There is a clear uptick in talent in the Class of 2021 in Illinois.
This year’s junior class will boast more Division I prospects for college coaches to evaluate over the next 12 months than we’ve seen in the past couple of years. While the depth of talent is better, it’s the top of the class, where several bonafide high-major prospects head the list, that has drawn the highest praise.
Here is a look at the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s top 10 prospects in the Class of 2021 as we head into the 2019-2020 season.
1. Max Christie, 6-6, Rolling Meadows
The best prospect in the state has the ideal blend of being a productive star with a ceiling he hasn’t come close to reaching. Christie continues to show steady improvement in all areas of his game while possessing such an intriguing upside as he physically matures. The size, length, skill and versatility are what make Christie a consensus top 20 prospect in the country.
2. Bryce Hopkins, 6-6, Fenwick
Hopkins has been a fixture up at the top of the Hoops Report rankings and now sports an endless list of high-major offers and is finally getting some much-deserved national attention. The highly-skilled, ultra-productive hybrid forward has a big body and can play a number of positions. A Louisville recruit, Hopkins can score in the post, bully his way to the basket as a slasher or create for others with his skill and natural feel.
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3. Ahamad Bynum, 6-1, Simeon
A dynamic scoring guard, Bynum has the explosiveness and tools to become a versatile offensive weapon. Bynum is a dangerous but streaky scorer. He plays with athleticism, speed and aggression. Developing his ability to make plays for teammates and improved decision-making is the next step in his progression as a player.
4. Chris Hodges, 6-8, Schaumburg
The Wisconsin recruit continues to improve and has become more impactful. Blessed with good size and solid frame. The technique and consistency will come as there is a foundation offensively that Hodges continues to build on. Hodges has a tenacity and nose for the ball that will serve him well now and in the future. His face-up ability and perimeter shot continue to get better and better.
5. Louis Lesmond, 6-5, Notre Dame
An off season riser in rankings and reputation following his transfer from Evanston. There is a sound skill level and quality basketball understanding that goes right with some very good physical tools and attributes. Solid shooter with range who must become more consistent with it. Overall, a well-rounded wing who looks the part and will break out this season.
6. John Poulakidas, 6-5 Neuqua Valley
The ultimate shot-making perimeter player with an advanced and creative mid-range game to go with being a spread-the-floor three-point shooting threat. What Poulakidas lacks in ideal athleticism he makes up for with craftiness and smarts. With high academics to boot, Poulakidas is a hot commodity with such a wide-range of offers and interest.
7. Anthony Sayles, 6-2, Notre Dame
A strong, compact force at the point guard position. An outstanding two-sport athlete who has been extremely productive thus far at the varsity level in his two seasons. Heady point guard who plays with poise, maturity and exhibits ideal leadership. Sayles continues to show an improved perimeter jumper.
8. Isaiah Barnes, 6-6, Oak Park
A promising prospect who is blessed with a high ceiling and a terrific combination of size and skill on the perimeter. Now can he tap into that upside on a regular basis? The versatile Barnes can play with the ball in his hands and has range out to the three-point line.
9. Ola Ajiboye, 6-7, Von Steuben
Ajiboye sneaks into the top 10 based on what he’s about to become. Right now he’s an intriguing long-term prospect who has grown to 6-7 (and still growing) and showcases a budding package of various basketball attributes. In addition to being active and disruptive defensively, he runs the floor, shows a soft touch and will surprise you with his face-up ability and developing range.
10. Grant Newell, 6-7, Young
A still under-the-radar name on the prospect list, this intriguing junior is set to blossom. He’s grown to 6-7 and his offensive repertoire is emerging. Already a capable face-up shooter at his size with a high release, his impact around the basket will only improve as he continues to physically mature and add strength.
11. Tevin Smith, 6-5, Danville
It remains to be seen how quickly Smith bounces back from the major knee injury in suffered in May when he tore his ACL and miniscus. But in two seasons Smith has been one of the more productive young players in the state, averaging 18 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists a game in helping his team to 31 wins as a sophomore. He can beat you in so many different ways.
12. Scottie Ebube, 6-8, Mundelein
This big-bodied post player is physically imposing at the high school level. More importantly, Ebube has made significant strides with his game over the past two years. While still raw with plenty of room to grow offensively, he still averaged a double-double as a sophomore with 17.1 points and 10.4 rebounds a game.
