2020 Intriguing Prospects to Watch in July
Every July there are several guys who put themselves in position heading into the critical three week evaluation period to make noise. This might be from buzz after the spring or players making a name during the camps in June. Here are 10 2020 prospects from Illinois that college coaches are going to be watching closely!
Tyler Beard (Whitney Young)
Overall Rank: #3
Position Rank: #3 Point Guard
Travel Team: Meanstreets
Without question the prospect that saw the most buzz in June from the 2020 class was Tyler Beard. The majority of it had to do with how he played at the prestigious Nike Elite 100 Camp proving he is one of the top lead guards in the nation. Beard lit it up and looked like for those four days the best prospect in the state. After the camp his phone blew up with interest, visits, and offers that followed. July he could take it to another level with a big Peach Jam.
Seryee Lewis (Kenwood)
Overall Rank: #9
Position Rank: #1 Power Forward
Travel Team: Young & Reckless
Lewis has a ton of helium heading into the July live periods. The talented big man turned from prospect to player in the spring on the travel team circuit and elevated his game along with his motor to another level. He has started to pick up steam on the recruiting trail and it could really blow up with a strong showing in July.
Jayden Johnson (Batavia)
Overall Rank: #10
Position Rank: #2 Small Forward
Travel Team: Fundamental U
Johnson somehow still doesn’t have a D1 offer! What? This skilled small forward is an outstanding perimeter shooter that spaces the floor, passes it well, and has a really high basketball IQ. Big time scorer that just knows how to play the game. Will be interesting to see who is the first program to step up with an offer.
Devon House (Sterling Newman)
Overall Rank: #14
Position Rank: #2 Center
Travel Team: Quad City Elite
House is built like a house! The big man has grown to about 6’8” with a big frame, but he has excellent footwork on the low block and a soft touch around the hoop. Some schools have told me “Is he too good for us?” and been afraid to offer. Nobody has made a serious push at this top 15 prospect early in the process. Mid-major and low-majors need to jump in early!
Demarius Splunge (Orr)
Overall Rank: #17
Position Rank: #3 Small Forward
Travel Team: Chicago Elite
Splunge is one of the most talented prospects in the class. Physically he has the size and strength on the perimeter that is unmatched among his peers. When he plays with a motor and confidence he is one of the toughest covers in the class. He needs to do that more consistently because that is the concern college coaches have going into the next three weeks.
Ray’Sean Taylor (Collinsville)
Overall Rank: #22
Position Rank: #8 Point Guard
Travel Team: Gateway Illinois
Taylor is an under the radar point guard from the metro east. Had a breakout sophomore season and followed it up with a strong spring with Gateway Illinois 16U. This scoring combo guard flies a bit under the radar and hasn’t got a ton of attention on the recruiting trail. Low-majors looking for a gem should carve out some time to see him play.
Jordan and Bennett Kwiecinski (Loyola)
Overall Rank: #27 and #28
Position Rank: #3 and #4 Power Forward
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
These twins from Loyola are two of the most intriguing prospects in the class. They are face up four men that can handle, shoot, and rebound on occasion. Adding strength will be key along with being consistent. They each show flashes, but we have never seen them put it all together. Getting a lot of looks from mid-majors and even some high-majors. Will be closely tracked in July and with top 2021 Max Christie on their team will play in front of a lot of coaches.
Destin Whitaker (Romeoville)
Overall Rank: #40
Position Rank: #8 Shooting Guard
Travel Team: Meanstreets
Whitaker got quite a bit of attention from college coaches during June. A pair of in-state schools in Loyola and UIC had him on campus with UIC extending an offer. He has upside with his size and athleticism. Will have the stage to shine at Peach Jam.
Connor Dillon (Peoria Notre Dame)
Overall Rank: #79
Position Rank: #21 Point Guard
Travel Team: Illinois Irish
Dillon intrigued us early in the spring with the Illinois Irish. This point guard really shoots it well from beyond the arc. Flashes some point guard skills as well. One to definitely track during July and could garner early D2 looks.