Heading into another highly-anticipated live weekend at Romeoville’s live event, we are looking at some players who might breakout, attract heavy Division 3 interest, or continue to impress following last weekend’s events.
20 Emerging 2024 D3 Targets:
Aaron Cook (6’5 SG/SF, St. Francis)
Long, athletic, and versatile, Cook provides value as a multi-purpose defender with promising perimeter skills. He rebounds outside of his area and has a jump shot with range that should extend well in college.
Bennett Schwanke (5’11 PG, Glenbard West)
Schwanke’s production may have gone unnoticed to some, but the heady point guard showed toughness and shot-making at Riverside that should translate well.
Bryce Welch (6’0 PG, Naperville North)
Seemingly getting to the paint at will, Welch is a crafty, attacking lead guard who creates well off of the bounce. Look for his change of speed and open court game to attract some programs.
Cale Cosme (5’8 PG, Brother Rice)
He was great for Rice at RB and is a steady playmaker that balances making flashy plays with high-efficiency. Yes, he lacks height, but Cosme will be a terrific floor general at the D3 level.
Camden Lathos (6’6 PF, Conant)
D3 coaches will love the shooting ability, strong build, and IQ of the inside-out four man. Lathos keeps the ball high inside and has excellent touch in and around the paint. Very high-level D3 prospect.
Charlie Robin (6’2 PG/SG, Deerfield)
Brings shooting and some decent size at the guard spot. Plays with a real motor on both ends and seems to have a win-first mentality.
Christian Uremovich (6’7 PF, Stevenson)
He is the perfect switchable piece for Mount Carmel and shot it well last weekend. Rebounds, defends, and communicates at a college level already.
Connor Williams (6’2 SG, Stagg)
Should open some eyes this weekend with his knack for scoring and flashes as a playmaker.
Ian Brown (6’5 SF, New Trier)
Lights out shooter who averaged around 20 points a game last weekend at Riverside. Great build and shooting ability to go with his size and energy.
Jimmy Tarjan (6’5 SG/SF, Loyola)
Does a lot of little things well and has found value as a rock-solid wing defender. Tarjan works on and off of the ball well at his size and should be a reliable scoring threat at the next level.
Jory Boley (6’3 SG/SF, Yorkville)
Continues to have a great summer for Yorkville. Boley attacks well, hits open jumpers, and adds a layer of toughness to the Foxes.
Kyle Waltz (6’5 SF, York)
I didn’t know a ton about Waltz prior to last week, but the athletic, rangy wing has a solid outside shot and some pop around the rim. Looks to still be growing as well.
Logan Feller (6’4 PG, New Trier)
Does whatever you need on both ends. A savvy decision maker with ideal positional size and understanding for how to be productive. High percentage spot shooter.
Mitch Humphrey (6’6 SG/SF, St. Viator)
Was scorching hot from three last weekend. Nothing new for Humphrey. Has an elite college skill as a floor spacer with legitimate size on the wing.
Nolan Sexton (6’0 PG, Evergreen Park)
Sexton’s deep shooting range will shine. A gifted scorer from the perimeter who has some projectable shot-creation ability.
Patrick Walsh (6’1 PG/SG, Benet)
Loved the competitive fire that Walsh showed for a young Benet team last weekend. Has good balance and aggressiveness getting to the paint, hits open shots, and defends both guard spots.
PJ Chambers (6’1 PG/SG, DePaul Prep)
Took over at times as a scorer last weekend and was a breakout player as a junior. Compact scoring guard who is a committed defender and active off ball mover.
Sam Horenkamp (5’10 PG, St. Ignatius)
Horenkamp just keeps things settled down. Rarely coughs up the rock, gets them into the offense, and really looks like a winning D3 floor general.
Xavior Gonzalez (5’9 PG, Fenton)
Coming off of an injury, Gonzalez is a dynamic, undersized guard. Scores in bunches and has the quickness to get where he wants with the ball.
Yusuf Cisse (6’2 PG, Conant)
A dog of an on-ball defender. College-ready perimeter stopper with strong hands and lateral quickness. Makes the right plays off of dribble penetration and scores when needed.
