What Illinois HS Prospects Could Be Selected in NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft is coming on Thursday. The 2022 version is headlined by Jabari Smith (Auburn), Chet Holmgren (Gonzaga), Paolo Banchero (Duke), and Jaden Ivey (Purdue). What former Illinois prep standouts could hear their names called? It focuses around a…
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Continue ReadingThe NBA Draft is coming on Thursday. The 2022 version is headlined by Jabari Smith (Auburn), Chet Holmgren (Gonzaga), Paolo Banchero (Duke), and Jaden Ivey (Purdue). What former Illinois prep standouts could hear their names called? It focuses around a pair of former #1 overall players from their respective classes in Illinois.
EJ Liddell (Ohio State – Belleville West)
Illinois HS Class: 2019
Illinois Class Ranking: #1
Liddell lived at the top of the board in Illinois for his final two years including a pair of state titles and a PHI Player of the Year. One of the most prolific high school careers of the last several decades. At Ohio State as a junior he averaged 19.4 points and 7.9 rebounds while shooting 49% from the field and 37% from three.
Liddell should land somewhere in the #20-#40 range on draft night. He brings value with his mobility on both ends, face up shooting, defense, and overall versatility. Productive college three year player that should find his way into a rotation as a rookie.
Max Christie (Michigan State – Rolling Meadows)
Illinois HS Class: 2021
Illinois Class Ranking: #1
Christie was a prospect coming into high school that was hyped as the guy in his class and he lived up to it. He sat at #1 in the 2021 class from start to finish winning PHI Player of the Year during an undefeated Covid season. In his one and only year at Michigan State he averaged 9.3 points on 38% from the field and 31% from three.
Christie is seen as a prospect with a similar draft range as Liddell being in the #20-#40 range. Liddell might be a bit safer and can contribute quicker with Christie having a higher long-term ceiling. The field goal and three percentage numbers are a little lower than expected, but most teams believe he will evolve into a solid shooter at the next level. Could be a guy that plays in the G League early and then steadily finds a role in the league as a solid starter and rotational wing.
Chances to Make Summer League Rosters
Javon Freeman (DePaul – Whitney Young)
Lucas Williamson (Whitney Young – Loyola)
Alonzo Verge (Thornton – Nebraska)