Best of Best: Shot Blockers
In our series “Best of the Best” we look at a specific aspect of a prospects game and evaluate who are the best at that specific thing across the state. Today we look at the best Shot Blockers in Illinois.
SF Talen Horton-Tucker (Simeon)
You keep seeing THT on these lists and with good reason as he is one of the most complete players in the state. He isn’t necessarily a lockdown on ball defender, but the Simeon star does have a knack for making several blocks a game with his length.
C George Conditt (Corliss)
Conditt is a big time shot blocking presence with his combination of length and athleticism. He makes it look very easy at times coming from the weak side and swatting shots.
C Jalen Shaw (Larkin)
Shaw is another top post prospect in the 2018 class that can protect the rim. His length and mobility allow him to both come from the weak side and he can block shots guarding straight up.
PF Messiah Jones (Simeon)
Jones is an explosive power forward that is a big time shot blocker despite his lack of ideal size. Great timing!
SF Raekwon Drake (Orr)
Drake is a freak athlete and a major defensive presence. A big part of that is his shot blocking ability with quick twitched athleticism.
PF Tyree Martin and Treavon Martin (Curie)
Martin brothers will have no problem protecting the rim for Curie this year. Their length, lateral quickness, and timing all make them shot blocking presences.
PF Jesus Vargas (Rockridge)
Vargas is a sleeper small college post that can really get after it on the defensive end. He is a raw offensive player, but his value is defensively blocking shots.
C Francis Okoro (Normal West)
Okoro is an elite national shot blocking prospect. He proved it during the high school season, on the EYBL circuit, and at Nike Elite 100 against the best of the best.
PF Chris Payton (Bloomington)
Payton’s bounce off the floor is one of his biggest strengths. That plays a major factor into how good of a shot blocker he is.
PF Keenon Cole (Streamwood)
Cole is a bouncy and quick twitched athlete that has a great second jump which allows him to get up and swat second chance opportunities.
PF Jermaine Hamlin (Lincoln)
Hamlin is very intriguing with his frame, athleticism, and size. His defense is ahead of his offense at this stage of his development especially with his shot blocking.
PF Karl Wright (Springfield Lanphier)
Wright has springs! There is no doubting that and he uses them to come from the weak side to swat shots.
SF Isaac Stanback (Hillcrest)
Stanback can really get after it on the defensive end both on the perimeter and blocking shots. He will get LBJ come from behind blocks chasing guys down in transition.