10 prospects waiting for their shot
The high school basketball recruiting world has certainly taken a step back because of the COVID- 19 pandemic. The NCAA enacted a down period in March that will run through at least April 15.
As a result, there will be a total of 13 continuous months of inactivity on the recruiting front. No visits. No in- person communication. No live evaluations.
Then there is the NCAA’s decision to grant every current player another year of eligibility. It’s an absolute mess for prospects. Finding a home at the college level has never been more tricky.
Nonetheless, there are unsigned prospects who are waiting, patiently, for an opportunity. Here are 10 of the best uncommitted senior prospects in the Chicago area with all levels of interest from Division II to mid- major Division I programs:
Ola Ajiboye, Evanston
He’s a transfer from Von Steuben who has battled injuries over the last year and remains raw and unrefined as a player. But the 6- 7 big is mobile, active and boasts some untapped potential. Would a full season at Evanston have allowed for a true breakthrough?
Amar Augillard, Zion- Benton
All he has done for three years is score the basketball — in bunches. He’s now one of the top handful of uncommitted prospects remaining in the class.
He’s a physical wing with scoring ability, shooting range and a growing floor game as a downhill freight train in the open floor. The 6- 4 Augillard averaged a whopping 25.2 points last season.
Brandon Hall, Thornton
Hall is a powerful guard with strength. When he’s in the open floor, going downhill with his big body and athleticism, the 6- 3 guard is a load for defenders. He’s a strong finisher with some creativity around the rim.
Jakobi Heady, Hillcrest
There were moments last season as a junior where the 6- 7 Heady clearly played and looked the part of a Division I prospect. That was just a hint of what was to come. This budding prospect is long, rangy and blessed with a soft shooting touch out to the three- point line.
Jaiden Lee, Joliet West
A sniper from the perimeter, the 6- 4 Lee was set to become a major offensive force as a senior and present himself as more than just a knockdown shooter. The lanky guard’s length and improved ball skills on the perimeter provide more versatility at both ends of the floor.
Grant Newell, Young
Newell is an under- wraps prospect who is poised for a breakout senior season. With an ideal physical profile, including size, coordination, athleticism and a body that will fill out nicely, Newell is an enticing prospect. The 6- 7 forward offers face- up skills, shooting range and some inside scoring on the offensive end.
Ethan Roberts, Hersey
Roberts is coming off an underrated season. He moved in from Tennessee before last season, so he remains an unknown outside the northwest suburbs. The 6- 5 Roberts can play both guard spots and filled the stat sheet as a junior. He came up big late in the season, averaging 25 points down the stretch. He has size in the backcourt, a feel for the game with his vision and passing and is a Division I prospect.
Anthony Sayles, Notre Dame
Arguably the top uncommitted prospect in the class, the physical point guard is a mid- major talent who has been impactful since he burst on the scene as a freshman.
The 6- 2 Sayles has been solid and steady ever since, averaging 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists last season while playing with two other Division I talents ( Troy D’Amico and Louis Lesmond).
Jaeshon Thomas, Young
Thomas relies heavily on an advanced pull- up jumper while his overall scoring ability can put pressure on a defense. The compact 6- 2 guard was prepared for an expanded role and responsibility for the Dolphins with the departure of DJ Steward and Tyler Beard.
Kimahri Wilson, Carmel
There is creativity in his game. The 6- foot point guard gets teammates involved. Wilson shows flashes of playmaking, scoring and a feel for the game that indicates he has significant room for growth as a player.