I was at the Chicago Summer Jam this past weekend which was at 3 sites. I was at Athletico in Northbrook the whole time. I'd like to thank Toi Baylor and her staff for the great hospitality and access over the weekend. Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari stopped by to watch some prospects as did Assistant Chin Coleman. Here are some of the standouts for the weekend:
Best player: JJ Taylor, Mac Irvin Fire 16U- 6'8" Class of 2023 wing did a little bit of everything as his team went undefeated during the three days. He had a bunch of dunks, three pointers, and fantastic drives to the basket. He made a lot of things look easy on both ends of the court. Has multiple high major offers. Kentucky was in to watch him on Saturday along with Assistant from Florida State. Plays high school ball at Kenwood Academy(Chicago).
Sleeper: Ethan Crabtree, Anchor Basketball Academy 17U- 6'5" wing attacked the basket all weekend. He either finished at the rim or drew a foul. Crabtree lived at the free throw line most of the time. He showed a good three point shot and defended well. The biggest thing for this young man is he plays hard all the time on both ends of the court. He had a couple of clutch plays in the second game on Friday. His team down 1, he drove to the basket, drew a foul, sank both free throws to give them a 1 point lead. He was not done, he had the game saving block at the buzzer to preserve a victory for his team. He's a mid major division one talent that the one bid leagues should be all over.
Good division two prospect: Matthew Moore, Chicago Lockdown 16U- 6'7" forward showed a nice jump hook on the offensive end, and can step out to hit three pointers. He's a good rim runner on both ends of the court, along with being a rim protector. Big time prospect for division two at the moment. If he develops some dribble drive moves he could become a low major division one prospect. Plays high school ball at Hillcrest(Country Club Hills).
Other of note:
Jarrod Gee Jr, Chicago Lockdown 16U- 6'6" Class of 2023 wing who hustles and runs the floor well. Good finisher at the rim, and good form on his three point shot. Mid major division one prospect. Plays at Rich Township(Richton Park).
Lathan Sommerville, Meanstreets 15U- 6'8" Class of 2024 forward has shown he plays strong with his back to the basket along with a step out 15 foot jumper. He also showed he could put the ball on the floor more than three dribbles without fumbling the ball. Good hands to catch post passes. Has an offer from Iowa and can play at a high major division one level. Plays for Notre Dame(Peoria).
Nojus Industraitis, Meanstreets 15U- 6'5" Class of 2025 wing showed he has all the skills of a combo guard along with the athleticism to thrive at those spots. Good three point shot, can attack the basket off the dribble. finish with either hand at the rim. Good defender on the wings. High major division one prospect. Plays for Lemont.
Jalen Griffith, Griffith Elite/Team Illinois 16U- 5'9" Class of 2023 point guard can run a team with crisp passes to scorers. Knockdown three point shooter and pest to opposing point guards on defense. Low major division one prospect for the right school that loves small point guards. Plays for Simeon Career Academy(Chicago).
Jaylen Drane, Mac Irvin Fire 17U- 6'3" Class of 2022 point guard is very good at penetrating and finding teammates whether with lobs to the basket, or perfectly timed passes leading to scores. Nice floater from mid range. Mid major division one prospect. Plays for Simeon Career Academy(Chicago).
Matas Buzelis, Mac Irvin Fire 16U- 6'10" Class of 2023 wing is a versatile scorer from all three levels of the court. He's an underrated shot blocker on defense who can play all five positions on the court offensively. High major prospect. Plays for Brewster Academy(NH).
Davius Loury, Mac Irvin Fire 16U- 6'7"Class of 2023 wing who's a knockdown three point shooter and low post player on the block. Versatility is his calling card being an outstanding second or third option for a good team. Mid major division one prospect. Plays for Kenwood Academy(Chicago).
Morez Johnson Jr, Meanstreets 15U- 6'9" Class of 2024 forward affects the game on both ends of the court. Blocks shots, can score on the block with jump hooks, and from mid range. Changes ends of the court very well both ways. High major prospect. Plays for St Rita(Chicago).
Nick Smith, Brad Beal Elite 17U- 6'5" Class of 2022 wing back on the floor for first time in awhile(wrist injury). Looked like he never left with his slashing ability, passing, and three point shooting. Top notch defender on the wing. High major prospect. Plays for Sylvan Hills(Sherwood, AR).
Brandon Miller, Brad Beal Elite 17U- 6'8" Class of 2022 wing hit the glass, and finished well at the basket. Showed some wing skills with his ball handling and slashing from the wing. Good hands to catch passes from teammates. High major prospect. Plays for Cane Ridge(Antioch, TN).
Jeremy Fears Jr, Brad Beal Elite 17U- 6'2" Class of 2023 point guard is an old school cerebral floor general. He can set teammates up perfectly in the shooting pocket, throws lobs accurately. Talks on offense and defense. Attacks the basket his first step and has a mid range floater. Makes good decisions on the fly. High major prospect. Plays for LaLumierre, IN. Hometown is Joliet,IL.
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