Look Back: Illinois 2015 Class
With the season winding down we thought we would give you a look back at some recent classes and how they are playing at the next level. Here we examine the 2015 Illinois Class. Where guys in the top 10…
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Continue ReadingWith the season winding down we thought we would give you a look back at some recent classes and how they are playing at the next level. Here we examine the 2015 Illinois Class. Where guys in the top 10 are now and who were some under ranked players.
Top 10 Look Back
Jalen Brunson (Stevenson)
Class Ranking: #1
College Commitment in HS: Villanova
Where They Are Now:
Brunson won a national championship at Villanova both his freshman and junior years. He was one of the premier players in college basketball before entering the NBA Draft where he went in the early second round. Brunson is averaging 6.8 points and 2.4 assists as a mostly back up on an up and coming Dallas Mavericks squad.
Charles Matthews (St. Rita)
Class Ranking: #2
College Commitment in HS: Kentucky
Where are They Now:
Matthews career didn’t quite work out at Kentucky as he was lost in the shuffle with all their one and done talent. He decided to transfer to Michigan and has been outstanding for the Wolverines on a team that has been toward the top of the Big 10 and making deep runs in the NCAA tournament. This season he is averaging over 13 points and 5 boards a game. With a run in the NCAA tournament Matthews could boost his NBA Draft stock into securing a spot in the second round.
Marcus Lovett (Morgan Park)
Class Ranking: #3
College Commitment in HS: St. John’s
Where are They Now:
Lovett had a strong first year and a half at St. John’s averaging around 15 points per game and showing the electric style of play in the Big East that made him a fan favorite in Chicago. He shocked many by leaving the team to pursue professional opportunities overseas.
Ed Morrow (Simeon)
Class Ranking: #4
College Commitment in HS: Nebraska
Where are They Now:
Morrow showed flashes at Nebraska especially during his sophomore season. He went for 9 points and 7 rebounds with his high energy style. In a bit of a shocking move he transferred to Marquette and sat out a season. This year at Marquette he is posting 5 points and 4 boards.
DJ Williams (Simeon)
Class Ranking: #5
College Commitment in HS: Illinois
Where are They Now:
Williams committed to Illinois early in the process to carry on the Simeon legacy at Illinois. It never worked out. Averaged 2.3 points per game as a sophomore then transferred to George Washington. This season he is playing significant minutes averaging 14 points and 4 boards a game as a junior at the mid-major level.
Aaron Jordan (Plainfield East)
Class Ranking: #6
College Commitment in HS: Illinois
Where are They Now:
Jordan was looked at as the sharp shooter for the Illini. The last two seasons he has done that in spurts shooting between 39% and 46% from deep. As a senior he is averaging 8 points per game in a spot up shooting role.
Glynn Watson (St. Joseph’s)
Class Ranking: #7
College Commitment in HS: Nebraksa
Where are They Now:
Watson has been a rock steady point guard for the Cornhuskers in his four years at Nebraska. It looked like he was going to breakout after a sophomore campaign where he averaged 13 points per game. Has been consistently in that range throughout his last three years.
Evan Boudreaux (Lake Forest)
Class Ranking: #8
College Commitment in HS: Dartmouth
Where are They Now:
Boudreaux was one of the most productive prospects in the class on the high school level and he was a dominant force in the Ivy League posting 17 points and 9 rebounds per game both his freshman and sophomore season at Dartmouth. Boudreaux graduated early and transferred to Purdue where he has averaged 6 points a game this year. Will have another year to play next season.
Luwane Pipkins (Bogan)
Class Ranking: #9
College Commitment in HS: UMass
Where are They Now:
Pipkins had looks from high-majors, but opted to go to UMass where he could be the man. It was a great decision for him as he averaged 21 points per game last year and as a junior is posting 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 dimes.
Joseph Toye (Whitney Young)
Class Ranking: #10
College Commitment in HS: Vanderbilt
Where are They Now:
Toye has had a solid career as a role player in the SEC. The freak athlete as a senior is averaging 8 points per game. High academic kid that got a great education and played a key role all four years in the SEC.
Underrated in Rankings Looking Back
Admiral Schofield (Zion Benton)
Class Ranking: #11
College Commitment in HS: Tennessee
Where are They Now:
Schofield was always a physically imposing presence, but the question of position and would he be able to make an impact on the high-major level were the concerns. The toughness has always been there, but the skill has greatly improved to where he can play multiple positions for the Volunteers. He is the lead player for one of the top teams in the country posting 16 points and 6 boards a game.
Matt Rafferty (Hinsdale Central)
Class Ranking: #18
College Commitment in HS: Furman
Where are They Now:
There was nobody that was a bigger fan of Rafferty than me in high school. The skilled four man had a mid-range game and skilled post play. This year he has been a major part of a great Furman team going for 17 points and 9 rebounds a game including hitting several huge shots along the way.
Prentiss Nixon (Bolingbrook)
Class Ranking: #20
College Commitment in HS: Colorado State
Where are They Now:
Nixon was outstanding his sophomore and junior seasons and Colorado State. As a junior he posted 16 points per game before transferring to Iowa State where he will play his final season next year.
Isaiah Moss (Simeon)
Class Ranking: #22
College Commitment in HS: Iowa
Where are They Now:
Moss has definitely exceeded my expectations as he was very hit and miss in high school. This season he is averaging 9 points in the Big 10.
Tyler Hall (Rock Island)
Class Ranking: #30
College Commitment in HS: Montana State
Where are They Now:
This rangy wing has made an impact from day one averaging 18 points a game as a freshman. As a senior he is averaging almost 20 points while shooting 37% from three. Could get an outside shot at the NBA.
John Konchar (West Chicago)
Class Ranking: NR
College Commitment in HS: IPFW
Where are They Now:
No doubt about it we whiffed on this one! Konchar has been a historically good player for IPFW stuffing the stat sheet for four years to where he is now posting 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 dimes per game.