#HardWorkSZN Kickoff: 2021 Illinois Top Performers
The Prep Hoops Circuit began with the #HardWorkSZN Kickoff in Appleton, Wisconsin. We will have wall to wall coverage of the event including superlatives and film breakdowns! Here is our #HardWorkSZN Kickoff: 2021 Illinois Top Performers! Ismail Habibb Ismail…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Circuit began with the #HardWorkSZN Kickoff in Appleton, Wisconsin. We will have wall to wall coverage of the event including superlatives and film breakdowns! Here is our #HardWorkSZN Kickoff: 2021 Illinois Top Performers!
Ismail Habibb Ismail Habibb 5'11" | PG Lincoln Park | 2021 MD (Illinois Future 17U)
Habib was excellent for Illinois Future in the game we saw them. The former Lincoln Park star will be making the move over to St. Laurence for his senior campaign. He is a smaller point guard, but makes up for it with his compact strength and elite speed. Excellent in the open floor end to end. Habib was outstanding with his pull up shooting from both mid-range and three. Drilled several super deep pull up shots making it look easy.
Julius Rollins Julius Rollins 6'7" | SF Hillcrest | 2021 State IL (Team M.O.R.E. 17U)
Rollins is the new age combo guard with his length, athleticism, and versatility on both ends. All of that was shown when we saw him. The Hillcrest 6’7” combo forward rebounds well on both ends with his quickness off the floor. Gets on the glass with an outstanding second jump offensively. He excels with his ability to make assertive moves from 15 feet and in. High ceiling prospect.
Jeffrey Oakley Jeffrey Oakley 6'5" | SF Corliss | 2021 State IL (Team M.O.R.E. 17U)
Oakley broke out last summer with his team on the PHC and is looking to elevate his stock even more this summer. He is a capable shooter, but the area he really stood out was scoring off the bounce. Oakley consistently put it on the deck getting to the rim over and over again. Finished above the hoop with acrobatics. Also uses his length on the defensive end getting in passing lanes and creating deflections.
Tyler Van Eekeren Tyler Van Eekeren 6'5" | SF Benet | 2021 State IL (HIT 17U)
TVE had the best weekend of his career in Appleton as he emerged as the best wing on a team that has several D1 and D2 prospects at those positions. What impressed us most was the improvement in his driving game. He has always been a quality three point shooter as a spot up guy and a gritty defender. Over the weekend he consistently put it on the deck getting past quality defenders and made difficult runners/layups in the paint.
James Ogrodnik James Ogrodnik 6'9" | PF Lincoln-Way Central | 2021 State IL (Illinois T-Wolves 17U)
Ogrodnik is a player that we were intrigued by a year ago with what he did on the circuit. Then he hardly played during the high school season. We had heard rave reviews out of T-Wolves workouts about him. They were right! This 6’9” stretch five man was outstanding in the game we saw. He knocked down shots from beyond the arc and was confident letting it fly. Also displayed bounce around the hoop including a put back dunk. Flashed footwork on the block. Could be a true sleeper post that emerges over the next six months.
Jaiden Lee Jaiden Lee 6'4" | SG Joliet West | 2021 State IL (Illinois Hoopstars 17U)
The Joliet West product has consistently been a top 20-25 prospect throughout his entire career. In a showcase game with double digit ranked PHI Top 100 players on the floor he took over from the start. Lee drilled three after three. One of the better shooters in the class was lights out to begin the game. Long and lanky frame with a silky smooth release. Also mixed in a couple straight line takes. Projectable wing with upside.
KJ Debrick KJ Debrick 6'7" | C Springfield Lanphier | 2021 State IL (Illinois Hoopstars 17U)
Debrick banged inside against a pair of fellow top 50 posts for HIT and the Springfield Lanphier big man showed what makes him such an intriguing prospect at the next level. The 6’9” five man has a big body and he knows how to use it. Plays physical on the block creating space and anchoring down low defensively. On the defensive end he is an excellent post defender walling up like a brick! He can block shots and is a plus rebounder. Offensively he continues to make strides. Scored on put backs, hook shots, and overall displayed an improved feel.
Isaiah Stafford Isaiah Stafford 6'1" | PG Crispus Attucks | 2021 IN (Illinois Hoopstars 17U)
Stafford played on a different Hoopstars squad than Debrick and Lee. On that squad the top 30 prospect is the clear go to guy. The Bolingbrook combo guard is a silky smooth offensive player that can drill jumpers for days. Does an excellent job of setting up his shot with his handles and jab steps. Drilled pull ups from three and mid-range. Also got all the way to the cup pretty often displaying bounce at the basket.