20 Breakout Candidates For College Coaches To Watch:
Al Brooks (6’6 SF, Hansberry 2025)
Will be the first time many coaches see him live. High-upside, explosive wing who looks the part and produces at a high level. Handles it, finishes in crowds, blocks shots like a big, and is a terror in transition. Division 1 future
Alex Gossett (6’6 SF/PF, OPRF 2025)
Broke out this spring. Pogo-stick athlete with a physical frame and calm demeanor. Plays with an edge on the glass, guards in space or around the rim, and has some flashes as a spot-up shooter. Gossett will continue to show exponential growth.
Anton Strelnikov (6’7 C, Lake Zurich 2025)
Among the most skilled low-post operators in the state. Strelnikov is a tactician down low and possesses serious strength to create advantages on the block. Soft touch out to the three-point line and a bulk rebounder.
Braden Freeman (6’6 SG/SF, Moline 2025)
Just picked up his first Division 1 offer from Incarnate Word. Has size, length, and a Swiss-Army knife type of game. Can make plays off of the dribble and has good shot mechanics from three.
Braeden Carlsen (6’4 SG, Wauconda 2024)
Carlsen is one of the best players in the class without an offer. Strong, skilled shot-creator with deep three-point range. Capable wing defender who rebounds well at his size. Will have some huge scoring outputs this weekend.
Braylon Roman (6’4 PG, Normal 2024)
Slithery playmaker that uses size well to score over the top of defenders. Roman can guard both backcourt spots and has great pace with the ball. Ton of upside on both ends. Clear mid-major potential.
CJ Worsham (6’7 SF/PF, Christ The King 2024)
Combo forward who plays with a ton of power and has point forward skills. LM/D2 prospect who will probably have some 20/10 games this weekend. Unique talent.
Connor May (6’7 SG/SF, Palatine 2024)
Playmaking, do-it-all guard/wing who will be a popular name by the end of the weekend. Efficient three-point shooter who can work out of the mid post and bully defenders on drives. May is a tough defender who will stand out as a rebounder. Division 1 prospect.
Derek Bishop (6’2 PG/SG, Mundelein 2025)
Scoring machine with good athleticism and instincts. Bishop has a chance to be really good in ball screen and isolation situations.
Grantas Sakenis (6’10 C, Andrew 2024)
One of the largest players you’ll see this weekend. Buries defenders, has soft touch, and is a deceptively good leaper. D2 schools will love him.
Jackson Hupp (6’7 PF/C, Hersey 2025)
Hupp can dominate with his footwork, post creativity, and forcefulness on the block or as a pop threat from three. Has magnetic hands inside, passes more like a perimeter player, and has a great lower half to hold his ground inside. D1/D2 post
Jaheem Webber (6’10 C, Normal 2024)
Another big kid who a lot of coaches will be keeping a close eye on. Webber carves out space and can dunk through defenders or hit hooks over either shoulder. Continues to improve his range and is an enforcer defensively. Holds multiple Division 1 offers.
JaiQuan Holman (6’0 PG, Springfield Lanphier 2025)
A talented guard who not many people know about outside of the Chicago area. Can get his shot whenever and has range past the college line. Shifty and dynamic player who facilitates well on the move. Could blow up this weekend.
Justin Bowen (6’5 SG/SF, OPRF 2025)
Bowen already looks like college-ready defender with his agility, anticipation, and size. Has promise as a slasher who can get above the rim. Will pique the interest of a number of coaches.
Malachi Johnson (6’3 PG/SG, Rockford Guilford 2024)
Scoring combo guard who has been a steady producer throughout the spring and summer. Good size and an uncanny way of scoring off drives and from three. Could garner some Division 2 looks.
Rae’Qwon Rogers (6’0 PG, Bowen 2025)
A breakout sophomore in the Chicago Public League, Rogers looks to make plays in the paint for himself and teammates. Quick, athletic, and always in attack mode.
Rakim Chaney (6’2 PG/SG, Rockford Auburn 2024)
Another Rockford-area guard who has Division 2 potential as a shot maker. Has the length and ball skills you look for at the position. Plays with force while staying under control.
Ryan Mbouombouo (6’1 PG/SG, Chicago Latin 2024)
Mbouombouo will stand out for his athleticism and swift takes to the rim. He’s a quick-twitch driver who finishes well and is relentless throughout games getting downhill.
Sean Reynolds (6’1 PG/SG, DeKalb 2025)
An elite marksman who cuts and sets his feet like a college-level shooter. Has good lift on his pull-up and a jet-quick trigger. Reynolds handles pressure and is an irritant defensively. Has great intangibles. Must-see for coaches looking for backcourt shooting.
