Top 10 Sophomores in Illinois

This is a list of the top 10 sophomores throughout the state. I've pretty much seen everyone in contention for a top 25 ranking. Remember these are PLAYER rankings, not prospect rankings. I've also added a some stars for the players based on mostly on potential but a lot on current skill level as well.

1. Jereme Richmond 6’6” SF/SG Waukegan (Rising Stars) – Athletic and skilled wing with size. Very versatile. Shoots it well. Good at getting to the basket. Good passer. Needs to improve perimeter defensive skills. Rebounds well. Improving ball handling. Has a very high ceiling…All-American potential! Had a great freshman campaign averaging a high double-double and will compete against much greater competition this season. Committed to Illinois...5-Stars

2. Anthony Johnson 6’2” Guard Whitney Young (Chicago Ferrari) – Very good scorer. Shoots it well and can also get to the basket. Good defender. Improving handle. Good passer. Plays with confidence. A rising star...4-Stars

3. DeAndre McCamey 6’0” PG St. Joseph (Illinois Wolves) – A skilled point guard with very good strength and athleticism. Poised. Handles it well and makes plays. Competes very hard. Good defender. High basketball IQ. Has a game similar to his brother, UI freshman Demetri McCamey...4-Stars

4. Paul Bunch 6’10” Center North Lawndale (Indiana Elite-Ft. Wayne Flyers) – Inside player with a lot of size. Is adding strength. A good rebounder and shot blocker. Improving offensive skills. Will be considered for the state’s top ranking if he plays more aggressive. A sure fire big time recruit. The sky is the limit! Grade problems prevented him from competing on the varsity squad last season...4-Stars

5. Lenzelle Smith 6’3” SG/SF Zion-Benton (Illinois Stars) – Athletic and strong. Hard worker. Very good defensively. Gets to the basket well. A leader. Draws comparisons to Ryan Hare of Chicago Marshall...3-Stars

6. Lavonte Dority 6’1” PG Foreman (Illinois Fire) – Advanced point guard with good skills. Very poised. A leader on the floor. Handles and passes well. Can also score. Good defender. Plays with the mentality of an experienced high school senior at a young age. Had an amazing freshman campaign at Foreman. Already has some big time scholarship offers...3-Stars

7. Reggie Smith 6’0” Guard Thornton (Illinois Fire) – Very, very athletic guard. Great at attacking the basket. Improving point guard skills. Defends well. Explosive. Needs to improve shooting. Finds ways to score. Strong. Rebounds well from position. Would compete for a position as the state’s top guard if he was a bit taller...3-Stars

8. Crandall Head 6’3” SG Rich South (Illinois Warriors) – Extremely athletic wing with raw skills. Explosive leaper. Good defender. Improving handle and shooting. Athleticism helps him score while attacking the basket. A little less skilled than his brother (Houston Rocket-Luther Head) at this age but more athletic...3-Stars

9. Chancellor Carter 6’4.5” PF Loyola Academy (Rising Stars) – Athletic forward with a very strong body. Has great footwork inside. Renlentless rebounder. More agile than he looks. Scores well inside and improving perimeter game. Needs to trim up to play the wing if he doesn’t grow a good 3-4 inches. Reminds of a much more athletic Tim Flowers (Wisconsin-Milwaukee)...2-Stars

10. Isiah Jones 6’2” Guard Mounds Meridian (Illinois Warriors) – One of the state’s most overlooked guards but not for long. Can distribute and score the ball. Is very posied. Plays hard on both ends of the floor. Should have a breakout season this year...2 1/2-Stars

Top 25 Seniors in USA

As I've stated before, I've seen plenty of players all across the nations due to the numerous AAU tournaments I attend and the high school games I watch and I've comprised my list of who I think the best 25 seniors are. I've seen most of these players both this season and last season on the circuit and all of them at least twice.

1. Tyreke Evans 6-5 SG Aston (PA) American Christian – The best guard in his class. Good size. Can score the basketball. Handles it well. Strong. Rebounds well. Not a great athlete but a decent one. Good defender. Has that certain “it”…star potential. Reminds a lot of an inconsistant O.J. Mayo. Will likely decide between Villanova and Louisville.

2. Greg Monroe 6-10 PF Harvey (LA) Helen Cox – Athletic post with good versatility. Handles it well and is a very good passer. Rebounds and blocks shots. Can score inside and step out and hit shots. Very agile. Plays hard. Duke and LSU are big time players.

3. Al Farooq Aminu 6-8 SF Norcross (GA) H.S. – Athletic and versatile forward. Handles it very well and can also hit shots. Good at getting himself to the basket with long strides and finishing above the rim. Committed to Wake Forest.

4. Jrue Holiday 6-3 Guard N. Hollywood (CA) Campbell Hall – A do it all guard. Very athletic and a great scorer. Strong. Strong defender and good rebounder from the perimeter. Uses midrange game and can also shoot the 3. Great teammate. A smaller Eric Gordon with a better midrange game. Committed to UCLA.

