Top Illinois 2024 Post Prospects
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This week PHI unveiled our first edition of the 2024 prospect rankings. While it is still early in the process we are starting to get a good feel for this group. Here is a look at the top power forwards…
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Continue ReadingThis week PHI unveiled our first edition of the 2024 prospect rankings. While it is still early in the process we are starting to get a good feel for this group. Here is a look at the top power forwards and centers in the class. Right now this class is stacked at these two positions with six of the top eight overall being big men!
James Brown James Brown 6'9" | C Link Academy (from Chicago) | 2024 #66 Nation MO (St. Rita)
Overall Ranking: #1
Brown that been the consensus top prospect in this class since they entered high school. At 6’9” the St. Rita center has such an advanced low post game. He puts combination moves together like a veteran finishing with touch around the hoop. High level rebounder snatching everything in his area and is a rim protector on the defensive end. Complete center and five-star caliber prospect.
Morez Johnson Morez Johnson 6'9" | PF Thornton | 2024 State #33 Nation IL (St. Rita)
Overall Ranking: #2
Johnson is the state’s best 2024 power forward prospect. In most classes he would be a no doubt #1 overall type prospect. He brings more athleticism up front than Brown does as he is just so incredibly explosive as a finisher on the interior. Really like his quickness inside along with an emerging face up game. Big time rim runner. Defensively he is a force swatting shots in the paint and on the perimeter. Snatches rebounds well in traffic.
Cooper Koch Cooper Koch 6'8" | PF Metamora | 2024 State #81 Nation IL (Peoria Notre Dame)
Overall Ranking: #4
Koch fits the new age face up four to perfection. The PND standout stretches the floor with his shooting in pick/pop or spot up situations. Does damage on the block as well with crafty moves finishing at a high rate. Excellent footwork. Boxes out and secures rebounds in his area. Passes well. Fundamentally sound young big man!
Jaheem Webber Jaheem Webber 6'9" | C Normal Community | 2024 State #300 Nation IL (Normal Community)
Overall Ranking: #6
Webber is another top central Illinois big man. He is a thick bodied center that uses his size to his advantage. Establishes deep post position on the catch which allows him to catch/turn/score. Sound footwork on the block and puts combination moves together for nifty conversions. Very efficient player that rebounds everything in his area.
Jaden Smith Jaden Smith 6'10" | C Kenwood | 2024 State IL (Lincoln Park)
Overall Ranking: #7
Smith has a ton of upside! Great size, frame, and athleticism. He is still learning the game, but the upside just jumps off the floor at you. Big time shot blocking presence. Offensively he flashes as a finisher and rim runner. Wouldn’t be surprised at all if he is toward the top of this list when it is all said and done.
Mike Jones Mike Jones 6'7" | PF Chi-Prep | 2025 State #164 Nation IL (Rockford Lutheran)
Overall Ranking: #8
Jones showed us what he is all about during July with Team Rose. The Rockford Lutheran power forward is an absolute force on the defensive end. Elite level shot blocker that has excellent timing for a young big man. Can switch in ball screens moving his feet. Offensively he runs the floor well and can put it on the deck from the mid-post for scores.
Taevion Collier Taevion Collier 6'6" | PF Curie | 2024 State IL (Curie)
Overall Ranking: #11
Collier is one of the premier rebounders in the class. The Curie power forward has broad shoulders and a strong upper body. He snatches the ball in traffic with two hands like he is going to take the air out of it. His offensive skills made strides during the summer and we believe he is primed for a breakout year in the CPL.
Noah Cleveland Noah Cleveland 6'8" | C Normal Community | 2024 State IL (Normal Community)
Overall Ranking: #17
Cleveland has a lot of similar skills to his older brother who is a D1 recruit. Noah is a skilled face up four that can stretch the floor with his shooting. Also brings a high activity level on the glass to the table. Flies in for second chance points on the offensive boards.
Christian Uremovich Christian Uremovich 6'5" | PF Mt. Carmel | 2024 State IL (Stevenson)
Overall Ranking: #18
This Stevenson combo forward has a nice frame to add strength and a solid skill level. Gets up and down the floor with ease. Can shoot it off the catch hitting threes. Displays touch on the block along with rebounding in and out of his area.