2022 Illinois Prospects: Stock Risers

With a small sample size of the basketball season already underway we wanted to take a moment to spotlight some players who have and will continue to see their stock rise as we get closer to the live recruiting period.

2022 Tavari Johnson PG 5’11 150 (Lyons Township)

Tavari is one of the best floor generals in this class and should see his recruiting skyrocket as we get into the live evaluation period. He has good size for his position, long arms, and a frame that should have no problem adding muscle to his frame over the next year or so. He’s not just super quick off the bounce, but also shifty at his size, so he can change direction on a dime, burst through open seams in the defense, and absorb contact on his way to the rim. He’s a true point guard who makes those around him better, makes open shots at a consistent rate, and is gradually becoming more of a consistent playmaker with the ball in his hands. His long-term development will depend on the continued progression of his game, specifically as it relates to his ability to shoot the basketball and further develop the nuances of the point guard position.

2022 Malik Jenkins 6’6 200 Wing (Hyde Park Academy)

The junior lefty wing is starting to realize the potential many have raved about since he first entered high school. Malik has had a solid start to the season being on the cusp of averaging a double-double with points and rebounds. With more consistent effort, he should record a double-double and flirt with a triple-double each game because he is that good. He must develop and keep an edge on the court that makes the great players the best. He has all the tools to score on all three levels and a solid enough handle on the basketball to create shots for himself and his teammates. He is comfortable knocking down a face-up jumper to the arc and operates best from the high post or along the baseline. This will be a huge summer for Malik as we get closer to the live evaluation period so he will need to make his presence felt going into his senior season.

2022 Kamryn Thomas 6’7 185 SF (Hillcrest High School)

Kamryn has taken a huge step forward in his overall development as an all-around player on both ends of the floor. He advances the ball in transition and shows a nice feel for the game overall. In transition, he has the skill to attack the basket and he has a nice runner floater in his arsenal as he attacks defenders. He has the size and length that make him an intriguing prospect to project on the next level. He’s worked hard to extend his shooting and has also become capable of making open threes when his feet are set. He is smooth and plays the game with good energy and urgency as well this will be a big summer for him as he looks to have a breakout senior season.

2022 Martell Webb 6’7 260 PF (Westinghouse High School)

Martell has done a great job thus far this season playing with a high motor changing ends of the floor. He has made his presence felt in the early season averaging a double-double and rebounding outside of his area. He has great length with a seven-foot wingspan which he uses to either block or alter shots and rebound the basketball at a very high level. He has great hands and feet and is already a proficient scorer on the low block when going over his left shoulder. He has a solid one-step move to the basket and he possesses the strength to finish through contact. He needs to improve his conditioning but has gotten a lot better over the course of the last year. With that improvement, it will him be able to change ends of the floor for even more scoring opportunities.