This year is definitely a wide open field for Mr Basketball. Last time it was awarded Adam Miller of Morgan Park(Chicago) won in 2020. A wide range of candidates across the state will be in contention. All seniors unless otherwise noted.
Braden Huff, Glenbard West(Glen Ellyn)- 6'10" forward Gonzaga commit is the leader of the #1 team in the state. Most underrated player in the country. He won't score a lot on balanced team, but look for him to fill every stat sheet in the book. He scores from every place on the floor along with being a good rim protector. A State title will go a long way into helping him win it. Has a lot of tough in state games to state his case. Big Tim All-Area player from last year.
Andre Casey Jr, Whitney Young(Chicago)- 6'8" forward Miami(FL) commit will be playing on a loaded team with a lot of balanced scoring. Scores from 15 feet in, rebounds, passes out of double teams along with protecting the rim. Same thing for him a State title will go a long ay into securing the award. Will be playing against a national schedule which will assist in his candidacy. Chicago Public League Red South/Central will help as will his performance in the Chicago Public League playoffs. Big Tim All-Area player from last year.
Jaden Schutt, Christian(Yorkville)-6'5" wing Duke commit could be the favorite as he'll be in position to put up big numbers for the Mustangs. Possibly the top three point shooter in the state, he now can score off the bounce and finish able the rim. His team is in Class 1A but has put together a strong schedule to showcase his skills. Big Tim All-Area player from last year.
NJ Benson, Mount Vernon-6'9" forward Missouri State commit is a double/double machine. Could be hindered by playing in Southern Illinois away from the spotlight. Has extended his game to hitting the 15 foot jump shot. A run to the State Finals will help his cause.
Jalen Quinn, Toscola- 6'4" point guard Loyola Chicago commit is strong and bullies other guards getting to the basket. Will be helped by putting up big eye popping numbers to get the voters attention. Playing in Central Illinois might actually help with those same voters as they will get to see him often. Schedule might hinder him and he plays at a Class 1A school away from the Chicago Area.
Nick Martinelli, Glenbrook South(Glenview)- 6'7" forward Elon commit will put up huge numbers all year as he's an inside/outside force. I feel his dominant Nike Peach Jam turn off the bench this summer for Meanstreets helps his candidacy. Double/double machine playing in the Chicago Area will help. If he can get the Titans to make a deep run in the State Playoffs will up his chances.
Trey Pettigrew, Kenwood Academy(Chicago)- 6'4" wing Nevada commit may be hurt by the presence of other highly ranked teammates. He'll put up some numbers especially against some of the inferior competition they will play. His candidacy will ultimately be determined by how he plays against the national part of the schedule and big time Chicago Public League Red South/Central tilts. Consistent performances in the Chicago Public League playoffs will advance it too.
Ahmad Henderson II, Brother Rice(Chicago)- 5'9" junior point guard is the first underclassman on the list. He will be helped by the fact that he is such an indispensable part of his teams offensive input. Can dominate games even at his size. Look for big numbers in points, assists, and steals this season. He's also playing a tough Chicago Catholic League schedule. How long of a playoff run can he take them on will be the ultimate decision on if he can make a dent against the seniors.
Owen Freeman, Bourbonnais(Bradley)- 6'10" junior forward is the other underclassman on this list. The #1 ranked player in the junior class by Big Tim will put up double/double's all winter. He may be held back by two things, one how his team will do, and two playing in an in-between area of just outside the Chicago Area, and not quite Downstate. It would help his candidacy to play some games in the Chicagoland Area.
Ty Rodgers, Thornton Township(Harvey)-6'6" wing Illinois commit is an out of state move in from Grand Blanc, Michigan. He plays hard on both ends of the court and will get more than a few double/double's. Same as most of the others team success will be how far he gets in the voting. Wildcats being in Class 3A for the first time might give them a path to the State Finals in Champaign.
Robbie Avila, Oak Forest- 6'9" forward Indiana State commit is a double/double machine but does not have much help. This might help him in putting up big numbers, but will hurt him because they may not advance past regionals. Good passer out of the post so can make teammates better.
As I said lots of candidates so could be a surprise winner this year when it's all said and done.
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