Fall 2023 New Names to Emerge: Part 1
Prep Hoops Illinois dives into what we saw from a variety of events during the fall months. We saw tons of basketball over the last few months and now we recap that. Check out our Fall 2023 New Names to…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Illinois dives into what we saw from a variety of events during the fall months. We saw tons of basketball over the last few months and now we recap that. Check out our Fall 2023 New Names to Emerge: Part 1!
Nik Polonowski Nik Polonowski 6'6" | SF Lyons | 2023 State IL (Lyons)
Event: Breakaway Scrimmage
Intrigued by this big man from Lyons. At 6’6” this post displayed a really nice mid-range game connecting from 15-18 feet at a high clip and then being able to extend it to beyond the arc on one occasion. Handled it some in the open floor and flashed athleticism on the defensive end.
Daniel Johnson Daniel Johnson 6'6" | SF Whitney Young | 2023 State #231 Nation IL (Whitney Young)
Event: Stealth Final Runs 2023
Johnson is an intriguing prospect at 6’4”. The forward from Whitney Young has a lot of projectability with his length and frame. Solid rebounder with a quick second jump. Struggled finishing in the paint throughout the event. Runs the floor well. Upside player to track!
Leirre Collier Leirre Collier 6'1" | PG Bloom | 2023 State IL (Marist)
Event: Stealth Final Runs 2023
In an event where it is hard to stand out defensively that is exactly what Collier did. Put his name on our radar with his in your face defense creating turnovers. Also had a shot block from his guard spot at 6’1”. Brings athleticism to the table on both ends of the floor.
Jaloni Johnson Jaloni Johnson 6'4" | SG Proviso East | 2023 State IL (Proviso East)
Event: Stealth Final Runs 2023
Johnson is a good sized guard at 6’3” with a sound pull up game from 15-18 feet that he can stretch out to three. Projectability with his length which he used getting a steal before taking it coast to coast.
Troy Cicero Troy Cicero 6'2" | PG Romeoville | 2023 State IL (Joliet Central)
Event: Illinois Wolves Scrimmages
Another new name who came across our radar was this 6’0” point guard. Cicero is a smooth lead guard that manipulates ball screen action and can get to the rim with athleticism. Blew by his man with a burst off the bounce. Did hit one three as well. Showed a good feel for the game.
Chris Martin (Mundelein)
Event: Illinois Wolves Scrimmages
Martin was impressive in our initial evaluation of him. The 6’6” four man has a strong frame combined with mobility on the interior. Finished with power through his defenders and also had the ability to go around them with quick post moves. Reminded us a little of a young Chris Hodges Chris Hodges 6'7" | C Schaumburg | 2021 State #84 Nation IL at the same stage.
Wyatt Thompson (Dwight)
Event: Illinois Wolves Scrimmages
Thompson is a thick bodied small forward with excellent size at 6’6”. Drilled a three and got on the offensive glass for a put back. Not a ton of production other than that, but one to definitely track!
Foster Ogbonna Foster Ogbonna 6'4" | PF Rolling Meadows | 2023 State IL (Rolling Meadows)
Event: Illinois Wolves Scrimmages
We saw Ogbonna during the high school season and were intrigued. The 6’4” combo forward is a thick bodied prospect that plays with a high-motor. Runs the floor hard in transition, can put it on the deck slashing from the wing, handles well in the open floor, and rebounds at a high rate.
Ben Oosterbaan (Hinsdale Central)
Event: Stealth Next Wave Session 1
Best prospect on the floor I saw on this night was Hinsdale Central face up four man Oosterbaan. He also took home MVP honors for his performance. Very skilled 6’4” player that can handle it with ease in space. Took his man off the bounce several times. Capable three point shooter with a nice looking stroke. Crashed the boards on both ends including defensively where he was able to take it off the glass and go the other way. One to watch!
Mcgrady Noyes Mcgrady Noyes 6'4" | SF Triad | 2023 State IL (Triad)
Event: Illinois Bears 2023/2024 Scrimmage
Came away intrigued with this 6’3” guard. Early on it was his passing that made an impression in the drive and kick along with hitting a rim runner in stride. The solid athlete is a capable shot maker from beyond the arc and gets out in transition for finishes. Has some projectability.
Caden Hawkins (Carterville)
Event: Illinois Bears 2023/2024 Scrimmage
Hawkins is a prospect that can fill it up inside and outside of the arc. Did just that at the scrimmages. Like how he can slash and finish tough layups and also crashes the glass for second chances from his guard spot.
Kade Lustenberger Kade Lustenberger 6'5" | SF Carterville | 2023 State IL (Carterville)
Event: Illinois Bears 2023/2024 Scrimmage
Another projectable four that has some upside. Only 6’4” right now, but should continue to grow. Has touch around the hoop with a hook shot, runs the floor with fluidity in the open floor, and can crash the offensive glass.
Kal Kilgast (ICCP)
Event: HIT Scrimmages
Kilgast is a 6’1” combo guard that has a sweet looking pull up jump shot that he put on display throughout the scrimmages. Knocked down mid-range jumpers from all over the court pulling up on a dime along with making runners. Range stretched out to beyond the arc on several occasions. Shooting combo guard!