Chi Town Tip Off: Max’s Post Standouts
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The Chi Town Tip Off took place over the weekend, with some of the top prospects in Illinois and beyond gathering in the Chicago area to compete! I was in the gym all weekend, and these are seven of the…
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Continue ReadingThe Chi Town Tip Off took place over the weekend, with some of the top prospects in Illinois and beyond gathering in the Chicago area to compete! I was in the gym all weekend, and these are seven of the frontcourt prospects who impressed.
John Mccrear John Mccrear 6'8" | PF Woodfard | 2023 State #219 Nation KY (6’8 2023 F, Mac Irvin Fire EYBL)- Arguably the most dominant shot blocker I saw all weekend, McCrear has an imposing wingspan and is a quick leaper off the floor to contest and get a hand on shots in the paint. His timing was perfect, allowing him to get a clean block on the ball without fouling. Offensively he made nice cuts from the dunker spot leading to finishes inside, and he made the most of his chances by finishing at a high percentage. High level prospect who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact.
Mike Jones Mike Jones 6'7" | PF Chi-Prep | 2025 State #164 Nation IL (6’6 2024 PF, Team Rose 3SSB)- In one of the most impressive outings I saw over the weekend, Mike went at a pair of nationally ranked post players and made big plays on both ends of the floor. His strength and athleticism allow him to play even bigger than his height, as he dominates on the glass, can block shots, and finishes above the rim with ease. Against Meanstreets he threw down a pair of powerful dunks, scored with his back to the basket, and flashed the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket off the dribble. Jones also showed that he has a pull-up jumper in his arsenal, knocking down multiple shots from mid-range and three in the games I saw.
Joel Brown (6’8 2023 C, FLEE Club Hoops)- The 2023 big man impressed on Saturday night, making a variety of plays for his team. Really like him in high low action in both spots, as down low he’s able to create a good seal on his defender to receive around the basket, while up top he has the height and vision to see over the top of his defender and deliver an accurate pass. Brown showed excellent touch finishing in traffic inside, and was a force on the offensive glass leading to a pair of second chance finishes in the first half.
Morez Johnson Morez Johnson 6'9" | PF Thornton | 2024 State #33 Nation IL (6’9 2024 PF, Meanstreets EYBL)- Morez was a force in Meanstreets’ second game on Saturday night. Had a highlight play catching the ball on the block, and then spinning into a powerful two handed dunk with his defender right on his back. Also had a sequence that saw him block a jumper, sprint the floor, and then catch and elevate for a dunk all in one motion. That sequence showed his impressive athleticism and coordination at 6’9 that makes him a nationally ranked level prospect. Blocked shots and showed nice touch turning over his left shoulder and finishing with the right hand throughout the weekend.
Darrion Baker Darrion Baker 6'8" | PF St Rita | 2023 State #227 Nation IL (6’8 2023 PF, Team Rose 3SSB)- One of the most dominant players I saw at the 17u level was Darrion Baker Darrion Baker 6'8" | PF St Rita | 2023 State #227 Nation IL of Team Rose. Such an intriguing prospect because he combines elements of an old school center with the new age forward style of play. He has a strong and explosive frame that allowed him to finish above the rim with ease. Darrion can handle the ball in transition to create for himself and others in the open floor, and his range allows him to hit shots beyond the arc. Baker also excelled at catching on the block, and either using his strength to power through contact for finishes, or utilize his skilled footwork to get defenders in the air before scoring with ease. Versatile defender who’s strong enough to defend on the block, yet agile enough to switch and defend on the wing when needed.
Jayden Miles (6’8 2025 PF, Mac Irvin Fire EYBL)- Jayden is one of the more athletic 2025 post prospects you’ll find. Playing at the 16u level he just has effortless bounce, and when you combine that with his long frame it allows him to make plays that other prospects simply can’t. Offensively he can catch the ball and effortlessly get off the floor to throw down a dunk, whether it’s off the pass or immediately going back up after an offensive board. Defensively he can swat shots, and has the mobility to get into position to make big plays off the ball. Really like how hard he runs the floor as well. Dominant rebounder on both ends of the floor who also showcased some intriguing passing ability out of the post.
De’Nairo Paul (6’6 2023 F, B3 Athletics)- The 2023 forward had a big game on Sunday morning, taking advantage of his length and athleticism in the open floor. Minnesota Eastside Athletics just didn’t have the size to compete with De’Nairo, and it allowed him to score with efficiency inside. Utilizes a hard power dribble to set himself up inside, and always caught his balance allowing him to finish at a high level. He runs the floor hard, and has good coordination to catch and score all in one fluid motion. Solid prospect out of the Grand Rapids area.