Flying Under the Radar: 2022 Prospects Pt 1
PrepHoopsIllinois takes a deep dive into the class of 2022 to find prospects Flying Under the Radar! These prospects are sleepers who are on the verge of emerging. Here is our 2022 Flying Under the Radar Prospects: Part 1! …
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Continue ReadingPrepHoopsIllinois takes a deep dive into the class of 2022 to find prospects Flying Under the Radar! These prospects are sleepers who are on the verge of emerging. Here is our 2022 Flying Under the Radar Prospects: Part 1!
Kanye Smith Kanye Smith 6'6" | SF Whitney Young | 2022 State IL (Whitney Young)
Smith is ranked inside the top 20 despite not having played much on the varsity level. He has the look of a big time prospect however with his length and fluidity. At 6’5” he has tremendous physical tools, athleticism, and broad shoulders to add strength moving forward. Explosive handles when attacking off the dribble. Super bouncy kid that explodes at the rim. Long term play.
Timaris Brown Timaris Brown 6'6" | PF St. Patrick | 2022 State IL (St. Patrick)
Physical bodied 6’5” combo forward. Plays with toughness in the paint finishing around the hoop with dump off passes and drills 15 foot jumpers. The lefty showed off an improved shooting stroke early in the season.
Matthew Volkening Matthew Volkening 6'6" | SF Marengo | 2022 State IL (Marengo)
Really like this wings potential as a perimeter shooter. Volkening broke out with his shooting last summer for the Illinois Wolves 15U. We were impressed with his size for position along with how well he shot it from beyond the arc. The Marengo wing is a plus shooter off the catch with a clean looking stroke. Has some projectability.
Christian Meeks Christian Meeks 6'6" | SF Homewood Flossmoor | 2022 State IL (Homewood Flossmoor)
Meeks is one of the toughest players out there regardless of class. He brings a high energy style of play and intensity on both ends of the floor. Excels in transition and getting on the offensive glass for put backs. The combo forward can defend multiple positions with his combination of strength and quickness.
Gabe Madej Gabe Madej 6'5" | SF Fenwick | 2022 State IL (Fenwick)
Madej is a sharp shooting specialist out of the Catholic League. He has quality size and is known as a spot up shooter with a quick release. This 6’5” Fenwick wing is a player that emerged with his play last fall. The strong bodied Madej finishes well around the hoop and is a solid passer. Versatile player that does a little bit of everything.
Shaedon Simpson Shaedon Simpson 6'6" | SG Lake Forest Academy | 2022 State IL (Lake Forest Academy)
There is a lot to like here as a prospect. The sophomore has a long and rangy frame at 6’4” which helps him on the defensive end. Extremely active player that has a nose for the basketball. Good rebounder for a wing. Capable shooter from deep.
Ben VanderWal Ben VanderWal 6'5" | SF Timothy Christian | 2022 State #201 Nation IL (Timothy Christian)
This two guard left an impression on us with the way he shot it from three with a silky smooth shot along with developmental upside. One to watch moving forward!
Andrew Stokes Andrew Stokes 6'4" | SG Sacred Heart Griffin | 2022 State IL (Montini)
Stokes played on a team where he was the go to guy as a sophomore. They didn’t win a ton, but he gained valuable experience. Fluid 6’3” two guard with slick handle on a straight line drives where he converts with a scoop shots. Gets on the offensive glass from his guard spot. Shows a free and easy release on his three point shot. Rangy defender that should continue to improve on that end of the floor.
Jamauri Winfrey Jamauri Winfrey 6'3" | SG Peoria Richwood | 2022 State IL (Peoria Richwoods)
Powerful forward on the wing that plays with major bounce! Winfrey brings plus athleticism and strength to the table. Finishes with bounce around the cup. The area that made an impression on us was his growth as a perimeter player hit a mid-range jumper on occasion. Would like to see continued growth in the skill set.
Lance Rodgers Lance Rodgers 6'7" | PF Simeon | 2022 State IL (Simeon)
Rodgers is a 6’6” power forward that has broad shoulders and long arms. Like his projectability as he should be able to grow even more over the next few years of high school. He is excellent on the glass high pointing rebounds in traffic and getting put backs. Strong outlet passer. Defensively he is a shot blocking presence being able to come out of nowhere for swats. Only played on the sophomore level last year.
Caden Pierce (Glenbard West)
Pierce is a skilled 6’4″ wing that is starting to emerge with his all-around skilled game. Crafty finisher that can pass and is a big time shooting threat!