July Eyes: 2019 Prospects
Every July there are several guys who put themselves in position heading into the critical three week evaluation period to make noise. This might be from buzz after the spring or players making a name during the camps in June. Here are 10 2019 prospects from Illinois that college coaches are going to be watching closely!
C Francis Okoro (Normal West)
Overall Rank: #1
Prospect Rank: #1 Center
Travel Team: Brad Beal Elite
He is already the #1 player in the class and it really isn’t close. The debate of if he is the best 2019 in Illinois is over. The 6’9” strong and athletic post is a monster on the interior. Elite level rebounder that finishes with strength and can block shots. Improving offensive game. Okoro is a priority for Midwest high-majors. Will his recruitment go national and blue bloods get involved after July?
SF Terrence Hargrove (East St. Louis)
Overall Rank: #3
Prospect Rank: #1 Small Forward
Travel Team: Hooperville Warriors
Hargrove might be the most intriguing prospect in the 2019 class in Illinois. He is a 6’5” small forward with elite athleticism, rebounds out of this world, and his skill set is rapidly improving. He broke out during the high school season when all eyes were on Jeremiah Tilmon. On Hooperville he has proven he can be a go to player although against a lower level of competition. A lot of high majors didn’t get a chance to see him during the spring and with three 5 day periods they will have more opportunities in July.
SG Perry Cowan (DePaul Prep)
Overall Rank: #4
Prospect Rank: #1 Shooting Guard
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Cowan is a 6’4” shooting guard with a smooth perimeter game. He handles it well and has a good mid-range jump shot. One of the most projectable long term prospects in the class. He has the athleticism and tools to be a high-major wing. The production wasn’t there consistently when we saw him in the spring. HM schools want to see a more dominant Cowan in July.
C Ciaran Brayboy (New Trier)
Overall Rank: #6
Prospect Rank: #2 Center
Travel Team: Mac Irvin Fire
Brayboy is intriguing with size at 6’8” a great frame and strength around the hoop. Flashes in spurts mid-major plus and even potential high-major ability, but it isn’t consistent. Mid-major programs will be tracking him closely during the live periods to see if the post will fit in with their program.
PG Donavan Moore (Hillsboro)
Overall Rank: #9
Prospect Rank: #2 Point Guard
Travel Team: Illinois Irish
Moore might be my favorite prospect in the class. He is still somewhat unknown because he missed most of his sophomore season, but with a big spring Moore moved into the top 10. The 6’3” combo is a lefty that can score, dish, and defend. A lot of buzz with him among mid-majors heading into the next three weeks. Landed a few offers post spring. Expect more! He will be moving to Michigan for his last two years of high school.
PG Joseph Yesufu (Bolingbrook)
Overall Rank: #11
Prospect Rank: #3 Point Guard
Travel Team: Meanstreets
Yesufu was pretty good throughout the early part of the travel team season. He was the most consistently productive prospect for Meanstreets 16U squad. A lot of schools are concerned with his lack of height, but his speed and ability to score at the rack make up for it. Look for this Bolingbrook 2019 to draw quite a few Midwest mid-majors to his games.
SF Jeremiah Hernandez (St. Viator)
Overall Rank: #17
Prospect Rank: #4 Small Forward
Travel Team: Young & Reckless
Hernandez is a skilled 6’4” small forward with a rangy frame. Extremely smooth player that makes it looks effortless at times. Has the ability to create his own shot and is a quality passer as well. Mid-major and low-majors are intrigued with his upside.
SG Christopher Burnell (Rockford East)
Overall Rank: #18
Prospect Rank: #5 Shooting Guard
Travel Team: Illinois Stars
Burnell impressed us with his play at the PrepHoops Camp back in March. Big and physical two guard that can really score it. He was productive this spring, but also hidden on the Powerade circuit. Playing in Milwaukee and KC the last two weekends will give D1s an opportunity to see if his potential matches up with the numbers.
PG Tyler Cochran (Bolingbrook)
Overall Rank: #24
Prospect Rank: #7 Point Guard
Travel Team: Hoopers Basketball Club
Cochran played a complimentary role during his sophomore year on one of the deepest teams in the state especially at the guard position. He stepped out into more of a featured role in the spring with Hoopers. This guard has size and can score from the lead guard position. Little bit of helium heading into July for this guard.
PF Nate Ferguson (Lemont)
Overall Rank: #31
Prospect Rank: #7 Power Forward
Travel Team: Chicago Lockdown
Ferguson had a productive sophomore campaign, but was overshadowed by some other prospects at Lemont. We could not have been more impressed with the 6’7” face up four with his ability to stretch the floor and rebound this spring. His name is causing a buzz going into the evaluation period among low-majors.