Class of 2028 is deep in Illinois but specifically the Fab Five in the West Suburbs of Chicago!!!!

The Class of 2028 is one of the deepest in memory for the state of Illinois. May not stay that way as some may transfer out of state to prep schools at some point. This though is the time to enjoy the young talent. West Suburbs has a concentration of elite talent. Two of the young men attend the same high school. Here's the Fab Five out West:

COLE KELLY, NEUQUA VALLEY (NAPERVILLE): 6'7" wing can do it all on the court. Lefty can hit threes at a high rate, attack off the bounce and finish at the rim. Hits the glass on both ends as he's a double/double threat every time he steps on the court. Can post up on the block and score mostly with jump hooks. Played two age groups up in the summer playing for Breakaway Basketball on 17U Adidas 3SSB Circuit. Averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds a game. Averaged 19 points 10 rebounds (double/double) 3 assists and 1 block a game as a freshman. One of the few that was Big Tim All-Area player as a freshman joining Jaxson Davis of Warren Township (Gurnee), and Davion Thompson, Bolingbrook (note: he has transferred to Link Academy (MO)) on select list. 43rd ranked player nationally by 247 sports. Multiple Division One offers.

BRADY PETTIGREW, BOLINGBROOK: 6'4" combo guard is a 5 star talent nationally. Consensus Top 15 ranked player in the nation. Nicknamed "Problem Child". King of Bounce who's an explosive athlete in transition and off the bounce from the three point line. Will dunk on you at a moment's notice. Versatile talent who can run point or play off the ball. Scores at all three levels with a repeatable three point stroke, mid range pull-up jumper, and at the rim with dunks, up and unders, and hanging athletic layups with either hand. Defends at least four positions on the high school level. Gets in passing lane with long arms, and quick hands to get deflections. Dropped a couple of 40 point games at CP3 Rising Stars National Camp winning MVP honors. Started as a freshman but was a role player on veteran team. Look for an explosion this year as he's the lead dog. Was one of the top players on 15U Meanstreets playing on Nike EYBL Circuit. Multiple Division One offers.

ETHAN VAHL, OSWEGO: 6'3" point guard started varsity from game one at his high school. Runs the team making nice passes to teammates in half court, or in transtion. Shooting range from 25 feet and in. Showed a nice mid range pull-up jumper, and scores at the rim on Euro step finishes. Athleticism is improving as he's dunking with more regularity at this point. Two end player as he can defend any perimeter position on the ball, gets deflections and steals. Cerebral playmaker that uses an economy of dribbles to get to his spots on offensive end. Passes it up the court to get fast break started. Hits the glass at a high lev el for a guard. Ran point for 15U Meanstreets on Nike EYBL Circuit. Averaged 18 points 5.4 rebounds 2.5 assists and 1 steal as a freshman. Upward trend to a national level prospect. Multiple Division One offers.

BRAYDON PORTER, YORKVILLE: 6'4" combo guard is a King of Bounce that is explosive off the floor. He came into high school as a big time run/jump athlete. He has improved all aspects of his perimeter game over the last six months. Consistent three point shot, pull-up mid range jumper to go with his explosive finishing around the rim. Will try to dunk on defenders every chance he gets. Finishes in a variety of ways with either hand. Improved ball handler with tight handle to get where he wants on the offensive end. Getting better as a defender with the athleticism and long arms to bother opposing perimeter players. Gets deflections and steals getting out in transition. High motor plays hard all the time. Averaged 10 points and 4.4 rebounds as a freshman. Should explode this season has a chance to be a national level player in the future. Plays for 15U Meanstreets on Nike EYBL Circuit. Multiple Division One offers.

JOEY JAKSTYS, YORKVILLE: 6'7" wing is an inside/out force. He can post up on the block and score with turnaround jumpers. He can get the rebound and bring it himself to set up the offense. Good as a secondary ball handler to run point. Consistent three point shot off the bounce, the catch, and takes it off the bounce to the rim. Finishes at the rim with either hand. Uses spin moves off the dribble around the rim to score. Hits the glass on both ends of the court. Has good vision to kick out passes to teammates at the three point line. Plays for 15U Breakaway Basketball Adidas 3SSB. Brother of Illinois player Jason Jakstys.

Fab Five is showing the way in continuing a talent revolution in the West Suburbs over the last few years. Christie brothers (Max, Cameron), Jehvion Starwood, Braden Huff, Caden Pierce, DePaul commit Mason Lockett IV (2026) to name a few. Some good basketball to watch in that area the next few years. I'm sure there are others in 2028 that will emerge, but these are the five right now getting work done.