Recruiting Notebook
Check out the latest on the recruiting trail with major commitments in the 2019, 2020, and 2021 classes along with an array of other visits in the works! Illini Add Late In-State Big Man to 2019 Class A prospect…
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Continue ReadingCheck out the latest on the recruiting trail with major commitments in the 2019, 2020, and 2021 classes along with an array of other visits in the works!
Illini Add Late In-State Big Man to 2019 Class
A prospect that has been in the works over the last couple weeks moving toward a commitment has been Lincoln 2019 big man Jermaine Hamlin. The original plan was for him to play with Brad Beal Elite in the Nike EYBL this spring and then head off to prep school at Link Year Prep. He did play in the EYBL, but ultimately the opportunity to play for the in-state Illini was too much to pass up. What does Hamlin bring to the table as a prospect? He is a shot blocking presence whose defense has always been ahead of his offense. Excellent shot blocker and snatches rebounds out of the air. What you have to like about his offensive game is how it has steadily improved throughout the last three years. He has displayed touch and feel at times around the hoop. Improving offensive game. On why he chose this opportunity he said, “Well at first towards the end of the spring I felt the need to go to a prep school to increase the amount of looks that I was going to get, but then after playing with the Bradley Beal Elite EYBL team I started to get more looks from more D1 colleges. The reason I chose Illinois was because it was only an hour down the road and many of the people that live in my town can travel to watch me play and I know that the people of my town would be very proud to watch me and represent the state and Illinois.”
Top 2021 Post Chris Hodges Makes Early Call for Wisconsin
The big news on the trail was the early commitment of the state’s #4 overall 2021 prospect and top ranked post as Schaumburg’s Chris Hodges made the decision to commit to Wisconsin before his junior season. The Badgers did a nice job of being one of the first high-majors to jump in and make a strong run at him. That paid off with an early commitment. They have been successful in the past with this strategy landing Badgers legend Ethan Happ before his junior year back in the day. Hodges is a power player down low that scores on the block with efficiency. He has also improved his ability to handle it making him a more versatile threat. High level rebounder in his area and a tough post defender. Type of big man that the Badgers have been successful with over the years. Hodges told us why they were his choice, “It felt like home. They had an amazing coaching staff. I see myself doing well there with great opportunities. When you know you know. I thought about it for a while and talked to my family then after I chose to commit and join the Badger family.”
Jordan Kwiecinski Commits to Drake
Another Illinois Wolves prospect came off the board this past week as 2020 Loyola power forward Jordan Kwiecinski committed to Drake shortly after his official visit to the Missouri Valley program. Kwiecinski helped his recruiting stock with a strong showing at the NCAA camp at the end of July. Skilled combo forward who has size at 6’8”. On the commitment he told us “The school and program are just a great fit and I had a great connection with the coaching staff.”
Colin O’Rourke Headed to UW-Parkside
Plainfield North 2020 combo forward Colin O’Rourke committed to UW-Parkside. O’Rourke is at his best working from mid-range where his jumper is a major threat. Plus shooter from 15 to 18 feet that can also put the ball on the deck.
Jeremiah Williams Sets Up First Official
Williams is one of the better wing prospects on the board in the 2020 class. Versatile offensive weapon who can score from multiple levels and should develop into a quality wing defender at the next level. Williams tells PHI that he will visit Valparaiso officially August 23-25. Another school in the mix for a visit is Akron.
Marcus Watson Lines Up ACC Visit
One of the premier point guards in the class has lined up his first official visit date. Morgan Park 2020 Marcus Watson will visit Wake Forest on October 10. Watson is coming off a strong summer in the Nike EYBL with the Mac Irvin Fire where he led the EYBL in assists. Look for other visits to be set up in the next few weeks.
Nimari Burnett Down to 5
icago native and current Prolific Prep (CA) combo guard Nimari Burnett is considered one of the top 25 players nationally and if he would have stayed in-state he would be in the running for the number one spot. Burnett has narrowed his list of suitors to five in Alabama, Louisville, Michigan, Texas Tech, and Oregon.