Top 2024 Posts
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It has been a minute since we updated the Illinois class of 2024 rankings. With our recent update we wanted to dive into them giving a more in-depth look at the class including here in Top 2024 Posts! James Brown…
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Continue ReadingIt has been a minute since we updated the Illinois class of 2024 rankings. With our recent update we wanted to dive into them giving a more in-depth look at the class including here in Top 2024 Posts!
James Brown James Brown 6'9" | C Link Academy (from Chicago) | 2024 #66 Nation MO (St. Rita)
Current Ranking: #1
Brown headlines the best group of post prospects in Illinois since 2014. The potential five-star center reeled in an array of blue blood offers with his play in July. Skilled five man that can handle it off a defensive rebound pushing in the open floor. Plays well in the high/low game. He has such an advanced low post game. Big time rebounder and is a solid post defender. Elite high-major prospect.
Morez Johnson Morez Johnson 6'9" | PF Thornton | 2024 State #33 Nation IL (St. Rita)
Current Ranking: #2
While Brown gets the headlines, Johnson can make a very strong case for the top spot in his own right. The Illini commit has broad shoulder and elite athletic pop. Really like how high of a motor he plays with especially on the glass. Elite level rebounder that goes after them strong with two hands winning 50/50 boards. Offensively he operates well in the high/low game, has shown much improvement on a mid-range shot, and is an absolute force out of the dunker spot.
Cooper Koch Cooper Koch 6'8" | PF Metamora | 2024 State #81 Nation IL (Peoria Notre Dame)
Current Ranking: #4
Koch is another 2024 prospect that has already made an early commitment as he is headed to Iowa for his college ball. The Hawkeyes got an impactful four man that brings a ton of skill to the Big 10. Face up four that can really stretch the floor with his plus shooting ability. He is also a very good scorer out of the post with excellent footwork. Really like what he brings as a passer. Sees the floor hitting shooters and cutters on the regular!
Jason Jakstys Jason Jakstys 6'10" | C Yorkville | 2024 State #141 Nation IL (Yorkville)
Current Ranking: #6
Long and lanky five man that is a fluid athlete who impacts the game on both ends of the floor. The Yorkville center is one of the premier post defenders in the class. He is an elite shot blocker with timing and feel on that end. Rim runner that gets up and down the floor like a guard. Good footwork on the block with a soft touch and some athletic pop.
Jaheem Webber Jaheem Webber 6'9" | C Normal Community | 2024 State #300 Nation IL (Normal Community)
Current Ranking: #7
Webber is perhaps the best pure rebounder in the class. Powerfully built five that has a strong frame and grabs rebounds with force in traffic. Does it on both ends of the floor. He is an excellent post defender anchoring and not letting his man score on the block. Good passer out of the post. Potential as a low-post scoring threat.
Mike Jones Mike Jones 6'7" | PF Chi-Prep | 2025 State #164 Nation IL (Rockford Auburn)
Current Ranking: #9
Jones is a super athletic four man that leaves an impression both offensively and defensively. On the defensive end he can switch all over the floor and is a very good shot blocker. Rebounds well in traffic on both ends. His athleticism really shines through on the offensive end rim running and out of the dunker spot where he throws down slams. Flashes of a hook shot.
Jaden Smith Jaden Smith 6'10" | C Kenwood | 2024 State IL (Kenwood)
Current Ranking: #12
Smith has a super high ceiling, and this could be the season where we see him reach it. The center has a great frame, athleticism, and a ton of skill potential. Just needs to add the consistent production. When he is rim running and posting up with confidence, he is a major presence.
Calvin Robins (Kenwood)
Current Ranking: #14
Robins flew up the board due to his high end motor. One of the hardest playing posts in the class. The Kenwood power forward rebounds with the best of them, swats shots, and is an elite finisher as a rim runner or out of the dunker position.
Jaylan McElroy Jaylan McElroy 6'7" | PF DePaul Prep | 2024 State #262 Nation IL (DePaul Prep)
Current Ranking: #19
McElroy showcased during DePaul Prep’s state run some of the tools that make him intriguing and that continued this summer. Long and lanky power forward that is fluid getting up and down the floor, is active around the hoop, and brings versatility on the defensive end. Best basketball is ahead of him!
Stefan Cicic Stefan Cicic 7'0" | C Riverside Brookfield | 2024 State IL (Riverside Brookfield)
Current Ranking: #20
Cicic is a physically intimidating center that plays with force around the hoop. Dominant low post presence bullying his way through weaker big men while still displaying a soft touch when needed. Rebounds at a very high level in his area.
Noah Cleveland Noah Cleveland 6'8" | C Normal Community | 2024 State IL (Normal Community)
Current Ranking: #26
Versatile, tough, and skilled power forward from central Illinois. His older brother was a D1 prospect and he is right on the same path. Can handle it facing up, good footwork and touch around the hoop, and fights on the glass. Will team with Webber as one of the best frontlines in the state!