5. Samardo Samuels 6-9 Center Newark (NJ) St. Benedict’s – Bouncy post player. Great build. Very athletic. Runs the floor well. Good rebounder. Excellent finisher with good hands. Capable shot blocker. True inside presence. Back to the basket scorer. Committed to Louisville.

6. Brandon Jennings 6-1 PG Mouth of Wilson (VA) Oak Hill – A scoring point guard that can also distribute the ball. Great ball handler. Great passer. Shoots it well. Good at creating when penetrating. Smooth. Carries a “swag” letting you know that he’s the best on the floor. Committed to Arizona.

7. Yancy Gates 6-8 PF Cincinnati (OH) Withrow – Sizey forward with a lot of athleticism. Can handle it and plays above the rim though standing 250 lbs. Rebounds well and skilled around the basket and on the perimeter. Effort is questionable but a true talent. Committed to Cincinnati.

8. Delvon Roe 6-9 Forward Lakewood (OH) St. Edward Michigan St. – Versatile forward. Very athletic. Active on both ends of the floor. Rebounds well. Can hit the outside shot. Good scorer in transition. When his ball handling has improved to enable himself to be a full time perimeter player, he has a chance to be a prime NBA prospect. Committed to Michigan State.

9. Anthony Jones 6-9 Forward Houston (TX) Yates – One of the most athletic forwards in his class. Combines size, athleticism, and the ability to handle the basketball. Has improved a lot on his perimeter skills and has the potential of an NBA all-star. One of the nation's most underrated players. Committed to Texas A&M.

10. Demar Derozen 6-5 SG Compton (CA) H.S. – Very athletic wing. Great 3pt shooter. Good at slashing to the basket. Rebounds well from position. Improving ball handling. Terrific defensive player. Committed to Southern Cal.

11. Malcolm Lee 6-5 PG Riverside (CA) J.W. North – Reminds of Shaun Livingston but smaller with a better shot. Very good sized at the point guard. Handles it well. Very good midrange and 3point shooter. A wizard passing the ball. Long and skilled. Solid athlete. Another very underrated player and prospect. Committed to UCLA.

12. Chris Braswell 6-8 PF Forestville (MD) DeMatha – Strong post player. Runs the floor well. Can shoot the 3. Rebounds well. Good footwork. Good strength. Committed to Georgetown.

13. Drew Gordon 6-8 PF San Jose (CA) Archbishop Mitty – Skilled inside post presence. Great footwork. Good finisher. Runs the floor well. Very good rebounder. Good strength. True post. Committed to UCLA.

14. B.J. Mullens 7-1 Center Canal Winchester (OH) H.S. – Very big post with good skills and solid athletic ability. Runs the floor very well. Has a soft touch on his shot. Good midrange shooter. Rebounds well. Improving footwork. Strong body. Committed to Ohio State.

15. Jerime Anderson 6-2 PG Anaheim (CA) Canyon – Controls the pace of a game. Another point guard with a “swag” displaying his confidence in himself as a player. Can score and distribute the ball. Good ball handler and poised. Committed to UCLA.

16. Elliott Williams 6-4 SG Memphis (TN) St. George’s – Athletic guard. Can score the basketball. Good at attacking the basket and rising for jams. Shoots it well. All the makings of an All-American 2-guard. Doesn’t play hard on a consistent basis. Considering offers from Duke, Memphis, Tennessee, and Virginia.

17. Tony Woods 7-1 Center Rome (GA) H.S. – Long post player. Good inside scorer. Solid rebounder. Capable shot blocker. Very good at following shots. Dunks everything around the rim. Solid athlete. Marcus Camby type center. Committed to Wake Forest.

18. Devin Ebanks 6-8 SF Oakdale (CT) St. Thomas More – Extremely long and athletic wing. Handles it well and can score it. Nice shot. Good defender and rebounder. Needs to add strength. Committed to Indiana.

19. Wesley Witherspoon 6-8 SF Lilburn (GA) Berkmar – Tall and long small forward. Very smooth. Shoots it well. Great handle, especially for size. Good at attacking the basket. Needs to add strength. Auburn, Kansas State, and Clemson are big in his recruitment.

20. Ty Walker 6-11 Center Wilmington (NC) New Hanover – Very athletic post with a trim build. A big time shot blocker. Great helpside defender. Improving offensive game. Adding strength. Very active. Will be a great 4-5 combo with Tony Woods at Wake Forest as Woods is the scorer and Walker is the defender.

21. Ed Davis 6-8 PF Mechanicsville (VA) Benedictine – Athletic forward that blocks shots and can score inside. Runs the floor well. Good rebounder that fights for boards. Committed to North Carolina.

22. Willie Warren 6-4 SG Fort Worth (TX) North Crowley – Athletic wing with sturdy build. Shoots it well. Good at attacking the basket and playing above the rim. Strong with the ball. Developing point guard skills to play the combo. Makes things happen when the ball is in his hands. Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky, Texas, Cincinnati, and Oklahoma have all offered.

23. Jamychal Green 6-10 Center Montgomery (AL) St. Jude – Very strong post player. Scores well inside. Doesn’t play above the rim but is a good finisher. Uses his body well. Will be a great SEC big man. Has offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia Tech, Auburn, Virginia, Marquette, and Kentucky. Fits the mold of an Alabama or Arkansas post.

