Film Room: 2021 Southern Illinois Prospects Pt 1
With no spring and summer basketball going on we wanted to do a deep dive into the prospects across the state by reviewing their season long highlight tapes and giving our evaluation of their strengths as a prospect along with…
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Continue ReadingWith no spring and summer basketball going on we wanted to do a deep dive into the prospects across the state by reviewing their season long highlight tapes and giving our evaluation of their strengths as a prospect along with projected college level. Here is our Film Room: 2021 Southern Illinois Prospects Pt 1!
Noah Livingston Noah Livingston 6'1" | PG Casey Westfield | 2021 State IL (Casey Westfield)
Livingston is one of the more intriguing prospects from southern Illinois in the 2021 class. He is a crisp jump shooter especially pulling up from mid-range with excellent balance. Makes contested threes. Crafty getting to the hoop where he is a creative finisher with below the rim layups or floaters. Works well around ball screens reading the pick/roll situations. Good handles. The best part of this tape was his evolution as a passer. Was excellent making quick decisions on the move in the half court. High end small college prospect that should be a priority.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4VzyEDRZTw&feature=emb_logo
Noah Franklin Noah Franklin 6'7" | SF Cobden | 2021 State IL (Cobden)
Franklin is one of the more unique prospects in the state. At 6’7” 205 pounds he is a point-forward that has an elite passing feel. He makes the simple pass along with spectacular ones. Hits guys on the move and with the right amount of speed on passes. Plus three point shooter with a free and easy release. Can also connect from mid-range. Showed much more explosiveness in this video than we had seen in the past. Threw down several monster dunks. Low-majors should monitor and D2 programs need to be all over him!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPe2tMZ5z4s&feature=youtu.be
Nathan Thompson Nathan Thompson 6'4" | SF Effingham | 2021 State IL (Effingham)
Thompson is one of several quality prospects in the 2021 class from Effingham. He presents nice size at the small forward spot standing at 6’5”. Biggest asset is his spot up shooting ability. Knocks down shots with regularity off the catch with his easy release on his shot. Improved as a driver with nifty finishes in the paint. Flies in for offensive rebounds sneaking by the defense for second chance points. Quality small college prospect.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9552816/5e72545adfd9da1a9cb4a0e4
Buzz Ritzel (Nashville)
Ritzel is a 6’2” shooting guard from southern Illinois that has a thin and wiry frame. Best utilized as a spot up shooter that has clean and crisp mechanics letting it fly from beyond the arc. Solid passer that puts some zip on his dimes to fit them through the defense. Cuts passing lanes and has active hands defensively. Will be a nice addition to a small college program.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9925957/5e77e025dfd9da1a9cb5afc5
Landon Zurliene Landon Zurliene 6'4" | SG Fairfield | 2021 State IL (Fairfield)
This 6’4” wing from southern Illinois is a very skilled player. Smooth mid-range shot whether he is just pulling up or using a crisp shot fake beyond the arc then drilling an 18 foot one dribble pull up. Plus shooter off the catch with good shot prep and an easy looking shot that is repeatable. Mixes in some drives and he likes the spin move in the lane. Worth looking into for D2s in the region.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11318118/5e9cc3d7da510908d0fbb717
Braden Flanagan Braden Flanagan 5'10" | PG Olney | 2021 IN (Olney)
Flanagan is a point guard that elevates the play of those around him. Good passing feel and is a scrappy defender. He takes charges, gets steals, and puts pressure on opposing teams. Offensively he is a crafty finisher making difficult layups and scoop shots. Good looking spot up shooter that knocks down threes off the catch. High D3 prospect.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10507867/5e6fa3ad23473e142c61a26e
Billy Braid (Herrin)
Braid is a powerful 6’3” wing that plays with strength. Solid athlete that finishes well through contact at the rim on slashes or on post ups. Attacks on the baseline. Plays with physicality through weaker defenders. D3 prospect.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12221890/5e7297b2688e3b0a283a6540
Eli Brown (Paducah Tilghman, KY)
Brown is out of Kentucky, but plays for the Illinois Bears. Big time shooter with great mechanics on his jump shot. Deep three point range to well beyond the college arc. Plus shooter off the bounce that creates space with a behind the back dribble and step back. Shows some creativity in the lane hitting short jumpers. Crisp ball handler and solid athlete. Low-majors should take a look.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10732306/5e6c39a4e9852419ac82a386