Top 2023 Illinois Post Prospects
Two high-major big men headline the group of post prospects in 2023. We look at the best prospects at power forward and center in the sophomore class. Javonte Taylor Javonte Taylor 6'7" | PF Donda Academy | 2023 #41…
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Continue ReadingTwo high-major big men headline the group of post prospects in 2023. We look at the best prospects at power forward and center in the sophomore class.
Javonte Taylor Javonte Taylor 6'7" | PF Donda Academy | 2023 #41 Nation CA-S (Kenwood)
Current Ranking: #1
Taylor didn’t play much this past year for Morgan Park, but expect him to unleash his will on the Chicago Public League at Kenwood under new head coach Mike Irvin as a sophomore. He has a tremendous combination of size, skill, and athleticism. The 6’7” face up four man can really shoot the ball from the perimeter with a feathery jumper out to beyond the arc. Plus athlete that can handle, shoot, and finish around the hoop. Younger brother of former Simeon standout Steve Taylor has all the physical tools you look for in a potential national recruit.
Donaven Younger Donaven Younger 6'8" | C Bolingbrook | 2023 State IL (Bolingbrook)
Current Ranking: #3
The Bolingbrook post is so quick and mobile on the interior. He is ultra-smooth finishing around the cup with athleticism playing above the rim. Quality hook shot and has touch out to 12 feet on his jumper. Rim runner in transition. Shot blocking presence on the defensive end. So much upside as a prospect.
Davius Loury Davius Loury 6'8" | PF Phhoenix Prep | 2024 State AZ (Kenwood)
Current Ranking: #14
Loury is very active around the rim. He is a grab and go forward with decent handles who likes to make contact while finishing through defenders. The new Kenwood transfer has a knack for absorbing punishment and dishing it back with a bucket. Improving mid-range shooter.
Darrion Baker Darrion Baker 6'8" | PF St Rita | 2023 State #227 Nation IL (St. Rita)
Current Ranking: #17
The 6’8” St. Rita forward was hurt most of his freshman year after impressing us last fall. He has grown and also gained strength when we saw him at Meanstreets Mini-Camp. Ran the floor hard, handled it some in the open floor, used his bounce around the hoop high pointing rebounds, and finished in the paint with his quickness. Defensively he utilized his length to block and alter shots.
Wesley Rubin Wesley Rubin 6'7" | PF Homewood Flossmoor | 2023 State IL (Homewood Flossmoor)
Current Ranking: #18
The mobile 6’7” four man is a skilled post. Inside/outside threat that can hit a jumper, put it on the deck, and score with fundamental moves around the hoop. Really shines in the pick and roll game. Rebounds well in and out of his area. Potential shot blocking presence.
Miles Rubin Miles Rubin 6'7" | PF Homewood Flossmoor | 2023 State #243 Nation IL (Homewood Flossmoor)
Current Ranking: #19
The Homewood Flossmoor 6’7” four man is a force on the defensive end with his length blocking shots. Has excellent timing on that end and did it against a high level of competition. Offensively he flashed including stretching the floor and quick low post moves.
Chikasi Ofoma Chikasi Ofoma 6'6" | C Curie | 2023 State IL (Joliet West)
Current Ranking: #20
Ofoma is a 6’6″ combo forward that is dominant when he slashes to the basket using a nice combination of handles, power, and athleticism for buckets. Finishes through contact and has good body control at the hoop. Good rebounder in his area that snatched them with two hands.
Owen Freeman Owen Freeman 6'10" | C Moline | 2023 State #179 Nation IL (Bradley Bourbonnais)
Current Ranking: #23
We didn’t get to see Freeman this summer, but based on his freshman tape there is a lot to like here. The 6’7” five man has fluid post moves being able to score with quick and assertive takes on the block. Brings athleticism to the table playing above the rim on both ends of the floor. Rebounds well in and out of his area.
Jackson Kotecki Jackson Kotecki 6'9" | PF Saint Ignatius | 2023 State IL (St. Ignatius)
Current Ranking: #25
The Catholic League big man has legit size, strength, and skill to the table. He has displayed in a variety of settings that he can play both around the hoop and stretch it out to beyond the three point arc with his shot. Defensive presence inside walling up and rebounding.