24. DeAndre Liggins 6-6 G/F Chicago (IL) Washington – A small forward who will eventually mold his skills until he’s a complete point guard. Great passer and unselfish. Handles it well. Good length makes him a very good defender. Plays hard. Averaged a triple double his junior year of high school. Improving shooting. An NBA point guard prototype. Committed to Kentucky.

25. Phillip Jurick 6-10 Center Chattanooga (TN) East Ridge – Very strong player. Good size and good athleticism. Scores well inside with his back to the basket. Runs the floor well, rebounds, and blocks shots. Be a top 10 player if he played hard at all times instead of slacking off. Committed to Tennessee.

CLOSE CALLS:
Scotty Hopkins (Mississippi State), Iman Shumpert, Anthony Booker (Southern Illinois), Terrance Jennings (Maryland), Angel Garcia, William Buford (Ohio State), J’Covan Brown

I have not seen Kemba Walker (UConn), 7’2” John Riek, Andrew Steele, Mike Rosario, Mookie Jones, or Elroy Vargas. I’ve pretty much seen everyone else who is usually in contention for a top 25-50 spot in the national rankings.

Bruce Weber Delimma

Let’s face it, University of Illinois has never been an elite level school. They’ve never been mentioned with the North Carolinas, the Dukes, the UCLAs, etc. However, since Coach Bruce Weber got the job, people expect him to hold have the success of that of an elite level school. UI is a high level Big Ten program and one of the better national programs, nothing more, nothing less. They should have a good amount of success and should challenge for the Big Ten tournament every year, which they do. So why all the complaints?

Weber has been one of the most successful coaches since he has been with UI. He’s gone to the tournament every season and faught past injuries and other delimmas. He’s a great “on the floor” coach that knows his “x’s and o’s” and people should have no complaints.

I do, however, see a problem in Weber’s recruiting scheme. He does recruit the state but it is not working well so either higher some new assistants or take a different approach. You can’t tell me that none of the state’s top players don’t want to attend Illinois. Jon Scheyer getting away I can see because Duke is Duke and in recent years, I don’t know many players of his caliber and style would turn them down for UI. However, how do you let Derrick Rose, Julian Wright, Michael Dunigan, and Sherron Collins slip? I honestly do not think there is room for excuses losing these many top players. Also, the biggest question I have involved their recruiting of a 2008 member: Verdell Jones III.

Verdell is a low 4-star, high 3-star national prospect. He’s a 6’4” point guard with good potential and good skills. Additionally, he has taken care of everything off the court. The biggest factor is that he’s sitting in your backyard, actually your front and he wants to be an Illini yet no offer. I understand there are better players but BCS schools are all over this kid and hometown kids like “V” sell tickets. Tennessee, Virginia, DePaul, Kentucky, Texas A&M, and others have all offered the kid but no Illini offer and he lives in Champaign?! This is one logic I don’t get.

As far as out of state recruiting, Weber has done a good job in my opinion. Quinton Watkins is a low 4-star, high 3-star prospect and Rodney Alexander is one of the better junior college players in the nation. I have sparingly seen Richard Semrau from the 2006 class but from what I’ve seen he’ll be solid in Weber’s system though I'd like to see him more against stiff competition. In addition, I love the way Chester Frazier plays. He’s hardnosed and sure there were instate kids just as talented, but he plays with a passion that is rarely found.

Though Weber has missed out on some big time in-state kids, he’s also got some “second tier” (if you could call them that) high major players…not the instate 5-stars but the 4-stars and high 3-stars. Demetri McCamey was a great get. He will see minutes right away and has a chance to become a starter. Brian Carlwell was another 4-star recruit as well as Shaun Pruitt. Pruitt has already proven his worth. I was a bit skeptical of Carlwell and his ranking in high school but he has shown improvements and I feel when he recovers to full health he will get even better. Jamar Smith has played well also for a 2-star rating coming out of high school...heck he's done better than a lot of 3-stars!

I think this may be a test year for Weber. Finally, every player on the roster is his recruit (excluding Brian Randle who committed under Self but decided to stay under Weber). Hopefully he can have success and prove that he can coach his teams to victory. All that being said, I don’t think Bruce is the best coach to ever step foot in UI or anything of the sort but I do commend him on a job well done so far.

My Outtake on the Bawinkel Transfer

According to Midstatehoops.com Devan Bawinkel, a former Illinois first team all-stater, will be transferring from West Virginia.

Bawinkel played sparingly at UWV and his playing time didn’t seem as if it would increase any under new head coach Bob Huggins.

So far, Devan is considering Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Illinois-Chicago, and Richmond but he is still wide open.

Personally, I’d like to see Coach Jankovich and the Redbirds go after Devan. He’s a 6’5” 185 perimeter oriented player that can fill all three perimeter positions. He can handle the ball at the point, shoot it from the two, and has the size of a mid major 3-man. Also, in the new uptempo system Bawinkel would excel as he’s proven he’s best in a fast-paced style of play. He was the starting 2-man for the Illinois Wolves who also started Will Walker (DePaul), Will Veasley (Butler), Don Lawson (Western Michigan), and Eric Wormley, who were all high level athletes and played at a fast pace.

