Next Level Invitational: 2021 Evals
PrepHoopsIllinois took in all the action from the Next Level Invitational in Mequon, Wisconsin this past week. Now we dive into our player evaluations from the event. Here are our 2021 Evaluations!
PF Scotty Ebube (Kessel Heat 15U)
This was my first chance to see this Mundelein big man. He definitely deserves consideration among the better bigs in the 2021 class after seeing him in person. Has a physically mature body already so he might not grow much more, but he is probably about 6’7” now. Physical rebounder down low. Offensively he displayed quality footwork in the post with a few up an d unders along with other fundamentally sound moves. Sometimes didn’t finish them, but that will come in time. Was actually impressed with how he passed the ball and handled in space at his size.
SG Tommie Williams (Ramey-Jets United 15U)
This 6’2” transfer from St. Louis will provide the defending state champion Belleville West Maroons with more fire power on the perimeter. He has plus athleticism and power at the two guard spot. Game needs to be refined, but he has a lot of upside.
PG Jordan Rice (Quad City Elite 15U)
Rice is a tiny point guard from Rock Island High School that is a flat out bucket getter! He might not have missed the entire game while going for 20 points. Jump shot was on point drilling pull up threes coming off ball screens. Quickness off the bounce getting in the lane for floaters. Pushes it in the open floor with his speed.
SG Eric Price (Quad City Elite 15U)
Price is a shooting guard with a thick body. Not the most projectable body, but he is a quality player with a crafty game. Shooting threat off the catch. The lefty also is a creative passer in the paint.
SF Trevon Jordan (Quad City Elite 15U)
We started the morning off by checking out QCE 15U group. The most impressive performance they had from an Illinois prospect was this Sterling 6’4” small forward. He is a strong wing that did a lot of damage pounding the offensive glass for second chance opportunities. As the game went on he displayed more perimeter game connecting on a trio from down town.
C Max Wedding (Quad City Elite 15U)
Wedding is a 6’7” center from Quincy Notre Dame that made a name for himself. Nice size and the lefty is a quality rebounder and post defender at a young age with time to develop offensively.
PG Max Rivera (HIT 15U)
This 5’10” point guard from Neaqua Valley is a really good shooter that connected on shots from all around the floor in the game that we evaluated.
SF Odin Lium (HIT 15U)
Lium is an intriguing prospect. Stands at 6’4” with super long arms and a rangy frame. Very thin at this stage and will need to add on bulk as time goes on, but it should come throughout his career. Opened with a sweet looking pull up jumper and mixed in a right handed hook shot. Seems like a prospect that is just scratching the surface of his long term developmental potential. Goes to Oswego East High School.
SG John Digenan (Breakaway 15U)
Digenan is a kid that we had heard a bit of buzz about and the lanky wing has some potential. Developmental upside with his length and skill. Quality perimeter shooter that has a funky release, but they seemed to go in. Will need to add on strength and become more athletic to max out.
PG Corey Crowder (Breakaway Basketball 15U)
Crowder stands at 5’8” from Glenbard South High School. The tiny point guard opened their game with a bang on Saturday night. He drilled a three from the wing and then came right back at the defense with a pull up from 15 feet that had a ton of arc on it! Crisp ball handler that also is a pesky on ball defender.
PG Jeffery Grace (Breakaway 15U)
Grace is a scoring point guard that loves to attack downhill. A lot of natural scoring pop in this young guard’s game.