9/21 Prospect Spotlight: 2023 Guards

The 2023 class is deep with guards. I am taking a look at handful of them that can shoot and make plays off the dribble.

Isaiah Giles (5-10 PG, Westinghouse)

Sturdy and quick off the bounce, Giles makes a living attacking the basket. When he gets a head of steam, defenders struggle to stay in front of him. Giles controls the ball with his tight handle and looks to find the open man off penetration. As a shooter, Giles can hit spot-up threes with his feet set as well. He is a guard that plays much bigger than his height.

Jaloni Johnson (6-3 SG, Proviso East)

Johnson has the tools to be one of the premier guards in the 2023 class. Lanky, smooth, and projectable, Johnson can score in a variety of ways. He can beat defenders in isolation situations and go over or around rim protectors. Johnson’s shooting and defensive potential are maybe his most promising traits. His range extends beyond the arc, showing a natural shot from a standstill or off the dribble. Defensively, he has tremendous length and agility. Several D1 schools have shown interest in Johnson.

Jackson Niego (5-11 PG, Lyons Township)

Niego is tough, unselfish, and versatile. He’s got good strength, able to maintain his balance and make athletic shots in traffic. On the perimeter, Niego can drill outside shots when he lines them up. His footwork is clean when making moves. There are times when he can space the floor off the ball, but Niego is a sound facilitator who has vision and feel as a primary ball-handler. The combination of IQ, shooting, passing and strength should allow him to become an impact player at Lyons and beyond.

Collin Wainscott (5-10 PG, Marmion)

Wainscott is a solid guard with impressive shooting touch and playmaking upside. He is an advanced decision maker in pick-and-rolls, reading help and hitting guys in their shooting pocket. He looks most comfortable attacking off of ball screens where his quick trigger is an advantage. Wainscott shoots pull-ups well and can be lethal if left alone from three. If he is chased off the line, he doesn’t hesitate to drive against size. The Marmion guard has good skills to work with as he adds strength.