I think Devan would be an excellent get for ISU as he already has experience at the Division I level and will have three years of elgibility remaining (if he doesn’t opt for juco). Plus, the kid's got Illinois roots and was a 3 or 4 time all-state performer. The only problem is, getting Bawinkel would conflict with Tyler Storm as they would somewhat fill the same role. With Robinson already in fold and a likely commitment from a Chicagoarea HS or a JC point guard, a big wing and a center are of most necessity for the Redbirds. Two big wings wouldn’t really benefit the team much as they are lacking interior presence.

I’d urge both Jankovich and Bawinkel to consider this option as it would greatly benefit both parties.

Top 20 Juniors in Illinois

Here’s my list of the state’s top 20 class of 2009 players. This list is not based soley on potential but on current skill level, athleticism, AND they way the player affects a now. Please, do not be afraid to leave comments.

1. Chris Colvin 6’2” 175 lbs PG Chicago Whitney Young (Rising Stars) - Skilled PG with good athleticism, a strong body, and good defense. Has a high IQ, gets to the basket well, and is a great passer. Consistent with a college ready game. Has an offer from Iowa. Also considering Illinois and Michigan among others.

2. D’mitri Riggs 6'3" 175 lbs Guard Bloomington (Spiece Indy Heat) - A great offensive player with great size and strength for his age and position. Shoots it extremely well but streaky. Creates well going to the basket, rebounds well, and a capable defender. Has relied a little too much on his 3point shot and takes plays off but still has great ability.

3. Marcus Jordan 6’3” 190 lbs Guard Chicago Whitney Young (Rising Stars) - Strong guard that can take over a game. Is a good ball handler, passer, and defender. Gets to the basket well, rebounds well, and is clutch but needs to improve shooting touch and play more consistent.

4. Jordan Prosser 6’8” 215 lbs PF Eureka (Indiana Elite-ONE) - Very skilled. Passes it extremely well and uses the backboard well around the basket. A strong rebounder that runs the floor well and has good athleticism but is a bit mechanical. When playing aggressive, he is the state's best player, no doubt in my mind. Has offers from Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois State, Bradley, Xavier, and Notre Dame. Also considering Illinois and Georgetown.

5. D.J. Richardson 6’3” 165 lbs SG Peoria Central (Illinois Stars) - A hard worker. Good at everything, great at nothing. An inconsistent shooter but is very good when his shot's falling. A little overrated in my opinion but he's still a great player with a lot of potential. Has offers from over 15 Division I schools including Illinois, Georgetown, Indiana, Bradley, Notre Dame, Baylor, Southern Illinois, Miami-FL, and others.

6. James Kinney 6’1” 170 lbs PG Champaign Centennial (Illinois Stars/Illinois Elite) - Very skilled player. Lefty that can light it up from the outside. Probably the best shooter in the state for his age when he's on but is a very inconsistent shooter. Handles the ball like a wizard. Plays hard defensively. A great passer. He is the state's best point guard when all of his weapons are clicking. Has 1 D1 offer and a lot of high major interest.

7. Michael Haynes 6’4.5” 225 lbs PF Chicago Washington (Illinois Bobcats) - Another skilled player. Undersized at the PF. Very athletic with good strength. Rebounds well and can run the floor. If he improves his ball handling and extends his shooting range he could play the 3 at the high major level. A year and a half older than the rest of those in his class so I don't know if he'll grow much more. Has an offer from Marquette.

8. Jordan Walker 6’6” 165 lbs SF Chicago Hales Franciscan (MeanStreets) - A lot of potential. A GREAT athlete. Jumps with the best of them. Rebounds and shoots the ball well from the midrange area. Is starting to extend his shooting range. Handles it well for his size but can stand to use some improvement on his dribbling. I love the kid's game and I think he has a chance to be the most successful player in this class. Was very underused at Champaign Central though he was a fulltime starter.

9. David Smith 6’3” 175 lbs Guard Lake Forest Academy (Full Package) - Very athletic. Good ball handler, passes well, and plays defense. Very long and plays hard. Can score the ball but has an unselfish mindset. Considering Florida Atlantic, Wisconsin, Marquette, and others.

10. Steve Walker 6’6.5” 275 lbs PF Chicago Simeon (Illinois Stars) - Strong inside player. Very wide but deceptively athletic. Scores well with his back to the basket and is good at controlling the boards. May be undersized in the post if he doesn't grown much more.

11. Brandon Paul 6’3” 170 lbs SG Warren Twp. (Team NLP) - A good athlete with a long frame. Gets to the basket well. Has a quick first step. Rebounds well and is active. Plays hard and has really seen his stock rise. Xavier is big on him and Illinois is beginning to show high level interest.

12. Joseph Bertrand 6’3” 165 lbs SG Sterling (Illinois Wolves) - Has good potential. Good athlete with good passing ability. Plays defense and goes for rebounds. Capable shooter as well but needs to put his game together better. Has offers from Marquette, Iowa, Wisconsin, Southern Illinois, Bradley, and Notre Dame. Also considering Illinois, Purdue, Michigan State and others.

