Top 2021 Posts
Early in the 2021 process the area lacking the most is post players in Illinois. There isn’t just a lot of depth at this stage. Here are a few that have emerged led by a no doubt top big man!
Chris Hodges (Schaumburg)
Overall Ranking: #5
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Hodges is a big and physical center that snatches rebounds in traffic. Excellent area rebounder. Assertive on the glass. Showed more mobility than we have seen in the past out of him especially working in the pick and roll this spring with the Illinois Wolves. D1 prospect and top post in the 2021 class.
Ashawn Burbridge (Joliet West)
Overall Ranking: #18
Travel Team: Illinois T-Wolves
Burbridge is a 6’4” post from Joliet West that has broad shoulders, length, and projectability where he should grow significantly more. The first thing that stands out is how well he rebounds the basketball. He is a beast with his ability to high point and just having an overall feel for where it is coming off the glass. Finishes well around the hoop converting and-1 opportunities. He passes it extremely well on the interior dishing off quick passes for buckets. Touch on short jumpers. Shot blocking presence as well. If this kid grows he could be a force!
Grant Newell (Whitney Young)
Overall Ranking: #21
Travel Team: Meanstreets
Newell is a long term play. The Whitney Young 6’5” forward has great length and mobility for his size. Long strides running the floor. Shot blocking potential. Shows he could become a decent shooter in time. Thin and needs refinement over time, but could see him as a face up four with a D1 grade in a couple years.
Kyle Wilson (Loyola)
Overall Ranking: #28
Travel Team: Young & Reckless
Wilson is a wide bodied 6’6” post from Loyola. The post is a quality area rebounder and powerful finishing around the hoop. Buries his man deep in the post. One to track especially if he grows.
Phillip Holmes (Simeon)
Overall Ranking: #29
Travel Team: Young & Reckless
Holmes is a bouncy four man that is pretty raw right now, but he has a lot of upside. Has the projectability and athleticism that you have to like early in the process.
Chad Readey (Homewood Flossmoor)
Overall Ranking: #31
Travel Team: Meanstreets
Readey is a 6’7” post from Homewood Flossmoor. Good size and length with a frame that he should continue to add strength on as his career progresses. Contributes on the glass and can hit a mid-range jumper.
Caleb Applebey (Mt. Carmel)
Overall Ranking: #36
Travel Team: EG10
This southern Illinois post is a physically built post that rebounds in area and can shoot short jumper. Strong around the hoop.
Luke Braman (Roanoke-Benson)
Overall Ranking: #37
Travel Team: SI Select
Braman is a 6’7” 2021 big man from Roanoke-Benson High School in central Illinois. Can’t teach his size and mobility at his age. Actually moves pretty well for how tall he is and has solid strength. Definitely some tools to work with here and a name that we will track going forward!