Chicago Summer Challenge: Five Weekend Takeaways
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July got started with a bang up in the Chicago area with the Prep Hoops Chicago Summer Challenge over the weekend. I was personally focused more on the 16u prospects at this event in Grit Region, but still had the…
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Continue ReadingJuly got started with a bang up in the Chicago area with the Prep Hoops Chicago Summer Challenge over the weekend. I was personally focused more on the 16u prospects at this event in Grit Region, but still had the opportunity to see most of the top prospects across all age divisions. This event featured several top teams and prospects looking to gear up for the July live recruiting period which begins on July 7th and runs through July 10th. Our Prep Hoops Live Atlanta event will be one of the biggest of the summer. Stay tuned for plenty of coverage from. However, first, let’s dive into some big picture takeaways from the weekend in Chicago.
Matas Buzelis is a Pro
A 5-star, consensus Top 10 prospect nationally, Buzelis suited up with Full Package Black this weekend on the Prep Hoops Circuit. The 6’9″ forward showed off his incredible skill set and offensive versatility. He can make tough shots on the perimeter, create for himself off of the bounce, and even lead the break after getting a rebound. Buzelis is set to play for the G-League Ignite after graduating from Brewster Academy in 2023.
Hot Shooting From Collin Wainscott Collin Wainscott 6'2" | PG Marmion Academy | 2023 State IL
This 6’0″ guard has lit it up on the Prep Hoops Circuit for the IBA Illinois Stars throughout the spring and summer. Wainscott, who is in the Class of 2023 at Marimon Academy, knocked down five three-pointers in one contest on Sunday and seemed to be knocking in shots anytime I would catch him. He moves so well off of the ball, plays with a high basketball IQ, and has proven his shot-making ability time after time.
M14 Hoops Has Impressive 2024 Talent
Two prospects stood out right away on Friday night when watching M14 Hoops take on the ET21 Buckeyes in what was one of the best games I saw all weekend. Before you even evaluate them skill wise, both 6’4″ guard C.J. Valente (Batavia H.S. 2024) and 6’5″ wing Treshawn Blissett Treshawn Blissett 6'5" | SF Waubonsie Valley | 2024 State IL (Waubonsie Valley H.S. 2024) catch your attention with their physical gifts. Then, once they start playing, you see their guard skill at their size and become even more impressed. Both of these guys will have plenty of college interest sooner rather than later.
Matthew Moore Matthew Moore 6'7" | PF Hillcrest | 2023 State IL is Poised For a Big July
The recruitment for Moore has already taken off pretty well as the 6’9″ forward landed a few Division I offers during Prep Hoops Circuit live periods in the spring. Now, the high-upside prospect from Hillcrest is ready to really break out in July with Chicago Lockdown. Moore is a physical specimen with great length, a strong frame, and a non-stop motor around the basket. The offensive skill level continues to come along nicely too. Expect his recruitment to be active this month.
Cayden Vasko Draws Attention With Big Weekend
There are good decisions to reclassify and there are bad decisions to reclassify. For the 6’5″ Don Bosco product, it is looking like things are going to work out very well. Vasko announced that he would be reclassifying to the Class of 2023 and then was almost immediately offered by Central Michigan. Now, he put on a great show at the Chicago Summer Challenge as a 6’4″-6’5″ guard that can defend multiple positions and play either on or off the ball offensively. Likely to receive a lot of low-major Division I and Division II interest now that he is in the 2023 class.