PrepHoops Top 250: 2021 & 2022 Recruiting Notebook
One of the best parts of an event like PrepHoops Top 250 is it gives us a chance to catch up with a large number of prospects to get updates on their recruitments during registration. That was definitely the case…
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Continue ReadingOne of the best parts of an event like PrepHoops Top 250 is it gives us a chance to catch up with a large number of prospects to get updates on their recruitments during registration. That was definitely the case this past Sunday in Romeoville. Here is the latest in PrepHoops Top 250: 2021 & 2022 Recruiting Notebook!
Brian Mathews (DePaul Prep – 2021)
Mathews is one of the better big men in the state. Physical five man that rebounds and plays with power on the block. On his recruitment he told PHI, “I took a visit to Mizzou. We are looking to visit Tulsa too.” What stood out about Missouri visit? “The campus was amazing. The administration was great. The learning facilities were amazing. The coaching staff seemed like they really cared about their players. They want their players to be the best they can be on and off the court. They have amazing technology to get their players better.”
Ola Ajiboye (Von Steuben – 2021)
This Von Steuben post is so intriguing with his length, defensive prowess, and upside on the offensive end. Recruiting wise the junior told us, “I have been in contact with North Dakota and Toledo. I am hoping to visit North Dakota and Chicago State soon. Coach said Western Michigan is coming in soon.” Currently he holds offers from UIC and Chicago State. What does he like about UIC? “It is a place I really want to be. I want to visit soon. My parents and I like it. I want to see the campus. I have a connection with the coach.” How about Chicago State? “I talk to Coach Irvin a lot. I am planning a visit soon and am looking forward to it.”
Grant Newell (Whitney Young – 2021)
Newell checks in as the best power forward in the 2021 class in the state of Illinois. The junior four man spoke on his recruiting saying, “I still have a DePaul offer. Other schools I am hearing from the most are Toledo, Tulsa, Illinois, Miami (OH), Butler, and I have been getting mail from Wisconsin.”
Tommie Williams (Belleville West – 2021)
Williams will be the go to player for the Maroons the next two years after the graduation of most of their team. He showed he is up to the challenge over the weekend. We spoke to him about his early recruitment which he said, “I have been talking to Valpo, Miami (OH), St. Louis, SIU-Edwardsville, and Central Michigan.” No offers at this time, but recently visited SIUE. “I liked it. It felt like family and was close to home. I know a lot of people that go there.”
Troy D’Amico (Niles Notre Dame – 2021)
D’Amico has excellent size for position and a highly skilled game. The top 15 junior spoke on his recruitment saying, “I got offered recently by UC-Davis. I am planning on some visits to Wisconsin, Valpo, Loyola, and Youngstown State.” He rattled off his offer list at this stage. “Hofstra, UC-Davis, UW-Milwaukee, and St. Louis.”
Tyler Van Eekeren (Benet – 2021)
This Benet wing is going to be an impact player this season with his versatility on the perimeter. Plus shooter and skilled all around. On his early recruitment he said, “I am taking an unofficial visit to Emporia State in October so that will be good. I went to the Appalachian State elite camp this summer.” What does he like about Emporia State? “I like their culture a lot. They have talked to me a lot about the culture they are trying to create there and the atmosphere they have in the locker room. That is something I would really love to be part of.”
Kam Craft (Buffalo Grove – 2022)
This 2022 small forward is a high scoring wing that can get buckets in an array of ways. He was very good at Top 250 getting loose in transition for scores. When it comes to his early recruitment he told us, “I have interest from Purdue, Illinois, Wichita State, San Diego State, Northern Iowa, and Illinois State. They saw me in summer league during high school.”
Robbie Avila (Oak Forest – 2022)
Avila stands at 6’8” with an advanced offensive game. He was one of the best underclassmen at the event. The sophomore told us that Southern Illinois is the one school to express an early interest in him. “They have been talking to my coach telling him they really like my game.” Expect a lot more to come for the Top 5 2022!
Donovan Jones (Solorio – 2022)
Jones was one of the most impressive young prospects at the event. Power guard that scored at will against other underclassmen. The Solorio wing spoke on his early recruitment saying, “I have some colleges looking at me including Nebraska, Southern Illinois, and Miami (OH).”