Look Back: Illinois 2016 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 2016 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 2016 Illinois Class. Where guys in the top 10 are now and who were some under ranked players.
Top 10 Look Back
Charlie Moore (Morgan Park)
Class Ranking: #1
College Commitment in HS: California
Where They Are Now:
As a freshman at California, Moore was excellent averaging 12 points and over 3 dimes a contest. It looked like he was going to be the next small guard star out west. When Cal’s coach left so did Moore. He sat out a year before playing his sophomore season this year at Kansas. The production hasn’t been there seeing spotty minutes and only averaging 3 points a game while shooting 24% from three. Will be interesting to see if he gets more PT next season if the Jayhawks star guards go pro.
Zach Norvell (Simeon)
Class Ranking: #2
College Commitment in HS: Gonzaga
Where They Are Now:
Norvell had a heavily contested recruitment with schools on him from coast to coast. He chose to head out west to Gonzaga which turned out to be about as good of a fit as he could have imagined. Redshirted on the Zags team that would play in the national title game and has been a force for them the past two seasons. He nailed some clutch shots in the NCAA Tournament a year ago. As a sophomore he is averaging 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 dimes. If he enters the NBA Draft Norvell could be a high second round or late first round pick.
Nick Rakocevic (St. Joseph’s)
Class Ranking: #3
College Commitment in HS: USC
Where They Are Now:
Rakocevic has stepped into his own as a junior with the Trojans averaging approximately 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 block per contest. The skilled post could be headed toward NBA consideration after another season in the Pac 12.
Barret Benson (Hinsdale South)
Class Ranking: #4
College Commitment in HS: Northwestern
Where They Are Now:
Benson was a big bodied five man that played well in the post as a classic center. Unfortunately for Benson his game doesn’t fit how the game is going with floor spacing bigs that can defend all over the floor. Plays about 10 minutes a game for the Wildcats averaging 2 points and grabbing 3 boards a game.
Isaiah Roby (Dixon)
Class Ranking: #5
College Commitment in HS: Nebraska
Where They Are Now:
Roby was an upside prospect with developmental upside. That has proven true throughout his career. Combo forward has gradually improved to where as a junior he is putting up 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists a game. Gaining some NBA buzz if he decides to test the waters after this season.
Justin Pierce (Glenbard West)
Class Ranking: #6
College Commitment in HS: William & Mary
Where They Are Now:
Pierce was an absolute steal for William & Mary with his athleticism and skill on the perimeter. Almost identical production as a sophomore and junior putting up 14 points and grabbing 8 rebounds a game.
Devin Gage (Curie)
Class Ranking: #7
College Commitment in HS: DePaul
Where They Are Now:
Attacking downhill guard decided to stay home and play for the Blue Demons. He hasn’t had quite the career many expected partially due to injuries. As a junior he is posting approximately 8 points and 4 assists a contest.
Nick Robinson (Kenwood)
Class Ranking: #8
College Commitment in HS: St. Joseph’s
Where They Are Now:
Robinson played two season at St. Joe’s where he averaged 7 points and 5 rebounds a game as a sophomore. After last season he transferred to Valparaiso where he is sitting out this season.
Mike Smith (Fenwick)
Class Ranking: #9
College Commitment in HS: Columbia
Where They Are Now:
Nobody was a bigger fan of this guard that PrepHoops. We thought he was extremely under recruited and has proven that in the Ivy League. He has averaged over 13 points a game in all three seasons including 15 points and 5 assists a contest before a season ending injury this year.
Nate Kennell (Metamora)
Class Ranking: #10
College Commitment in HS: Bradley
Where They Are Now:
Kennell was known as a sharp shooter in high school and that was what he projected to do at the next level. Last two seasons he has shot around 38% from three while going for 9 points a game.
Under Ranked Players Looking Back
Xavier Bishop (Lanphier)
Class Ranking: #26
College Commitment in HS: UMKC
Where They Are Now:
The question with Bishop was could he put up scoring numbers at his size at the D1 level. Answer was yes! As a junior he is scoring over 15 points per game on 44% from the field while dishing out almost 4 assists.
Austin Trice (Hales)
Class Ranking: #124
College Commitment in HS: Wabash Valley
Where They Are Now:
Trice was always interesting because of his athleticism, strength, and quickness. Never quite put it all together in high school. As a sophomore he was one of the top JUCO rebounders in the country. Transferred to Kansas State this season where he is grabbing about 3 boards a game in limited minutes. Should see a larger role next season.