The Class of 2018 may not have a heavy dose of high major prospects. There might not even be a lot of Division I depth. But there’s still plenty of talent worth talking about, starting with the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s top 10 prospects, a group with a whole bunch of current mid-major interest after the top three.
There is a headliner, Morgan Park’s Ayo Dosunmu, atop the the Class of 2018 player rankings. There is also an unknown –– late blooming and rising George Conditt of Corliss.
Here is a look at the top 10 prospects in next year’s senior class as we head towards the summer.
1. Ayo Dosunmu, 6-5, Morgan Park
The top player in the class and frontrunner for all postseason awards next season. With great height and length for a point guard, the 6-4 junior has lived up to the hype this spring, averaging 22.6 points a game on the highly-competitive EYBL circuit. In a class short of high-major talent, Dosunmu is a bonafide star who simply has to work on his perimeter jumper.
2. Talen Horton-Tucker, 6-4, Simeon
There was quite a bit of time when Horton-Tucker was overlooked. That’s no longer the case. He’s a bonafide high-major prospect because he can do three important things very well –– shoot, pass and dribble –– while possessing a high basketball I.Q. But that combination of creating for others and a feathery touch out to the three-point line are a deadly combination.
3. Tim Finke, 6-6, Champaign Central
Finke has been among the top prospects in the class since he entered high school. Tough, strong, competitive wing who plays hard. He can step out and knock a shot down with some range. Consistency with that shot and creating more for himself off the dribble a work in progress.
4. George Conditt, 6-9, Corliss
The promising but ultra-thin big man has come out of nowhere, jumping into the top 10 and continuing to rise with each look he receives. The excitement is due to his terrific length, agility and considerable upside. He runs the floor, has a soft touch around the basket and range out to the three-point line. Still learning and catching up to the speed of the game at its highest level. But this is all about what Conditt will be three or four years from right now.
5. Darius Beane, 6-4, Carbondale
Blessed with a blend of size, athleticism, shooting and playmaking ability at the point guard position. Beane has a solid floor game, can rise up and knock down mid-range and three-point shots and boasts a high ceiling.
6. Drew Peterson, 6-8, Libertyville
As a college prospect, this is about projection. A late bloomer physically, Peterson continues to grow. A very versatile player who will be better and more productive down the road when his body and strength starts to catch up with his skill, talent and potential. There were a handful of offers last summer and fall while Drake offered last week.
7. Javon Freeman, 6-3, Young
During a breakout junior year the lanky and athletic Freeman showcased an ability to make plays. He thrives in getting to the basket and as an above-the-rim finisher. Physical maturation and an improved jumper would really enhance his stock. Toledo and Drake offered Freeman following the spring live period.
8. Xavier Castaneda, 5-11, Young
An intelligent point guard who plays poised and under control. He doesn’t get rattled, showing just that this past season while helping Young to a state championship. Castaneda’s passing abilities and court vision stand out. He also possesses more burst and disruptiveness with the ball in his hands in the open court than people realize.
9. Kezo Brown, 6-2, Simeon
A ballyhooed player as a youngster, Brown is still among the top 10 prospects in the class. He’s a lefty sniper who can stretch a defense with his shooting from the three-point line. Brown is a bigger-bodied, strong 2-guard who plays with toughness.
10. Kendle Moore, 5-11, Danville
A jet-quick, exciting talent who brings unbridled energy to the gym with the ball in his hands. While small and slight, Moore is a lead guard wired to score the basketball in a variety of ways. He averaged 21.5 points a game as a junior, including 36 in a win over Curie. Can he become more of a distributing lead guard who can run an offense at the next level?
Follow Joe Henricksen and the City/Suburban Hoops Report on Twitter @joehoopsreport