Trey Taylor (6’5 SF, Moline 2025)
Inside-out wing/forward who will play in the post and on the perimeter for Moline. Slashing lefty who gets off of the ground well and crashes the glass hard. Projects as a quality defender.
20 Players Who Should Keep Their Recruiting Momentum Going:
Angelo Ciaravino (6’6 SG, Mount Carmel 2024)
Had a great weekend at RB. Long, lean off-guard creates off of the dribble, shoots on the move, and is a dangerous run-and-jump athlete. I didn’t have him ranked high enough in the top 20. Ciaravino is a dog. Looks every bit like one of the best perimeter players in the class.
Antonio Munoz (6’7 SF, Whitney Young 2025)
Explosive wing should continue to draw coaches in. His motor is on another level. Now that his three-point shot is looking a little more lively and his handle is tighter, the level of dominance and impact on the game offensively should continue to take off.
Cam Cerese (6’3 PG, Lake Park 2024)
Pulled in his first offer. Did what he has been doing since last winter: produce. Should have another chance to open some eyes. Rock solid D2 guard with Division 1 appeal
Davis Bynum (6’8 SF, East St. Louis 2024)
Coming out party for those in the upper half of the state. Intriguing combination of ball-handling, size, athleticism, and range. Could be a monster in a few years. Received multiple Division 1 offers.
Jack Stanton (6’2 PG, Downers Grove 2024)
Stanton has every coach’s attention. Shooting, grit, passing, IQ, defensive intensity. All show up consistently. The high-major pulse should be ramping up this weekend.
Jakob Blakely (6’0 PG, Larkin 2024)
Blakely often faced two or three defenders and still was able to impress coaches with his composure, creativity, and leadership. A true three-level scorer, more college coaches should be in attendance to see him.
Jason Jakstys (6’11 PF, Yorkville 2024)
Fresh off of receiving his first Power 5 offer, I’d expect a bevy of other high-major schools to be front row to see Jakstys. His ability to lock down the paint defensively while shooting the ball with confidence and pushing the break separated him last weekend.
Jayden Tyler (5’10 PG, Homewood Flossmoor 2025)
Tyler just knows how to play. His reads and decisiveness are a breath of fresh air and his speed and scoring ability isn’t too bad either. Low and mid majors are familiar with him.
Jaylan McElroy (6’7 SF/PF, DePaul Prep 2024)
The defense, competitiveness, and activity level in the paint was notable last weekend. While McElroy can play the four, he’s able to guard all over the floor and looks like the most college-ready defender and energy-giver in the class.
Jehvion Starwood (6’3 PG, Oswego East 2024)
I actually think Starwood could have been on the list of players who college coaches need to see more. His explosiveness, body control, and skill off of the bounce are different. Easy to see the mid-major appeal.
Jurrell Baldwin (6’6 SF, Hyde Park 2024)
The versatility he showed as a junior have carried through the summer to this point. There should be some more coaches in to see what the floor spacing, high-upside wing has to offer.
Lee Marks (6’5 SG/SF, Mount Carmel 2024)
Marks was a big winner of the first live period, seeing a number of new offers. With how well he defends, finishes above the rim, and is now stretching the floor, the fit in a college system looks like a seamless transition in some ways. He’ll run it back this weekend.
Luke Kinkade (6’3 SG, Neuqua Valley 2024)
Lewis University pulled the trigger last weekend. Look for more schools to go in on a player who is both a fearless shooter and hard-nosed defender.
Mac Hagemaster (6’8 PF, Homewood Flossmoor 2024)
Another player who got their first offer, Hagemaster has a frame that will respond very well to a college strength program. He also showed bruising strength and nice athleticism to score in crowds, defend the paint, and clean up the glass.
Marcos Gonzales (6’3 PG/SG, Brother Rice 2025)
Gonzales was terrific last weekend and came away with his first Division 1 offer as a result. He’s just got a nose for making plays. From an athleticism and skill standpoint, he’s able to collapse defenses and hit tough shots. His on-ball defense also stood out.
Nick Allen (6’10 C, Bradley Bourbonnais 2025)
At RB, Allen showed his entire package on both ends. The ability to catch passes and finish above the rim on a sprint, block or alter shots at a high volume, and step outside to hit a handful of threes made a lasting impression. Allen has high-major glimpses.