13. Xavier Humphrey 6’3” 175 lbs SG Fenwick (Illinois Wolves) – A strong guard with a versatile game. Good scorer from everywhere on the floor. Rebounds well. Solid ball handler. Very good defensive player. Would be a top ten player if he played more consistently. Has been plagued by injuries the last two summers.

14. Cully Payne 6’0” 165 lbs PG Burlington Central (Rising Stars) – A point guard that came in to high school overhyped but is now becoming underrated. Very skilled. Has a high IQ and is a strong ball handler. Shoots it well. Good passer. Strong build but becoming a bit to bulky. Verbally committed to DePaul.

15. Nik Garcia 6’5” 170 lbs SG Niles West (Rising Stars) – A great shooter than shoots with consistency from beyond the arch. Handles it well for his size and is a good passer. Often gets knocked for lacking athleticism but has more than you would think. Lack of foot speed is what holds him out of the top ten. Good potential. Has offers from Northern Illinois and Loyola-Chicago.

16. Seth Evans 6’0” 165 lbs PG Seneca (Illinois Stars) – Smart guard with a very high basketball IQ. Great ball handler. Shoots it well from the outside. Good passer. Poised…plays within himself. Has an offer from UW-Green Bay.

17. Darius Smith 6’2” 175 lbs Guard Chicago Marshall (Team Illinois Hawks) – Struggles to identify a natural position but has skills to play multiple ones. Good ball handler and passer. One of the best rebounding guards on the market. Strong with the ball and good defender. Good transition player. Has an unproven shot but makes his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Had a bigtime freshman season.

18. Tony Ahlers 6’6.5” 215 lbs PF Putnam County (Illinois Wolves) – Strong inside presence. Very good rebounder. Can hit the intermediate jumper and has the ability to step out to shoot the 3. Handles it well for his size and improving his interior scoring game. Considering Illinois State, Evansville, Valpo, IPFW, UW-Green Bay, UW-Milwaukee, and others.

19. Tywon Howard 6’1.5” 170 lbs SG Bloomington (Team Illinois) – A scoring guard. Handles it well. Good at going to the basket. Great shooter when he’s consistent. Rebounds well for his position. Good strength. Has shown he can be a great defender. Good athlete. Near unstoppable to guard one on one when his shot’s falling.

20. D.J. Cooper 5’10” 150 lbs PG Chicago Hales Franciscan (MeanStreets) – Proved to be the leader and glue for a talented Hales team last season as he was the only all-state member. Shoots it very well from the outside. Good ball handler and passer with leadership qualities. Size is an issue. If he was a true 6’0”, he might be the state’s best point guard, if not #1, he’d be #2 or #3.

Others Just Missing Top 20:
Kannon Burrage 6'1" 165 lbs SG United Township (Quad City Select)
Jack Cooley 6’7.5” 230 lbs Center Glenbrook South (Rising Stars)
Kyler Market 6’5” 175 lbs SF Willowbrook (Illinois Wolves)
Derek Needham 6’1” 175 lbs Guard Chicago De La Salle (Chicago Ferrari)
Lawrence Thomas 5’10” 150 lbs PG Springfield Southeast (Illinois Warriors)
Glenn Wallace 5’10” 170 lbs PG Chicago Hales Franciscan (MeanStreets)

I have yet to see Diamond Taylor (St. Joseph ), Ronald Stewart and Markus Yarobrough (Zion-Benton), or Kyle Rowley (Lake Forest Academy) play therefore they will go unranked.

SIU Recruiting: 2007 vs 2008

Southern Illinois’ 2007 class was one of the best in the school’s history. With two impact mid major (or possible high major players) and two solid mid major recruits, they pulled in a very solid group of recruits.

Justin Bocot 6’3” 170 lbs SG – Likely the most talented recruit at SIU in years. He’s a natural born scorer with a knack for putting the ball in the basket. His scoring ability is something rarely seen in a player at the mid major level. He is an offensively skilled player and a solid athlete who will add strength during his first season. Because he didn’t qualify, his first season at SIU will be a greyshirt year, in which he is not allowed to play, travel, practice, or do anything related with the basketball team. However, his second collegiate year, look for him to be an immediate impact.

Carlton Fay 6’7” 235 lbs PF – A strong post player who his very skilled. Fay has a great body. He handles it well for his size and can also shoot it. Also, he’s a good rebounder. His footwork is very solid around the basket. He will need to become faster but his skills and size are undeniable. He will be one of the few freshman under CLo (Chris Lowery) to play as a true freshman. In addition, he also has a chance to enter the starting lineup though if he doesn’t he will still be a major contributor.

Nick Evans 6’10” 240 lbs C – A strong post player who has learned to score on the interior. He rebounds well and runs the floor well for his size. He’s still working on his finishing but has shown potential. Will likely be a redshirt this season.

