major upside.
SG Paxson Wojcik (Illinois Wolves)
Wojcik is the lone Wolves player from out of state. The La Lumiere (IN) wing is a creative lefty that handles it well in space and has a passing flair. Where he really shines is shooting the basketball. When we saw him In Indy a few weeks back it seemed like there was a bit of a hitch in his shot. That has been smoothed out and he was drilling them off the catch at a high rate. Mid-major player that can be a standout if he finds the right system.
SF Bryant Brown (Illinois Wolves)
Brown is a tough and gritty small forward that brings versatility to the table. He had a couple strong drives off the bounce that he finished with and-1 conversions. Was aggressive taking it to the hoop. The jumper wasn’t falling when we watched him. That is definitely an area he has made strides this spring. Brown is a mid-major player.
PF Tom Welch (Illinois Wolves)
Welch has seen a big boost in his stock and recruitment this spring for the Wolves. The 6’8” forward has gotten stronger in his upper body, improved his ball handling, and his athleticism has taken strides. Combine this with the skill set that he already brought to the table on the block and things are going very well for the Naperville North standout. He was solid not great in St. Louis. Handled it some in the open floor and had a sweet up and under finish around the rim. Passed the ball well from his forward spot. Mobile enough to defend in a ball screen. Mid-major prospect.
PG Toyari Goodwin (Arsenal Hoops)
Goodwin impressed us in their game against the Wolves. The Parkway North (MO) point guard proved to be a plus shooter from the perimeter for the St. Louis based squad. He drilled an array of triples. Also displayed a quick first step off the bounce. Small college prospect.
PG Bryce Bultman (Illinois Bears)
Bultman is one of the more under recruited 2019 point guards in the class. The Nashville lead guard has size at 6’5” with an unbelievable feel for the game. Excellent passer that works will in the pick and roll along with driving and kicking to his teammates. More of a burst with his long strides than we saw during the high school season. He can score in a variety of ways including post ups, put backs, and getting to the rim. The jumper was a bit off in the game we saw. Considering he just got back from a baseball game and had about 30 seconds to warm up we will definitely give him a pass on that. He was effective defensively as well blocking several shots on recoveries and recorded a pair of steals. Some schools are going to shy away because of his lack of plus athleticism, but he is a no doubt low-major player in our eyes!
F Keith Kiner (Illinois Bears)
This Chester 6’6” combo forward has made strides since we saw him just a month ago in a camp setting. Kiner was outstanding in a loss to Pocket City. He is an angular forward that plays with a high motor and rebounds well. Defensive presence being able to guard multiple positions and can block shots on occasion. His offensive game is starting to shine through with his improved ball handling in the open floor and even showing he can shoot some from three. Went for 20 points. Small college player.
PF Tanner Bergman (Illinois Bears)
Bergman is a post from Nashville that has gotten his body in better shape. Trimmed down some of the baby fat and has continued to add muscle. He ran the floor well recording a few transition scores. Also showed nifty footwork around the hoop on a pair of up and unders. Small college post.
SF CJ Johnson (Illinois Bears)
Johnson has always been a wing that has intrigued us. He has size on the perimeter with a solid skill set. Just never seen him put a complete game together. Can do a little bit of everything out there. The West Frankort 6’4” small forward is a crisp passer that can also hit a jumper on occasion. Drilled one from short range and another from the top of the key. Perfect small college system player!
SG Wyatt Krohne (Illinois Bears)
Krohne is a 5’10” shooting guard from Okawville. The undersized two guard is primarily a spot up shooter from deep. The lefty is a catch and shoot threat that has a quick release and hasn’t ever seen a shot he doesn’t like. Connected on quite a few triples in the game we watched. Very limited at the next level with his lack of height and diversity in his game. Small college kid.
F Justin Wallace (Pocket City)
Wallace is a tough and physical southern Illinois forward that went up against many of his fellow area prospects against the Illinois Bears. The thick forward can shoot it in the pick and pop game. Plays physical and is a decent rebounder. Small college player that we hear might play a different sport in college.