Edwardsville’s Smith tops my chart
It’s time to take some inventory of the best Illinois has offer in the Class of 2017. who can all be found in at least one national prospectThe following breakdown details how the City/ Suburban to Hoops Report ranks the top in- state senior prospects ran
1. Mark Smith, 6- 4, Edwardsville
Illinois. When the season began, Smith was the City/ Suburban Hoops Report’s No. 15- ranked prospect. There wasn’t a player who raised his stock more, going from a fringe midmajor prospect in the fall to being coveted by high-major programs. And, yes, he’s now at the top of the class with his combination of productivity, upside and substance. National rankings Rivals: 52; Scout: 76; ESPN: NR; 247 Sports: 74.
2. Jeremiah Tilmon, 6- 10, East St. Louis
College: Undecided. The City/ Suburban Hoops Report has long considered Tilmon to be ranked a bit too high nationally. The big man did not have the type of senior year many expected, and his national ranking dipped to where it probably should’ve been all along. He is still a coveted and promising prospect with size. National rankings Rivals: 42; Scout: 35; ESPN: 43; 247 Sports: 39.
3. Jordan Goodwin, 6- 3, Belleville Althoff
College: Saint Louis. Unfortunately, an injury cut Goodwin’s season short. Otherwise, he may have been this year’s Mr. Basketball winner. Regardless, Goodwin finished as the most productive and accomplished player over the course of his career of any player in the class. This consensus top- 60 prospect nationally will have a monster career in the Atlantic 10. National rankings Rivals: 58; Scout: 53; ESPN: 52; 247 Sports: 50.
4. Justin Smith, 6- 7, Stevenson
College: Indiana. New Indiana coach Archie Miller kept Smith in the fold and will be getting a highly athletic player who in time will be a valuable combo- forward type as his ball skills improve. There is some significant talent inside that college- made body. National rankings Rivals: 115; Scout: 92; ESPN: 88; 247 Sports: 75.
5. Da-Monte Williams, 6- 3, Peoria Manual
College: Illinois. A big, strong combo guard with athleticism and some flair, Williams was poised to become a consistent game- changing player this past season until a knee injury ended it. But the promise and potential of a healthy Williams remain enticing. National rankings Rivals: NR; Scout: NR; ESPN: 90; 247 Sports: 149.
6. Nojel Eastern, 6- 6, Evanston
College: Purdue. Has Eastern’s game ever been fully appreciated? He’s as versatile as they come with point- forwardtype skills and an ability to fill a stat sheet. The question going forward will be whether his outside shot can catch up to his high- level passing and basketball IQ. National rankings Rivals: 73; Scout: 91; ESPN: 81; 247 Sports: 67.
7. Nana Akenten, 6- 5, Bolingbrook
College: Nebraska. A still- blooming prospect, which means there’s so much more that’s possible for this uber- athlete with a solid shooting stroke out to the three- point line. National rankings Rivals: 148; Scout: NR; ESPN: NR; 247 Sports: 138.