Top Available Spring Recruits In Illinois From 2012 Class

  By Roy & Harv Schmidt

  Updated: December 2, 2011

  10:15 A.M. CST

Maybe it is because the 2012 class in Illinois is perceived as being weak by most recruiting analysts and college coaches.  Or perhaps it is because many of those who remain unsigned still have some academic hurdles to overcome.  Or it could be that those recruits are actually holding out with the hope of enhancing their stock in the spring with a strong senior year on the hardwood.

Whatever the reason, there are still a good number of 2012 prospects in Illinois who remain unsigned and therefore will be on the board come the beginning of the late signing period in April.  With that in mind, we now take a look a the top available Spring recruits from amongst Illinois-based prospects in 2012.

   Top 5 Available Spring Recruits In Illinois From 2012

·     Jerron Wilbut               6'3     2G/PG     Downers Grove (South)
Schools: Boston College, Cleveland State, Dayton, DePaul, Florida State,  Missouri State, Nebraska, Oregon, Virginia Tech, Memphis
Comments: The one unsigned player in Illinois from 2012 who we believe could play at a high major right now.  Capable of playing either guard spot.  Should attract additional offers by Spring provided he takes care of business off the court.

·     Rashaun Stimage       6'7     PF     Chicago (Farragut)
Schools: Open
Comments: A hard-working frontcourt player who would be a mid-major star but could be worth a high major taking a chance on.  Strong rebounder and consistent back-to-the-basket scorer.  History proves not to bet against Farragut big men.

·     Marlon Johnson          6'9      PF     Joliet (Township)
Schools: Illinois State, Valparaiso, Wichita State, Northern Illinois, Others
Comments: Could very well end up as a 2013 recruit but for now remains in the 2012 class.  Versatile big man who is long and athletic.  Runs the floor well, blocks shots and can face up as well as handle the ball.

.  Tim Williams                6'7      WF    Flossmoor (Homewood-  Flossmoor)
Schools: Bowling Green, Fordham, SIU-Edwardsville, Indiana State, Others
Comments: After wavering for quite some time as to whether he would play football or basketball in college Williams has finally decided to go with hoops.  He is an extremely athletic wing who has expanded his shooting range and can put the ball on the floor.  Plays in the mold of a point forward.

·     Eddie Alcantara        6'5        WF   Chicago (Hales Franciscan)
Schools: St. Louis, LaSalle, UNLV, Others
Comments: Another versatile wing who has the ability to score points either around the basket or from the perimeter.  Also gets after it on the glass and is a solid defender.

Other Unsigned 2012 Prospects In Illinois With D1 Ability

·     Jamal Millison          6'2      2G           Downers Grove (South)

·     Jawad Adekoya      6'4      2G           Tinley Park (Andrew)

·     Willie Conner           6'4      2G/WF   Chicago (Crane)

·     Donald Moore         5'11    PG           Chicago Heights (Bloom)

·     Jelani Neely             5'10    PG           Chicago (Simeon)

·     Denzel McCauley    6'7      PF            Rock Island (H.S.)

·     Russell Robinson    6'9        C            South Holland (Seton Academy)

.      Devin Foster            6'3      2G           Chicago (Curie)

·     Travis Britt              6'3      2G            Rantoul (H.S.)

·     Juwan Starks          6'4      WF           Aurora (West)

·     Kori Babineaux        6'4      PG           Lake Forest (Academy)*

*- Babineaux is a 5th year prep school player who enrolled at Lake Forest Academy this past August after graduating from Folsom High School in Folsom, CA.                

Editor's Note: Seeing as though since first publishing this entry we have been flooded with e-mails from various people wondering why certain players aren't included, we feel a need to make a point of emphasis.  This list is by no means a finalized list of D1 prospects in Illinois from the 2012 class.  We realize that recruiting changes all the time and that players are always quite capable of enhancing their stock.  With that in mind, this list is subject to change throughout the course of the 2011-12 high school basketball season, with names possibly being added depending on performance. 

**************************************************************************************************