Indiana Basketball Source is trying to expand our coverage to Ohio and Michigan. The Nike Spring Showdown was mainly teams from Illinois and Indiana though. This out of state breakdown is loaded with Illinois talent with the exception of Drake Harris and DaRohn Scott, who are teammates at Grand Rapids Christian in Michigan. Here is a quick look at some other players that were impressive.
2012
Antonio Bishop 6’7 PF Home-wood Flossmoor (IL)-MeanStreets-Big time athlete, runs the floor well, pogo stick type of jumper. He attacks rebounds and if he misses a put back, he is the first one back up to get another rebound. Bishop really stood out because of his motor and athleticism. I didn’t see much of a face-up game from him but I only saw him in two games.
Tim Williams 6’8 PF Home-wood Flossmoor (IL)-MeanStreets-Williams is a lot like Bishop. Williams is a little bit stronger in the upper body but not quite the quick leaper that Bishop is. Both players really get after it on the boards.
C.J. Jones 6’1 PG Orr (IL)-MeanStreets-Ball State commit-Big time pick-up for Ball State. Jones is an explosive point guard in terms of quickness, speed, and jumping ability. He isn’t JUST an athlete though. He has skills to go with it and a very nice shooting stroke.
Steve Taylor 6’7 PF Simeon (IL)-Mac Irvin Fire-I saw Taylor in the high school season and he played a lot differently this weekend. He was absolutely on fire from 3 one game. I think he hit like 5 or 6 three’s in an 8 minute span. If he shot at a high level consistently, he would be a high major no doubt. I don’t think his perimeter game is usually anywhere near that. He is a great athlete and can defend as well though. Obviously Mid-Major and possibly a High-Major prospect.
Avery Harmon 6’0 PG St. Joe’s (IL)-Illinois Old School-Scoring point guard that is very quick and scores in many ways. He showed off a floater, got all the way to the rim, and was automatic from the outside. He never exploded to the basket with his off-hand though. Off of one look, I would put him on the Low-Major/Mid-Major fringe.
Dean Danos 5’11 PG Aurora Christian (IL)-CAPS-Pure point guard that looks to set-up his teammates before he looks for his own shot. He is extremely quick and has a variety of dribble moves. Danos is a bit on the short side but his quickness makes up for it. Danos is likely a LM+ prospect.
2013
Billy Garrett 6’2 PG Morgan Park (IL)-Mac Irvin Fire- DePaul commit-Explosive guard especially with his first step. Garrett also has nice size for a point guard at a true 6’2” or 6’3”. He took most of the big shots for Mac Irvin Fire even though he is playing up with the 17’s. He is the son of DePaul assistant Billy Garrett.
2014
Drake Harris 6’4 SG Grand Rapids Christian (MI)-MeanStreets 15’s-Harris could pass for a senior in terms of his athleticism, build, and skill level. Like JaQuan Lyle, Harris should probably be playing up an age division or two but MeanStreets does play most of the top tournaments in the country. I expect Harris to be top 25 nationally right now and he has the potential to stay there his whole high school career.
DaRohn Scott 6’8 C Grand Rapids Christian (MI)-MeanStreets 15’s-Scott is a bit under the radar right now because he didn’t play varsity this season. He is a legit 6’8 and well built for a freshman. Scott also has explosiveness attacking the basket that most young bigs lack. It seemed like he had good hands and ran well but I only saw one pool play game of his. Big time potential though!
Tyler Ulis 5’8 PG Marian Catholic (IL)-MeanStreets 15’s-Small guard that made some really nice plays in the game that I watched. Ulis had a couple of really nice fakes and dribble moves. He will definitely be a player to keep an eye on.
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