Today we are highlighting some of the talented 2022 wings that are going to make some noise whenever play resumes.
AJ Casey (6-8 SF, Tinley Park)
Casey is one of the most impressive prospects in the state, regardless of class. He has the size and length of a post player at 6-foot-8 but moves and handles the ball like a guard. As a natural wing player, Casey has crisp footwork and soft touch from the perimeter. He leaves his mark on the game without having to force the issue. His basketball IQ is advanced, especially for a player that is typically the most athletic one on the court. Even at the college level, Casey projects as a multi-positional defender that you can have switch across the board. Top programs will be flooding the gym for a player that should be a McDonald’s All-American by his senior season.
Kam Craft (6-5 SF, Buffalo Grove)
One of the highest scoring sophomores in the state, Craft knows how to put up points in a hurry. Despite facing heavy defensive attention, the lanky forward finds ways to manufacture his shot. He is able to knife through defenses with a good change of pace and use his size once he gets into traffic. Part of what makes Craft so tough to guard is his ability to shoot from distance off the dribble. Simply put, Craft is a bucket getter. If AAU gets going, he will be able to highlight his playmaking and defensive ability more. It won’t take long for offers to start rolling in for Craft.
Christian Meeks (6-6 SF, Homewood Flossmoor)
You wouldn’t know Meeks was only a sophomore this past season with the way he plays. He is a powerfully built, athletic forward that is going to be special. Defensively, he is a disruptive presence that can defend in space and protect the rim with his length. He drives to the rim whenever he wants, often going through defenders to get there. Meeks is a high-level finisher that completes plays with either hand. He will continue to get more fluid with his ball-handling and expand his shooting range given his release. Meeks may be a bit raw, but there are a lot of tools to work with that college coaches will love.
Jaden Schutt (6-5 SG, Yorkville Christian)
Schutt is the complete package as a two-guard. Known for his light-out shooting ability, he has a high release, great lift, and a consistent follow through on his shot. But Schutt’s game is so much more than his pure stroke. Schutt is a competitive player that plays with an edge. He has impressive bounce and body control once he gets up in the air, allowing him to excel in transition and dominate on the glass (9.1 rebounds a game). Schutt will take defenders off the dribble when needed and finds shooters off of penetration. At 6-foot-5, he was also able to guard different positions all year. He has six offers already and the interest from other high-majors should increase.
Matt Volkening (6-5 SG, Marengo)
Volkening is a highly-skilled guard with great size and scoring ability off the dribble. He is a deadeye shooter that maintains his balance off a variety of separation moves. With his handle, he can create space for his shot or get by defenders by staying low on his drives. Volkening uses his length to his advantage both as a finisher and defensively. He blocks a lot of shots and takes away vision with his active hands. Volkening has a thin frame, but he should be able to add strength and looks like he may still grow a few inches. Volkening is a long wing with a ton of skill and upside that he would be showing to college coaches with the Illinois Wolves. Mid-majors should be getting in touch soon.