Went to the RB shootout today and saw most of the ILL targets. Thoughts (I've seen each of these guys multiple times so there's so pre-determination in here):
Nojel Eastern: I really want him to suit up for us. This was about my fourth/fifth time seeing him, and his game and potential have stood out each time. Imo, he could end up having a better college career than Goodwin (not hating on Goodwin, I really want him in O&B too). As has been noted, his shooting needs to improve, but he's a long, athletic freak. Had some impressive blocks and a really impressive dunk today.
Xavier Castaneda: Reminds me of Te'Jon Lucas a lot. Wired on defense, looks to set up the offense but can get buckets when needed/he wants, and he never plays out of control. I've seen a lot of teams try to pressure him, and he just never seems like the game is too fast for him. He'd be the perfect PG in almost any system.
Ayo Dosunmu: Can absolutely take a game over. I think he'll be a monster in a PnR offense (cough, cough at Illinois). MP played Simeon in the semis and it looked like that was their championship game. Ayo scored at every level and showed good vision. They didn't come to play in the title game against Hillcrest (looked tired), and Dosunmu deferred quite a bit. The team played zone defense, but he got beat in his matchup with Garrett, who looks like a player too. Even though I was disappointed in his performance and them as a team in that game after looking so good against Simeon, he's got the talent to compete to be the best prospect in the state.
I also walked past Christian Negron, who seemed pretty short for a college 4. Didn't get to see him play this time around.
--
The area and state are producing a lot of good guards, and at a good mix of 1s and 2s. I really hope we can lock up a good percentage of them. Hope having Dee on staff helps us out there!