Five rising seniors ready to emerge

Although the supply does not reach the demand when it comes to the Class of 2020 in Illinois, the seniors-to-be continue to be evaluated.

This past year the Class of 2019 hovered right around 30 Division I prospects. That number won’t significantly change much in the Class of 2020. So, yes, the Division I depth for college coaches looking for players in this state is still lacking.

But there will always be an ongoing, growing list of prospects who emerge over the course of the summer and into their senior year. Look for these five still under-the-radar players to enhance the class as their trajectory continues pointing upward.

Connor Linke, St. Charles North

Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times

Mobile big men with legit 6-9 size are always in demand. High demand. College coaches welcome the opportunity to work with a five-man who offers such an intriguing upside like Linke.

Throw in some high academics and the recruiting window should open further for Linke, who continues to show improvement since he helped lead the North Stars to a regional championship in March.

While offensive improvement and consistency is the next hurdle in his development, Linke’s impact starts on the defensive end and on the glass.

“Defensively he’s instinctually so good,” says St. Charles North coach Tom Poulin. “He’s a terrific help defender, times his jumps so well when blocking shots. He keeps blocks in play, and he’s a terrific rebounder.”

Linke, who Poulin says is “as coachable of kid as I’ve had,” will showcase touch around the basket and the ability to finish above the rim with powerful two-hand dunks. Plus, he shows the ability to face up and knock down a mid-range jumper while his range continues to extend.

If the offensive game continues to progress and add some consistency, improved scoring numbers will follow.

Aquan Smart, Niles North

If you’re looking for a breakout player in the Class of 2020, the long, wiry, athletic Smart is in position to be that player.

Of all the players on this list, Smart’s production was the greatest as a junior. The numbers were impressive, which included 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.3 steals a game. Nonetheless, he did it with little fanfare.

That should change, especially since Smart appears to be just scratching the surface of his true ability.

Smart, a 6-3 guard who can play on and off the ball, is quick, springy and difficult to defend. He’s a major challenge to contain in transition and can really put pressure on opposing defenses with his offensive versatility.

Although Smart projects to be a dynamic scoring threat this season, this is not a one-dimensional player. He impacts with his length and explosiveness.

“His upside and potential are exciting,” says Niles North coach Glenn Olson. “Aquan has come a long way. As he gets physically stronger, it’s only going to help in finishing at the basket. ”

Kyndall Davis, Bogan

There were moments where Davis provided valuable minutes and contributions as a role-playing starter for a team that finished second in the state in Class 3A this past season. But you can expect a whole lot more from the 6-5 Davis this coming season after averaging a modest 4.8 points a game as a junior.

“I expect Kyndall to pick up Rashaun Agee’s scoring and be a 20-point guy and an all-city caliber player,” says Bogan coach Arthur Goodwin. “Look for big things from him as his game keeps improving.”

Last season Davis played a role, contributing in a variety of ways with rebounds, steals, defense and offensive output at times. Now his offensive game has taken a big step forward and his projection as a prospect has changed dramatically.

The smoothed out perimeter jumper, both as a spot-up three-point shooter and pulling up off the dribble, is the area Davis will impress with in coming months. He’s turned himself into a threat shooting the basketball.

Davis is blessed with a dynamite basketball body and build that he will continue to grow into. There is size and outstanding length on the wing with some pop off the floor athletically. With an ever-improving game and growing confidence in it, he’s just beginning to tap into his talents and upside as a Division I prospect.

Nate Shockey, York

After averaging 12 points a game for a team that featured terrific scoring balance and efficiency, look for Shockey to burst on the scene as a senior and put together a huge year.

The smooth scoring guard exhibits prudent shot selection en route to knocking down 40 three-pointers while helping the Dukes to 29 wins. Shockey can pull up off the dribble, shoot off the catch and come off screens as a shooting threat from both the three-point line and with a mid-range pull-up jumper.

Shockey, who is now pushing close to 6-3, has nice length and better-than-you-think athleticism that allows him to finish against bigger players at the rim.

“He can score the ball at all three levels,” says York coach Vince Doran. “Nate has such a huge upside that I think he’s now starting to realize.”

R.J. Ogom, Homewood-Flossmoor

Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times

The more the strong and rugged 6-5 Ogom advances his game, the more intriguing he becomes as a dual- threat 4-man in today’s game.

H-F coach Marc Condotti remembers two years ago when Ogom was junkyard dog rebounder who simply outworked opponents. Now he combines that mentality with a growing offensive game with face-up abilities.

“He can now play close to the basket and away from it,” says Condotti. “He’s always had that body and strength. He practices hard, plays hard, competes and has always been able to shoot it. Now he’s showing that he can shoot it.”

While Ogom has shown he has three-point shooting range and can knock down a mid-range jumper, establishing his handle, creating off the dribble and his instincts while handling it is the next step in his progression. That will be the difference in figuring out how high of a level he can play in college.