Brandon Woods 6’3” 170 lbs SG – A typical CLo recruit. Woods will be a solid four year contributor for the Salukis. He’s a hard worker that is very good defensively. He is also capable of knocking down shots and has the ability to play both guard slots.

The only class in the last few years challenging the 2007 class is the up and coming 2008 class. Though Torres Roundtree decommited, their class is still very solid.

Anthony Booker 6’8” 240 lbs PF – A strong and athletic forward that rebounds and blocks shots. He scores well around the basket and is learning to use his size and athleticism to his advantage. Booker is starting to show that he has the ability of a high 4-star prospect. If the Salukis can keep him, it will be their highest recruit in years (and maybe in their history).

Kevin Dillard 5’11” 160 lbs PG – He’s the reason to the success of Mike Dunigan (Oregon), Matt Humphrey (Oregon), and Josh Crittle (high major prospect). He’s a leader and a playmaker that does what it takes to win. A true point guard that makes things happen. As a high schooler he has yet to get the recognition he deserves. I honestly believe he has the skill, work ethic, and mindset to be a four year starter for the Salukis.

Chris Parrish 6’3” 195 lbs SG/SF – A strong swingman that can score inside and out. Parrish has good strength and finishes well. His midrange game is one of the best assets of his game along with his defense and, especially, his rebounding ability from the wing. He is improving his shooting ability and ball handling skills and will be a solid role player in SIU’s system.

The last scholarship will likely go to 6’3” wing Torres Roundtree (considering USC, St. Louis, and Illinois State, among others as well), 6’4” sharp shooter Kyle Kuric (considering Bradley, Butler, Evansville, Indiana State, and others), or 6’6” athletic wing Daimion Garrett. The final recruit will determine the strength of this class.

Illinois State and the Future of the Redbirds

The Redbirds are under a new coach and a new regime. The “glory days” have been long gone in Normal, Illinois but with newly hired coach, Tim Jankovich, we could be seeing those days in the very near future.

Coach Jankovich has stated that he will impliment an uptempo system allowing his players, use their athletic ability, and allow his guards to create…a system similar to Kansas’. Plays will be ran but it is more of a freestyle offense exploiting mismatches. It’s a style that will let the players play. There is no doubt that this system will indeed benefit the players at ISU as they are very athletic and good at breaking down defenders.

With Boo Richardson and Emmanuel Holloway at the point, the ‘Birds are in good shape. Both point guards are capable shooters and are good at penetrating to the basket and creating. There will be a lot of dump downs to the inside in which players such as Brandon Sampey (who I believe is the best interior player on the team) and Dimna Odiakosa will profit a great deal if they can finish the play. When the dump downs are taken away, it allows for the point guards to dish to the shooters: Dom Johnson, Brandon Holtz, and Sead Odzic. All three have proven they are lights out shooters and should be great role players in the system. When penetration is cut off by help defenders look for wings Anthony Slack and Bobby Hill to capatilze on cuts with high flying finishes. 6’3’ Osiris Eldridge may be the one to capatilze most as he is a skilled and athletic player that is best in one on one situations. Expect him to lead the way for the Redbirds this season with a ton of big scoring nights and electrifying high flying plays! When you add in last season’s leading scorer Levi Dyer to the equation, it only gets more dangerous offensively.

Defensively, ISU has a chance to be one of the best in the Valley. They have all the athleticism and ability and if Coach Jankovich can install the right principles in them and stress the importance on that end of the floor, they will be very good.

Overall, I think the Redbirds have a great chance to finish near the top of the Valley. Honestly, they may be the most athletic and talented team along with Bradley but have been very misguided in the past. With a new coach at the helm they may be able to turn their ship around in a hurry. Though it will be very tough for them to win the Valley, especially with (what is now becoming a national power house) the Salukis of Southern Illinois, don’t count them out of the race!

As far as recruiting goes, Jankovich has done a great job already. He's landed what was thought of to be a "sure-fire" high major player in Decatur Eisenhower's Jeremy Robinson. He's also in very good shape with 6'0" combo guard Keyon Smith of Simeon, 6'7" swigman Tyler Storm of Geneseo, and 6'3" Iowa State point guard transfer Dodie Dunson (who is currently at Vincennes JC).

The new style has people excited about ISU and recruits flocking to see what all the talks about. The coach ability of Coach Jankovich will lure in the prospects while the facilities, the location, and the support of the ISU campus should complete the sale on the players.

There's no reason that ISU shouldn't steal high major recruits every season as it is centrally located between three major cities: Chicago (2 hours), St. Louis (2.5 hours), and Indianapolis (3 hours).

I and many others are excited about the future of ISU basketball. Time will tell how the program will be but it is shaping up to be a good reign under Tim Jankovich.

Top 25 Seniors in Illinois

Here is my list of the top 25 players in Illinois regarding the 2008 class. This is not a ranking of prospects so potential isn't the only thing considered. There current skill level and how each player affects a game in what I am looking at the most.

1. Iman Shumpert 6'4" 175 lbs SG Oak Park-River Forest (Full Package) - A smooth combo guard with soaring confidence after a breakout spring. Shoots it well, especially from the midrange are. Has the ability to handle the rock and make plays for others but is more of a lead guard than a point. He's a clutch player that has learn to score in multiple ways. Considering North Carolina (offer), Marquette (offer), Bradley (offer), Clemson (offer), and a few others.
   
