Top 2019 Post Prospects
College coaches are always looking for post players! Well here you go with the top power forward and center prospects in the 2019 class from the state of Illinois!
EJ Liddell (Belleville West)
Travel Team: Brad Beal Elite
Overall Ranking: #1
Liddell is the top prospect in the state and it isn’t close in 2019. This 6’7” power forward is a skilled face up four man with tremendous quickness around the hoop. Liddell is an elite rebounder that despite his lack of height has a knack for consistently producing on the glass. Shot blocking presence with his timing. Offensively he can score on the block, but what has really taken his game to the next stratosphere is his ability to face up and score off the bounce.
Chris Payton (Bloomington)
Travel Team: Meanstreets
Overall Ranking: #5
This Bloomington four man had a fantastic junior season, followed by an up and down spring, and then closed strong in July. What we liked was how well he rebounded both in and out of his area. Chased down balls and snatched them out of the air in traffic. Got a lot of points off his energy on the glass. Bouncy athlete that finished better inside than we had seen in recent outings. So freakishly athletic in the paint!
Nate Ferguson (Lemont)
Travel Team: Chicago Lockdown
Overall Ranking: #7
Ferguson is one of the top post prospects in the 2019 class and it was easy to see why in July with Lockdown. Very skilled four man that has the athletic pop to combine with it. Explosive two handed slams at the rim, can connect on a three, smooth left handed drives from the perimeter, sweet pick/roll passer, and swat shots with his burst off the ground.
Tom Welch (Naperville North)
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Overall Ranking: #8
The rising senior who is headed to Loyola put his versatility on display along with his athletic pop in July. Welch powered home big slams. Handled the ball in important moments and made key play after key play to win games. Finishes around the hoop. Tough post defender that can guard in a ball screen as well.
Ciaran Brayboy (New Trier)
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Overall Ranking: #13
The big man has broad shoulders, strength to anchor down low, and is a solid rebounder. Offensively he has some skill on the block especially when he garners deep post position before catching the ball. Plays physical down low. Headed to Harvard!
Rashaun Agee (Bogan)
Travel Team: Mac Irvin Fire
Overall Ranking: #24
Agee is a broad shouldered four man that is a defensive presence and a quality rebounder. Most of his points come off transition points and put backs. Can step out and hit a three every now and then. Like his upside as a dominant rebounder at the next level with his athleticism.
CJ Wilbourn (Normal Community)
Travel Team: Quad City Elite
Overall Ranking: #26
This Normal Community power forward looked much more comfortable playing as a face up four man handling the ball and hit several threes which we haven’t seen before at each event in July with Quad City Elite. Liked what he did on the glass snatching them in traffic and protected the rim.
Keenon Cole (Streamwood)
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Overall Ranking: #33
Cole is a bouncy four man that plays with a high motor and is extremely active. Super quick second jump allowing him to get on the offensive glass for put backs. He did a nice job defending in the post for the Illinois Wolves using his length and quickness. Athleticism around the hoop finishing. Committed to Northern Illinois.
Jermaine Hamlin (Lincoln)
Travel Team: Quad City Elite
Overall Ranking: #34
What you have to like about Hamlin is his pure size at strength for the center position at 6’9”. Raw strength and athleticism make him a solid rebounder and rim protector. Best right now as a defensive player that will block shots at a nice rate. Good instincts defensively. Offensively he is a bit raw. Most of his scores come on dump off passes or offensive rebounds.
Spencer Boehm (New Trier)
Travel Team: Fundamental U
Overall Ranking: #39
Boehm is a low post presence with his ability to finish utilizing sound footwork, a soft touch, and crafty moves on the block. Can use a little power every now and then as well to finish through his man. Boehm can finish with both hands around the rim. Runs the floor well. Capable offensive rebounder.
Alex Timmerman (Crystal Lake)
Travel Team: Fundamental U
Overall Ranking: #40
This Bucknell commit is a big man that has slimmed down and is in the best shape of his career. His mobility has improved which has allowed him to be a more efficient low post player. Timmerman has a soft touch around the hoop especially with his right handed hook shot. Can play as a finisher in the high/low game or as a screen and roller in the pick/roll. He has good hands on the interior. Solid rebounder getting put backs.
Aidan Shore (Sterling)
Travel Team: Mercury Elite
Overall Ranking: #42
Shore stands at 6’10” from Sterling and came in as one of the prospects I was most looking forward to evaluating during the July evaluation periods. Rail thin and will have to add significant strength at the college level. Rebounds in traffic insanely well flying in to grab many of them! Was very aggressive on the glass on both ends of the floor. Also worked in a lot of skill with mid-range lefty jumpers, post moves, and a dunk every now and then. Also did a nice job as a rim protector using his angular frame.