Chi-Town Tip Off: Illinois 2022 Top Performers Pt 2
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What 2022 prospects from Illinois were the most impressive at Chi-Town Tip Off? We dive into that here in Chi-Town Tip Off: Illinois Top Performers Pt 2! Jalen Brown Jalen Brown 5'10" | PG De La Salle | 2022…
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Continue ReadingWhat 2022 prospects from Illinois were the most impressive at Chi-Town Tip Off? We dive into that here in Chi-Town Tip Off: Illinois Top Performers Pt 2!
Jalen Brown Jalen Brown 5'10" | PG De La Salle | 2022 State IL (RISE)
With Bates out for RISE it was his De La Salle teammate who had to step up. Brown did just that using his physical frame from his point guard spot to get downhill for scores. Was more aggressive as a scorer throughout the event while still showcasing his passing feel.
Marcellius Cohen Marcellius Cohen 6'8" | C De La Salle | 2022 State IL (RISE)
Cohen is a beast on the boards! The De La Salle five man consistently put up games of 15+ rebounds all weekend. Great size and strength with the ability to dominate on the glass when he is engaged. High pointed them in traffic with both hands clearing the defensive glass consistently and crashed the offensive glass for quite a few put backs. Rim runner in transition as well.
Ben VanderWal Ben VanderWal 6'5" | SF Timothy Christian | 2022 State #201 Nation IL (Breakaway)
Huge weekend for the Timothy Christian 6’7” small forward. He established himself as one of the top wings in Illinois by showing he is much more than just a shooter. He does that very well however knocking down triples at a high rate all weekend with a crisp and concise stroke getting elevation off the floor. One of top shooters in the class. Also put it on the deck with consistency where he finished with dunks and got to the charity stripe. Defensively he was active and guarded multiple spots. Mid-major and low-majors should be closely monitoring his progress.
Bobby Durkin Bobby Durkin 6'6" | SF Hinsdale South | 2022 State IL (Breakaway)
This Hinsdale South small forward was right there with VanderWal all weekend lighting it up from beyond the arc. The 6’6” small forward is a sniper as every time he lets it go you think it is going in. Plus shooter that moves well without the ball and finds vacant spots in the defense to get his shot off. Athleticism and strength have improved over the last year as has his ball handling. Low-major prospect without question.
AJ Casey AJ Casey 6'8" | PF Whitney Young | 2022 State #55 Nation IL (Meanstreets)
Casey is the top 2022 prospect in Illinois for a reason and the Whitney Young product showed exactly why this weekend putting on a show at Chi-Town Tip Off. The 6’8” power forward is so versatile on both ends of the floor. His agility and quickness around the rim make him a force scoring with explosive dunks and touch. Can stretch it out knocking down several jumpers throughout the event. Rim runner in transition. Passed it well working with Washington finding him several times for dimes. Defensively he covers so much ground being able to check guys on the perimeter and swat shots inside. Truly elite 5-star prospect!
Kam Craft Kam Craft 6'5" | SF TSF | 2022 State #54 Nation GA (Meanstreets)
Craft took home MVP honors from the event after a memorable weekend which including a game winning thee at buzzer against Brad Beal Elite. His shooting has always been one of his biggest strengths. Plus shot maker from deep that can let it fly with consistency from beyond the arc. We came away more impressed with his game off the bounce as he proved against a high level of competition that he is capable of getting to the rim along with making plays for others as a secondary passer. No doubt mid-major player and we can definitely see why high-majors would be considering him.
Nick Martinelli Nick Martinelli 6'6" | SF Glenbrook South | 2022 State #235 Nation IL (Meanstreets)
Mr. Productivity from Glenbard South was a key part of the second unit for Meanstreets throughout the weekend. He checks a lot of boxes and stuffs the stat sheet. Gets put backs, scores at a high rate in transition, finishes through contact, and the power forward also scored off the bounce with some runners. Mid-major and low-majors need to be on this top 10 prospect.
Jabar Wheatley Jr Jabar Wheatley Jr 6'2" | SG Taylor Made Prep | 2022 State AZ (The Work Foundation)
Wheatley impressed last summer and continues to do so. Powerfully built two guard that can score from multiple levels. Proved in a 20 point effort on Sunday he is just a bucket getter that can help a team out at the small college level.
Matt Somerville Matt Somerville 6'6" | SF Whitney Young | 2022 State IL (South Cook Jaguars)
Somerville has bounce, size at 6’6”, and can shoot it from deep. A lot of intriguing tools with his physical profile along with being a vastly improving skilled player with his ball handling and perimeter shooting.