   
2. Verdell Jones 6'4" 160 lbs PG Champaign Central (Ft. Sooy-No Limit) - Smooth point guard with a great passing game. Shoots the ball well from both the mid range and long range but 3-point shot is a bit streaky. Low level athleticism but extremely high basketball IQ helps to disguise it. Very skilled and handles the ball well. Added strength is a must. Considering Kansas, Illinois, Tennessee (offer), Marquette (offer), Virginia (offer), Texas A&M (offer), UCLA, and others.
   
   
3. Lewis Jackson 5'9" 165 lbs PG Decatur Eisenhower (Indiana Elite) - Quick and speedy point guard with outstanding athletic ability. Quick first step allows him to get to the basket willingly. Good passer but needs to work on finishing when in traffic. He's been improving his shot and when he gets it consistent his game will elevate to another level. Rebounds well for his size and good defender as well. Considering Indiana (offer), Bradley (offer), Purdue (offer), Tennessee (offer), and Dayton (offer).
   
   
4. Kevin Dillard 5'11" 160 lbs PG Homewood-Flossmoor (MeanStreets) - The leader of a very talented MeanStreets team. Great ball handler with amazing court vision. Is best at penetrating and creating for teammates. Can score but is more of a distributor. Plays hard on both ends of the floor and does everything it takes and more to win games. Verbally committed to Southern Illinois.
   
   
5. Michael Dunigan 6'10" 225 lbs C Chicago Farragut (MeanStreets) - Long and athletic center. Rebounds well and is a good shot blocker. Has proven he can hit the midrange jumper and score on the block. Runs the floor better than a lot of big men and has learned to play with an aggressive streak in him. Has good potential. Verbally committed to Oregon.
   
   
6. Ryan Hare 6'4" 210 lbs SF Chicago Marshall (Illinois Fire) - A player you won't outwork. Extremely active on both ends of the floor. Handles the ball well and is a good passer. Can defend all positions on the high school level and has the strength and athleticism to play the small forward in college though undersized. Was second leading scorer for Marshall his sophomore season (behind Patrick Beverly) and led them last season. Also led his team in rebounding both years. May be the most underrated player in his class. Has offers from Ball State, Bradley, Northern Illinois, Wichita State, and a host of other mid majors.
   
   
7. Dion Dixon 6'3" 180 lbs Guard Chicago Crane (Chicago Express) - An unselfish guard with good skills and a high efficiency rate. Good athlete that plays hard. Good perimeter defender who rebounds well from his position. Good strength, handle, and passing ability. Shoots it well from beyond the arch and has the ability to score going to the basket. Has offers from a host of mid majors and is being pursued by a few high major programs.
   
   
8. Brett Thompson 6'11" 240 lbs Center Vienna (Illinois Warriors) - A sizey post with a good jumpshot. Hits shots from the midrange area consistently and can also shoot the 3. Solid rebounder who is beginning to build a back-to-the basket game. Has a reputation of playing somewhat "soft" but has really picked up on his aggressiveness as of late. Verbally committed to St. Louis.
   
   
9. Matt Humphrey 6'5" 170 lbs SG Chicago Hales Franciscan (MeanStreets) - A long guard with a prototypical high major swingman build. Will need to add strength but has a college-attractive frame. Can fill it up from the outside. Good transition player. Very underrated defender that works hard. Improving ball handling skills allowing himself to become more of a combo guard. Verbally committed to Oregon.
   
   
10. Matt Roth 6'3" 175 lbs SG Washington (Indiana Elite) - A shooter that needs little room to get his shot off. Shoots with both range and accuracy on a consistent basis. Moves well without the ball and comes off screens very well. Has a high IQ and doesn't force shots. Needs to improve defensively. Considering Indiana (offer), Bradley (offer), St. Louis (offer), and Illinois.
    
    
11. Josh Crittle 6'8" 250 lbs PF Chicago Hales Franciscan (MeanStreets) - Very wide post player that has learned to use his size and strength to an advantage. Rebounds well and eats space inside. Runs the floor well for his size and keeps opponents off the block. Skilled on the interior with good hands. Consider Indiana (offer), Southern Illinois (offer), Oregon (offer), Kansas State (offer), Marquette (offer), and Iowa (offer).
    
    
12. Stan Simpson 6'8" 215 lbs PF Chicago Simeon (Illinois Warriors) - Another player who saw his stock rise tremendously during the spring thus raising his confidence level. Highly active player. Pursues rebounds all over the floor and blocks a lot of shots. Plays extremely hard and is very athletic. Runs the floor like a guard. Beginning to realize he needs to play aggressive to become the player he could be. Still a bit raw offensively. Consider Indiana (offer), Kansas State (offer), Arkansas (offer), and Minnesota (offer).
    
