2021 Illinois Wing Stock Risers
Now we will move to our look at the wing prospects in the 2021 class. We begin with our examination of the top stock risers from the shooting guard and small forward spots.
Ben Schwieger Ben Schwieger 6'5" | SG Waubonsie Valley | 2021 State #229 Nation IL (Waubonsie Valley)
Current Ranking: #13
Previous Ranking: #19
Schwieger is a name that flew under the radar during the spring and summer a bit as he didn’t play on the travel team circuit. He broke out on our radar at the UIC Elite Camp in August and that has continued throughout his junior year. Also a high level volleyball player Schwieger can really play above the rim and has a big time shooting stroke. Ability to play both the two and three spots.
Amar Augillard Amar Augillard 6'5" | SF Zion Benton | 2021 FL (Zion Benton)
Current Ranking: #14
Previous Ranking: #23
Augillard is one of those prospects you aren’t quite sure how he will project toward the next level, but the more you watch him the more he impresses. He is a physically built small forward that is built like a linebacker. The Zion Benton forward enforces his will on his opponent with the way he gets downhill to the hoop and finishes with power in the paint. He is actually a more agile athlete than he might be given credit. Pretty good three point shooter that can get hot from three. Rebounds with the best wings in the class.
Quani Rudd Quani Rudd 6'6" | SF Mt. Vernon | 2021 State IL (Mt. Vernon)
Current Ranking: #15
Previous Ranking: #41
Rudd continues to see his stock rise. The Mt. Vernon 2021 small forward is a wiry and athletic prospect that is oozing with upside. Flashed it in the fall and has done it again during the high school season. The southern Illinois junior has such an effortless game being able to make quick moves off the bounce getting to the cup and has improved as a three point shooter. Multi-positional defender.
Blake Peters Blake Peters 6'1" | SG Evanston | 2021 State IL (Evanston)
Current Ranking: #17
Previous Ranking: #25
Peters is known as one of the truly elite shot makers in the state regardless of class. That is definitely true as he is a sharp shooter with a quick release and the ability to move without the ball. What has impressed us most this season however is his play in other areas. Showcased improvement off the bounce, better passing feel, and rebounds well for a two guard. Peters has been instrumental in the success of Evanston this season.
Ty Johnson Ty Johnson 6'3" | PG Depaul Prep | 2021 State #198 Nation IL (DePaul Prep)
Current Ranking: #23
Previous Ranking: #53
Johnson is a name that has come up a lot behind the scenes among college coaches after the way he played during the first half of the season. He can play both on and off the ball looking smooth either way. Gets to his spots on the floor where he elevates for shots. Hits pull up threes and mid-range jumpers. Also has handled it better than we had seen in the past looking very fluid off the bounce.
Jakobi Heady Jakobi Heady 6'8" | SF Hillcrest | 2021 State IL (Hillcrest)
Current Ranking: #27
Previous Ranking: #78
Heady was already in the PHI 2021 rankings, but without question was WAY too low in them after we saw what he did at the Team Rose Shootout. The lengthy combo forward did about everything you would want to see. He is a fluid athlete that got on the offensive glass for put backs. Slashed to the rim for slippery scores at the rim. As the game went on he got more comfortable shooting it drilling multiple from beyond the three point arc. Defensively he impacts with his length blocking shots and getting in passing lanes. Followed up that outing with another good one at Proviso West when we saw him in person solidifying a D1 grade.
Jeffrey Oakley Jeffrey Oakley 6'5" | SF Corliss | 2021 State IL (Perspectives)
Current Ranking: #32
Previous Ranking: #67
Oakley might be the best prospect in Chicago that nobody ever talks about. The 6’5” small forward broke out with Team M.O.R.E. this summer and has continued his play into the start of the season with several huge performances. Oakley continues to improve as a shooter knocking down threes at a decent clip. He is at his best using his long and rangy frame getting out in transition. Long strides cover a lot of ground and he takes quality angles to the hoop. He gets steals and takes them the other way for layups or mid-range shots. Pure upside here!
AJ Storr AJ Storr 6'3" | SG Kankakee | 2021 IL (Kankakee)
Current Ranking: #50
Previous Ranking: #117
The wing has good length and athleticism. Can put it on the deck for straight line takes and is a capable three point shooter. He has gradually grown on us as a prospect from the summer, to camps in the fall, to the high school season.
Rickey Woods Rickey Woods 6'5" | SG Bloomington | 2021 IL (Washington)
Current Ranking: #52
Previous Ranking: NR
Woods breakout moment was at the Spartz Fall Showcase. This 6’3” two guard has a great build with a strong upper body and plus athleticism. He was dynamic attacking off the bounce scoring absolutely at will going downhill time after time. Woods had an explosive burst getting to the cup where he finished great through and around contact. Had several acrobatic layups. Worked well around ball screens both scoring and made several solid passes off the screen. Proved to be a capable shooter. Like what he did defensively with his intensity and rebounded very well for a guard.