Pangos: Parham’s Post Prospects
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It’s been a few years since the state of Illinois has had a bevy of bigs in the state the likes of Okafor, Alexander and O’Mara. After this weekend at Pangos it looks as if the big men have returned…
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Continue ReadingIt’s been a few years since the state of Illinois has had a bevy of bigs in the state the likes of Okafor, Alexander and O’Mara. After this weekend at Pangos it looks as if the big men have returned to the state with the best group of posts since that 2014 class a decade later. Here are the top big men who showed out at the Pangos Camp. Check out Pangos: Parham’s Post Prospects!
James Brown James Brown 6'9" | C Link Academy (from Chicago) | 2024 #66 Nation MO 6’9 (St.Rita) 2024
Literally the best big man in the area at this point. James put together a well-rounded performance at Pangos. Brown was able to show is his ball skill while still looking like an elite post prospect. We’ve saw James hitting threes, baseline fadeaways, and coast to coast drives for slams. As a defender he blocked many shots using great timing. Brown is gearing up for a big season.
Morez Johnson Morez Johnson 6'9" | PF Thornton | 2024 State #33 Nation IL 6’9 (St. Rita) 2024
If James Brown James Brown 6'9" | C Link Academy (from Chicago) | 2024 #66 Nation MO is 1A Mr. Johnson is 1B. Morez is not far behind his HS/AAU running mate. He has tremendous upside which is why he so dangerous. Morez is another big who runs the court well, has good hands, and is able to finish around the basket. What I like about him the most is he plays with a chip on his shoulder. Never afraid to mix it up inside the paint. So good to watch a big that plays with that grit.
Jason Jakstys Jason Jakstys 6'10" | C Yorkville | 2024 State #141 Nation IL 6’8 (Yorkville) 2024
One of the bigger surprises of the camp Jason is very versatile on offense. But has a chance to be one of the better defensive bigs in the state. Jakstys showed his shooting range to start and then he proceeded to lure defenders out to him as he shot faked and drove to the rim often either finishing through contact or dunking the ball. With his long length Jason used it very effectively blocking multiple shots and grabbing several rebounds in crowded areas. He is a very tough for his frame and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Jaden Smith Jaden Smith 6'10" | C Kenwood | 2024 State IL 6’10 (Lincoln Park) 2024
Very long and active center who plays well off the pick and roll. Jaden hit a few straight away threes but did more damage inside the paint, hit the boards hard, and made simple moves in the post. Smith is developing into a good face up post and he will get stronger with more reps. Jaden is a bonified rim protector and is terrific at timing blocked shots. His best basketball is on the way so look for a strong sophomore season from Smith.
Jaheem Webber Jaheem Webber 6'9" | C Normal Community | 2024 State #300 Nation IL 6’9 (Normal Community) 2024
Even if we only got one day to see the big man from central Illinois Jaheem put the city guys on notice. Webber started his production with some intimidating blocks. He then went to work on the block using strong jump hooks in the lane. As a physical big man Jaheem gets off the floor quick and powers dunks when near the basket. Webber is a name who will be in the mix with the rest of the high-major big men on this list.
Taevion Collier Taevion Collier 6'6" | PF Curie | 2024 State IL 6’5 (Curie) 2024
Collier is a pure back to the basket player who battles for position on the lower block. He is another solid post guy who uses the jump hook very well. Taevion is one of the smaller big but he is still effective crashing the boards and using his body to his advantage. Collier is the younger brother of Curie legend Cliff Alexander but plays more like for Bulls #1 pick Elton Brand.
Keyshawn Barfield 6’8 (Lincoln Park) 2025
Barfield is a wide bodied big man who eats up space. He was solid battling on the boards. Good post player who has ability to make shots as a face up forward.
Kenric Mosby 6’7 (Simeon) 2024
Mosby was seen making strong athletic plays at the basket. He is very mobile using various side steps and counter moves in the lane. Kenric showed he was capable of hitting shots but was much more effective slashing. His best move was a thunderous slam down the lane. Mosby will be a strong piece for Simeon this season.
Marcus Everhart Marcus Everhart 6'5" | PF Bloom Township | 2024 State IL 6’5 (Marian Catholic) 2024
Marcus is a hard working forward who gets after it on both ends. He caught my eye after swatting three shots out of bounds. Everhart would hit a three and then a strong drive and score through contact. Marcus was one of the very few who chatted during games looking to make things competitive. His crowning play was a tip dunk off a missed three pointer.
Tim Winkler 6’8 (Grammar School) 2026
A future number one player in his class Tim was the standout 8th grader who caught everyone’s attention. Winkler is gangly face up forward who plays with a lot of finesse. Tim had solid ball control with mobility. He made many angular moves around defenders. When the big sat back to protect the rim Winkler hit shots from behind the arc. Still so young he has tools of a guard and can still possibly grow a few more inches. It’s scary to think what Tim can become once he reaches high school.