    
13. Tyler Storm 6'7" 200 lbs SF Geneseo (Martin Brothers Select) - A skilled swingman that has the height of a mid major combo forward and the skills of a 2/3. Shoots it very well from the outside and midrange area. Rebounds well and plays hard. Handles it well for his size and plays smart. Considering Albany (offer), Eastern Illinois (offer), Illinois State, DePaul (offer), Northern Iowa, Iowa State, and others.
    
    
14. Nick Fruendt 6'5" 200 lbs SF Batavia (Illinois Wolves) - A skilled player that knows how to win. Shoots it well from the outside. Does the little things it takes to win. Good rebounder from the wing. A leader. Very mechanical and not very athletic but a prototypical Northwestern player. Will excel in their program.
    
    
15. Jeremy Montgomery 6'1" 180 lbs Guard Chicago Lincoln Park (Illinois Fire) - Score first guard that can fill it up from the outside and beat you going to the basket. Passes the ball very well. Good strength for size. Solid handle. Good defender and rebounder from position. Not a great athlete but a decent one. Bottom line is he can score. Received a lot of attention coming into high school but hasn't been heard from much as of late for some reason or another. Very talented player.
    
    
16. Jeremy Robinson 6'7.5" 210 lbs PF Decatur Eisenhower (Spiece Indy Heat-Municipal Gardens) - An active forward who has the appearance of a guard when running the floor. Rebounds well and is a shot blocker. Good athlete. Can score on the inside and from the midrange area. Has the agility of a perimeter player with the size of a post. Will add strength. A great get for Illinois State. Will be an impact player from day one!
    
    
17. Donald Stewart 6'4.5" 180 lbs G Champaign Central (Spiece Indy Heat-Municipal Gardens) - Long and sizey guard. Decent athlete. Shoots it well from the 3. Great perimeter defender. Can handle and pass it like a point. Great leader. Considering Indiana State (offer), Chattanooga, Tennessee Tech (offer), Oakland, Albany, Bradley, Illinois State, and others.
    
    
18. Jeremy Leonard 6'2" 175 lbs PG Chicago De La Salle (The Supreme Kings) - Has bounced around on the AAU circuit for the past two years. Skilled performer. Good strength. Can stroke it from the outside. Plays smart. Great passer and ball handler. Plays defense. Smooth with the ball. Plays inconsistent but is great when he's in the groove. Very underrated. Considering Marquette, St. Louis, and others.
    
    
19. A.J. Rompza 5'7" 160 lbs PG Whitney Young (Chicago Ferrari) - Recieved a lot of hype as a freshman but never grew. Can light it up from beyond the arch. Handles it and passes it well. Size hurts his recruitment. He's a clutch player who will prove to be the key to a Whitney Young team filled with talent guards. Considering UC Santa Barbara, Howard (offer), UIC (offer), Northern Illinois (offer), and others.
    
    
20. Isiah Williams 6'1" 165 lbs PG Farragut (Chicago Ferrari) - Much like Rompza in his early years when regarding his hype but never really improved his games. Shoots the ball well from the outside. Can handle it and is a score first point guard. Teams with Mike Dunigan in the high school season. Has started varsity since his freshman season.
    
    
21. Keyon Smith 6'0" 170 lbs PG Simeon (Chicago Express) - A sturdily built point guard who is likely to be a contributing role player at the mid major level the day he steps in. Can hit the outside shot and score going to the basket and is very affective setting up teammates and doing the small things it takes to win on both ends of the floor. Strong with a good handle and a high IQ. Will likely give a verbal to Illinois State (who has already offered) as it is the perfect situation for a player of his style and caliber.
    
    
22. Darieus Perry 5'8" 170 lbs PG Bloomington (Team Illinois) - A small guard with a big heart. Very strong and with a solid handle and great court vision. Speedy point that takes control of the pace of the game. Great at defending average sized point guards. Quick first steps allows him to get to the basket at will where he's good at creating for his teammates. Considering UMKC, Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, Chicago State, Central Florida, and others.
    
    
23. Luke Fabrizius 6'9" 190 lbs Forward Hersey (Illinois Warriors) - A tall and long forward who has a reputation for filling it from the outside. There's no doubt about it, the guy can shoot the ball. However, outside of that and height, he really doesn't provide anything. He shies from contact and doesn't use his size to his advantage. Will do best in a slow-paced system such as Northwestern or Northern Iowa. Considering California, DePaul, Dayton, Indiana, Marquette, Iowa State, Northwestern, Creighton, and Albany who have all offered. Also considering a few other high majors.
    
    
24. Byron Woods 6'7" 205 lbs PF Proviso West (Chicago Ferrari) - Extremely athletic forward that is highly active on the floor. Good rebounder that pursues the ball. Great shot blocker. Runs the floor well and plays hard. A player with a will to win. Improving his offensive skills as they are raw. Will be good if developed at the midmajor level.
    
    
25. Aaron Garriott 6'3" 165 lbs Guard Bloomington Central Catholic (Team Illinois) - Skilled combo guard with good athleticism. Shoots it very well from the 3 and midrange area. Handles it well and is a great passer. Has the ability to create his own shots. Needs to improve defense and decision making. Considering Southern Illinois-Edwardsville (offer), Denver (offer), North Dakota (offer), and others.