Smaller programs pursue Gentry, McNamara, Sachs
Jack Brody’s commitment to Indianapolis might not have resonated with fans the way Jalen Brunson’s choosing Villanova over Illinois did, but on a much smaller scale, there was a recruiting battle for the smooth 6- 4 Providence senior.
Did these commitments grab your attention: Bogan’s Antonio Thomas to Ferris State? How about Lake Zurich’s Mike Travlos to Hillsdale or Oak Forest’s Kyle Flanagan to Wisconsin-Parkside?
Lewis University, a local Division II program, locked up a good one when combo guard Jake Reinhart of defending Class 2A champ Bloomington Central committed to the Flyers with little or no fanfare.
The Chicago area boasts a surplus of talented players who are coveted — just perhaps not by Big Ten schools or even mid- major programs.
While some low- Division I schools might be hanging around and evaluating, here is a short list of players who are prime targets of small- college programs ( Division II, NAIA, high- level Division III):
Cole Gentry, St. Charles East
Lewis has been constant and persistent in its recruitment of the overlooked Gentry. Plenty of others missed the boat. A few D- I schools showed some interest in the pure point guard with terrific academics, including Liberty. D- II schools Northern Kentucky and Saginaw Valley State have been involved. But Lewis remains Gentry’s lone offer.
Pat McNamara, St. Viator
With Ore Arogundade off to Drake and Roosevelt Smart transferring to a prep school, the 6- 3 McNamara became the go- to weapon on the perimeter for the Lions. Hartford made an offer in July, and he received D- II offers from Hillsdale, Lewis and Lindenwood. Navy has expressed interest.
David Sachs, Highland Park
Calm, cool, always in control and a winner at point guard, Sachs turned in a solid summer. Highlevel D- III programs covet him. D- II Barry in Miami has made an offer and Spring Hill College in Alabama has shown interest. Western Illinois, Furman, South Dakota and Marist are D- I schools that have demonstrated varying degrees of interest.
Antoine Pike, Hyde Park
An undersized power forward at 6- 5, Pike is a rugged, athletic workhorse who averaged 14 points and nine rebounds last season. Several D- II and NAIA schools are involved, with one college coach making this comment about Pike while watching him during an open gym: “He has the heart as big as this gym.” As Pike plays out his senior year, expect his recruitment to pick up.
Josh Ruggles, WW South
The combination of being one of the state’s top shooters and an elite student ( 31 ACT) should be attractive. D- II Grace and Ferris State have made offers. Maine has shown recent interest in the 6- 1 shooting guard.
Fred Sims, North Lawndale
The big, strong, physical wing who attacks the basket and has improved his jumper is a player D- II programs hope D- I schools stay away from long enough.
Brodric Thomas, Bolingbrook
Although this late- blooming combo guard broke out this summer, the skilled 6- 1 senior remains a sleeper. He has an offer from Truman State and a few D- I schools are poking around.