Pangos: Saturday Standouts
PrepHoopsIllinois was at the Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp on Saturday. This is annually one of the top fall events and has traditionally been a chance for us to see some of the best young talent in the Midwest in the freshman and sophomore classes. Who shined on Saturday? Check out our standouts here!
SF Patrick Baldwin Jr (Sussex Hamilton, WI – 2021)
The best prospect in the gym was Patrick Baldwin Jr. and it wasn’t close! In my opinion Baldwin is the top 2021 prospect in the country. At Pangos he displayed exactly why! The rising sophomore continues to grow as he now checks in at 6’9”. He reminds me so much of a young Jayson Tatum. Ultra smooth scorer that got whatever he wanted whenever he wanted. Baldwin is an ELITE shooter with a feathery touch to well beyond the three point arc. Gets elevation off the floor and has about as picture perfect form as possible. Also handles it extremely well covering a lot of ground in a short period of time with his long strides. Already has advanced moves with euro steps and combination moves to keep the defense off balance. Displays a passing feel too including several nice wrap around dishes. Plus rebounder that isn’t afraid to stick his nose in on the glass.
PG Kimahri Wilson (Carmel – 2021)
Wilson is among the top lead guards in the 2021 class in Illinois. The sophomore is lightning quick with the basketball with his hands. Pushes it in transition with a ton of speed. A lot of that comes off how he defends on the perimeter creating fast break opportunities getting steals and deflections at the point of attack. Most of his scores were in transition, but also mixed in a couple jumpers including a nice pull up. Being consistent from there is the next step in his evolution.
SG Brandon Weston (Lake Forest Academy – 2021)
Weston is already the #2 prospect in the state’s sophomore class, but he even exceeded my expectations on Saturday. The Lake Forest Academy two guard is an explosive 6’6” wing that is wired to score! Big time burst especially on his first step. Lives in the paint! Opponents had no answer for him off the bounce. Consistently got to the rim where he threw down some powerful jams including dunking on guys twice. More than just an athlete or transition player, Weston has proven to be adequate as a shooter connecting from three on pull ups. Crisp passer as well. Plays with a motor!
G Jaylen Drane (Simeon – 2022)
Drane has a lot of hype coming into high school. He recently was at USA Basketball and is considered one of the best guards in the country. There is a lot to like with this young combo guard. Wins off the bounce at a high rate. Went against a variety of defenders and no matter what they threw at him he got to the rack. Slippery through traffic. Pull up jumper and step back were on point. Also like what he brings to the table defensively with his intensity on that end of the floor.
F Ola Ajiboye (Von Steuben – 2021)
This 6’4” combo forward emerged on our radar at the event. Long and angular frame which is an indication that he might not be done growing. He was so active all day long. Early on he had some trouble finishing, but as the day went on he started to get offensive rebounds and put backs on a regular basis. Flashed some potential perimeter skill including hitting a wing three. Defensively he can guard multiple positions and displayed timing swatting shots.
SF Chrishawn Christmas (Gary Westside, IN – 2021)
Christmas brought a ton of athleticism to the table on the wing. This 6’4” Indiana native was so explosive off the bounce. Big time slasher and playing above the rim in transition. He also showed he can shoot it too knocking down an array of mid-range jumpers and a couple threes.
SF Reggie Ward (St. Rita – 2021)
Ward was one of the breakout players from the state of Illinois. The St. Rita wing has solid size at 6’4”. He shot it great throughout the game we saw him play. Made shots from quite a few different spots on the floor from that 15-foot range out to three. Mixed in some slashes including a nice up and under.
PF Sekou Gassama (Desmet, MO – 2021)
This big man from St. Louis will be one of the best posts in the St. Louis area over the next few years. Big and physical power forward that plays with a lot of strength inside. High level rebounder that snatches them with two hands in traffic. That is what he does best at this stage. Also a nice post defender. Has some mobility too on the defensive end as he did about as good of job as he could do to make things difficult for Baldwin when he took him outside. Offensively has some skill potential on the block showing solid footwork.
SG Jaylin Gibson (Evanston – 2021)
Gibson is a guard that has athleticism, speed, and skill. Quick first step allows him to get in the lane on a regular basis. Crisp ball handler. Couple explosive drives that he finished well at the rim. Capable three point shooter. Also impressed as a passer showing a good feel for the game. He is primed for a big year at Evanston.
PF Grant Newell (Whitney Young – 2021)
Newell is the top power forward in the state. This Whitney Young sophomore has a game that fits perfect into today’s game of basketball! He is a versatile mismatch problem with his inside-outside game. Most comfortable with his face up game and mid-range jumper. Might have one of the best mid-range shots in the state regardless of class. Feathery touch and gets his shot off with ease. Can put it on the deck from the high post area. Runs the floor very well! Really like his upside a lot!
SF Tevin Smith (Danville – 2021)
Smith is a big time athlete from central Illinois. He has a strong build and explosion off the floor. Couple poster dunks! Most comfortable in transition. With the graduation of Kendle Moore it will be Smith who has to take that next step for Danville to have a big year. Looks like he is ready to do just that!
SG Lonnel Strickland (Harlan – 2022)
Strickland put his name on the map with his play Saturday. This 6’3” shooting guard has a nice build and scored well at all three levels. Slashed to the basket very aggressively with powerful conversions through traffic at the rim. Finished very well throughout the day. As the game went on he showed more of his three point shot hitting a couple pull ups.
SF Kamari Lands (La Lumiere, IN – 2022)
Lands was super intriguing last year in this setting. Now he is in high school as a freshman at prep power La Lumiere. This 6’6” small forward is at his best in the open floor. High flyer who went coast to coast on several occasions. Weaves in and out of the defense with his long strides. Very good ball handler for a young small forward. Quick jumper off the floor. Very bright future here!