PrepHoops Top 250: 2018 Evals Part 1
This past weekend was the PrepHoopsIllinois Top 250 Expo! It was a great opportunity to see some of the top players from around the state and find new prospects. Check out our evals of the prospects at the event! Here is part 1 of our breakdown of the 2018 prospects in attendance.
PG Michael Smith (Joliet West – 2018)
Michael Smith of Joliet West recently won our program MVP for the Illinois T-Wolves after his stellar play for them this summer. He is primed for a big year at Joliet West with the graduation of quite a few key players along with transfers. Smith is a scoring point guard that plays with a lot of energy. The senior is a sound perimeter shooter that drills them off the catch. Pushes it in transition with his speed. He is finishing better at the rim and taking it to the rack more instead of settling for less than ideal shots. Active defender that gets a couple steals a game by cutting passing lanes and going the other way. Smith brings energy to whatever team he plays for! Elite small college prospect that could be a fit for the right D2.
PF Kurt Kozarits (Naperville Central – 2018)
Kozarits broke out on our radar the PrepHoops Top 250 Expo! The 6’7” Naperville Central power forward has good size, a nice frame, and potential to get even stronger up top. Already has quality functional strength. Stood out as a rebounder snatching them with both hands in traffic. Very impressive rebounder on both ends of the floor. Has a knack for getting on the offensive glass for put backs. Flashes skill on the block including a sweet hook shot. Gets consistently deep post position. Positions his body well. Emerged as a player that D2 schools should look at.
SG Kenny Pittman (Simeon – 2018)
Simeon 2018 shooting guard Kenny Pittman can flat out let it fly from deep. He flew a bit under the radar last season for the Wolverines, but look for him to make noise this year. He is coming off a strong summer on the circuit with Young & Reckless. Pittman has quality size on the wing and can really shoot it. Best spotting up on the perimeter and hitting threes off the catch. Smooth athlete. Game off the bounce flashes, but isn’t consistent. The sharp shooter should be monitored by D2 schools heading into the season.
SG RJ McGee (Kenwood – 2018)
RJ McGee is a big time athlete out of Kenwood. He broke out last season and will have to make an even bigger impact this season as he will be one of their go to players. Great physical body with strength and mobility. McGee is a prospect that can attack downhill and once he gets momentum is tough to stop. Finishes very well at the rim taking on contact and finishing through it. Has range on his jumper. Defensively projects well with his athleticism and strength. Can even block a shot coming from the weak side out of nowhere. Quality D2 prospect in our eyes.
PG DeAndre Heckard (Romeoville – 2018)
Heckard was the top 2018 prospect in the gym at the PrepHoopsIllinois Top 250 showcase. He currently sets at #10 in the rankings. What he brings to the table is a broad shouldered point guard that attacks downhill and gets in the lane consistently. Smooth ball handler that converts consistently at the cup. Jumper continues to make strides with his consistency. Crisp passer and rebounds well. Heckard is a player that mid-major and low-majors should be on and checking out at Romeoville in open gyms as he is still open with his recruitment.
PG Carter Higginbottom (St. Ignatius – 2018)
St. Ignatius 2018 point guard Carter Higginbottom is a high IQ point guard that brings great leadership to the table. He is super competitive and has a drive to continue to get better. Crisp passer that makes sound decisions with the basketball in his hands. Handles have continued to get better each time we see him. Moves well without the ball. Needs to continue working on his jump shot which has definitely gotten better since the summer. Really good small college player with a 34 ACT score!
PF Luke Nauman (St. Ignatius – 2018)
Nauman is an under the radar post prospect from the Chicago Catholic League. He is a tough and gritty four man that plays with a lot of physicality. Strong lower body that allows him to anchor on both ends. Runs the floor very well. Solid rebounder that knows how to position himself to get rebounds. Will get a couple offensive rebound put backs a game. Footwork has improved in the post. Passes well from the block. Has some versatility on the defensive end. Nauman projects as a solid D3/NAIA prospect.
F Philip Wilson (Niles North – 2018)
Wilson is a 6’4″ wing that has good size from Niles North. Very active on the glass. Rebounded well on both ends particularly getting some looks on the offensive glass for second chance opportunities. Clean mechanics on shot. He really stood out as a junk yard dog big man that got on the glass. The skill level could continue to improve on the offensive end. He has the potential, but just needs to continue to progress. His athleticism and coordination are another area of development that could take his game to the next level.
SF Josh Boulanger (Brother Rice – 2018)
Josh Boulanger is a 6’4″ wing that has grown since we saw him over the summer. He brings great length and projectability to the table. Plus rebounder that high points them in traffic. Quick second jump getting on the offensive glass. Competitive kid that gets after it on the defensive end. Best offensively in transition using his athleticism and getting to the rim. His athleticism is obviously a big strength, but there are a few areas to improve. His handles on the perimeter could get tighter. The jump shot is an area that can take his game to the next level. Not consistent shooting it at this stage.