Part 1: News And Notes From The 2010 Nike Spring Showdown In Indiana


Brian Stinnette
April 27, 2010

Email Questions/Comments To brian@chicagohoops.com


The Illinois Class of 2012 is beginning to take shape, and we are definitely seeing a Major movement shift in regards to prospects. Two prospects to keep a very, very close eye on are Charles Harris (Lake Forest Academy) and Purdue-bound Jay Simpson (Champaign Central). Harris, who competes for Full Package Athletics, has taken his game up another notch. He already has a scholarship offer on the table from Oregon State, and he can expect to see more offers come pouring in. Harris, a 6'4" guard, is a highly versatile and athletic prospect who is now seeing his frame fill out very strong. Look out! Simpson, who plays for the 16-U Illinois Wolves, has grown to a legitimate 6'9", and now sports an even stronger and more muscular frame. Kudos to head coach Matt Painter, and Purdue for getting him off the board early. He is going to provide the Boilermakers with Big 10 size and strength inside, with an ability to stroke shots with three-point range from the perimeter.

IHSA Class 4A state champion Chicago Simeon continues to churn out big-time prospects at a very high rate. We all know how good Class of 2013 star Jabari Parker is. However, his Simeon Class of 2013 classmate Kendrick Nunn of 15-U Mean Streets has now solidified his position as one of the premier prospects in what is shaping up to be a dynamite Illinois Class of 2013. Nunn was sensational throughout the weekend at the Nike Spring Showdown In Indiana, and was at his best in a high-profile match-up against the Eric Gordon All-Stars. Nunn, a 6'2" guard, is a long and athletic difference-maker who is a superb finisher at the rim.

Mega-Props to the S.W. Illinois Jets program who came within one victory of having all three of their teams playing for titles at the Nike Spring Showdown In Indiana. We have more coming on the Jets this week. Ladies and Gentlemen, from top to bottom this is one of the best programs in the state of Illinois!

Class of 2011 stars Deji Ibitayo of Rich Central and Zach Miller of the Illinois Defenders both impressed throughout the weekend. Miller is a superb floor leader who excels not only with his playmaking skills, but also with his ability to drop shots with range. Ibitayo is continuing to emerge very quickly in the 2011 class, and is a prospect who is seeing his recruiting stock continue to soar! The Defenders defeated Terry Porter Elite to win the 17-U Silver Division crown.

Star 5'11" Class of 2012 point guard Fred Van Vleet of Rockford Auburn was once again highly impressive in leading Pryme Tyme on the basketball court. Van Vleet is as good of a decision-maker on the floor with the ball in his hands as any player in the state of Illinois regardless of class! Pryme Tyme, which is actually a 16-U team that plays up in the 17-U division, once again rolled through pool play undefeated, and made a highly impressive run before falling to the Mac Irvin Fire in the playoffs. This kid can really play!

The far North Suburbs have produced some fantistic talent over the past few years including Illinois-bound Jereme Richmond (Waukegan), Ohio State-bound Lenzelle Smith (Zion-Benton), Matt Vogrich (Lake Forest) of Michigan, Class of 2012 star Aaron Simpson (North Chicago) and Brandon Paul (Warren Township) of Illinois. Class of 2014 star Milik Yarbrough (Zion) of the Mac Irvin Fire is going to be the next truly big-timer from the region. Yarbrough, a 6'4" forward, can do it all on the basketball court. Mike Irvin of the Mac Irvin Fire has the highest praise for Yarbrough, and calls him a player who has a chance to be "truly special" as a prospect before it is all said and done.

Remember the name Karrington Ward (Lockport) of the 17-U Illinois T-Wolves. He is emerging very fast in the Illinois Class of 2011. Ward, a 6'5" small forward, is a highlight reel waiting to happen on both ends of the floor. Ward is long and highly athletic! He is a high-energy player who makes plays on both ends of the floor. He is a good one!

Class of 2011 star Austin Richey (Lowell) of the CAPS All-Stars is as pure of a shooter as you will find! Man, this kid can really, really shoot the basketball!

Class of 2011 Plainfield Central star Derrick Marks off Old Gold is already verballed to Albany, and he is continuing to see his recruiting stock skyrocket with strong efforts both at the Nike Spring Showdown In Indiana, and also at the ChicagoHoops.com Spring Tip-Off Classic.

Not to be outdone......Class of 2011 Riverside-Brookfield star Ryan Jackson of Old Gold has likewise been terrific this spring. Jackson, a 6'2" strong-framed point guard, is coming off of a superb junior season at Riverside-Brookfield, and has enhanced his recruiting stock tremendously with strong showings at both both at the Nike Spring Showdown In Indiana, and also at the ChicagoHoops.com Spring Tip-Off Classic. The depth of talent in the Illinois Class of 2011 is nothing short of remarkable!

6'8" Class of 2011 Crete-Monee star Greg Mays of the Illinois Wolverines continues to see his recruiting stock rise, and once again had a great event. He put on a personal dunk-fest on Friday night, and was solid throughout the weekend. Great athlete!

I love the way that 6'10" Illinois-bound Class of 2011 star Nnanna Egwu (Chicago St. Ignatius) of the Illinois Wolves continues to develop. Wow! He seems to get better every time he hits the floor.