Jahlil Okafor headlines decorated Class of 2014

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1. Jahlil Okafor, 6-10, C, Young (Duke)

When it comes to true, legit, back-to-the-basket big man at the high school level, we’re talking one of those once-in-a-generation type talents. Leaves as one of the most decorated prep players in state history.

2. Cliff Alexander, 6-9, PF, Curie (Kansas)

Physically off the charts and made a leap in every phase of his game. His combination of power, agility and explosiveness is striking.

3. Tyler Ulis, 5-8, PG, Marian Catholic (Kentucky)

The player who put Marian Catholic basketball on the map. A dynamic talent, an ideal table-setter and the purest of point guards.

4. Keita Bates-Diop, 6-7½, SF/PF, Normal U-High (Ohio State)

Versatile, athletic combo forward impacts games with his length and bounce, while continuing to make strides with his skill set.

5. Paul White, 6-8½, SF/PF, Young (Georgetown)

Put together a terrific senior year and quieted some critics in helping lead Young to a state championship. Handles it, passes it and shoots it well for a player his size.

6. Malek Harris, 6-7, SF/PF, Sandburg (Kansas State)

A blue-collar workhorse and a stat sheet stuffer with many positive attributes. Plays hard, competes, can put it on the floor and gets on the glass.

7. Ethan Happ, 6-7½, SF/PF, Rockridge (Wisconsin)

Blessed with plenty of tools to work with and sneaky athleticism as a very capable face-up forward who puts it on the floor well and gets to the rim well for his size.

8. Michael Finke, 6-9½, PF, Champaign Centennial (Illinois)

Brings legit size and skill with his passing ability and face-up shooting touch from 12-20 feet. Blessed with real offensive potential as he continues to develop physically.

9. Josh Cunningham, 6-7, PF, Morgan Park (Bradley)

Arguably the biggest recruiting steal in the class. Plays with a high motor, rebounds and finishes at the rim.

10. Larry Austin, 6-1½, PG, Springfield Lanphier (Xavier)

One of the rare players who makes things happen and impacts games on the defensive end as an in-your-face/get-in-the-passing-lanes defender.

11. Vic Law, 6-7, SF/PF, St. Rita (Northwestern)

An active and athletic forward who is solid on the glass and plays up at the rim. Should become an effective defender with his length and athleticism.

12. Sean O’Mara, 6-9, C, Benet Academy (Xavier)

Put together an outstanding, highly-productive season while leading his team to a state runner-up finish in Class 4A, recording 28 double-doubles in 35 games and finished as the all-time leading scorer in Benet history.

13. Milik Yarbrough, 6-5, SF, Zion-Benton (Saint Louis)

Heads to SLU as one of the top 20 scorers in Illinois prep basketball history. Big-bodied wing has always had a knack for putting the ball in the basket in a variety of ways.

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