Nick Taylor (6’7 PF, Glenbrook South 2024)
It’s hard to miss a 6-foot-7 player who is the first to loose balls and is outrunning guards up the court. Taylor brings a different type of edge that helped him pull in his first D2 offer.
Phoenix Gill (6’3 PG, St. Ignatius 2025)
It was a matter of when, not if, for Phoenix Gill’s recruitment to take off. The takeover ability, team-first approach, and explosiveness didn’t take long to turn some heads last weekend. He has it.
Shaheed Solebo (6’5 SG, Lane Tech 2024)
Solebo is a force getting to the basket and had a nice showing of college coaches at their games at Riverside. The ability to score the ball with his size with continue to be appealing.
Stefan Cicic (7’0 C, Riverside Brookfield 2024)
I’ll go out on a limb and say Cicic will be the tallest player at Romeoville. Defenders struggled to keep him out of the paint and he was comfortable hitting hooks and push shots when he wasn’t dunking on defenders. More coaches will be keeping tabs on him.
20 Upperclassmen Who College Coaches Should Take A Longer Look At:
Arden Eaves (6’3 SG, Thonwood 2025)
Eaves has prototypical fluidity and athleticism to go along with a nice-looking outside stroke. High-upside guard.
Atticus Richmond (6’7 SF/PF, Stevenson 2025)
After dominating at Riverside, the face-up forward should be a player to watch this weekend. Long, athletic, and a very good outside shooter
Brady Sehlhorst (6’7 SG/SF, Notre Dame 2025)
Sehlhorst was a bright spot for NDCP. He’s a big wing that has a crafty handle and interior finishing game. Shot the ball well last weekend too.
Bryce Salek (6’5 SF, Yorkville 2024)
Salek stays in and above the rim. What level he ends up on may depend on the coach, but Salek is definitely a college-ready athlete who can shoot it
Cam Thomas (6’3 PG, Mount Carmel 2025)
Thomas was a catalyst for what was one of the best offensive groups in the entire event last weekend. He’s got great size and strength, makes efficient moves to score from the perimeter or at the rim, and impacts games in different ways. Division 1 guard.
Dainen Rucker (6’5 PG, East St. Louis 2024)
While Rucker’s teammate Bynum got a ton of recognition, he is another talented player for ESL who is also just beginning to realize his potential. Long-armed, playmaking guard who can force turnovers.
Elijah Lovemore (6’3 PG, Bloom 2025)
Lovemore had Bloom clicking on all cylinders with his decision making. Looks to be a potential breakout player this weekend.
Grant Best (6’3 PG/SG, Mount Carmel 2025)
Another junior for the Caravan who is just a hooper. Best is a sniper from the perimeter, but does off the bounce as well as off the catch. He was blistering hot in some games last weekend. Continues to be a rising prospect with scholarship talent.
Hudson Scroggins (6’7 SF/PF, Lake Forest 2025)
Scroggins is next up for a new-look Lake Forest team. But the tall, mobile forward has promising range and can do some nice things with the ball in dribble handoffs and as a backdoor passer. A player to track.
Ian Miletic (6’6 SG, Rolling Meadows 2025)
Known most for his versatility, Miletic showed how dangerous he is as a shooter. He was well over double-digit threes on the weekend while still flashing his ball-handling and passing prowess. He hasn’t even filled out physically yet either. Worth the look for D1s.
Jake Nosek (6’8 SF/PF, Metea Valley 2025)
Now in full swing this summer, Nosek’s shot profile at his size is appealing. There aren’t a ton of 6-foot-8 players coming off of screens and consistently knocking down threes. Very evident upside to track.
Jake Riemer (6’8 PF, Downers Grove North 2024)
Riemer impressed last weekend with his interior impact. He’s a load inside and has the frame and athleticism for college coaches to tap into. Coaches are likely seeing him on that D2/LM fringe. There is value there and good traits to buy stock in now
JJ Hernandez (6’6 SF, Glenbard North 2024)
There were some good moments for Hernandez at Riverside. Some of the games weren’t at marquee times though, so the athletic, defensive-minded wing should have a chance to get some more eyes on him this weekend.
Liam Taylor (6’8 SF/PF, Lyons 2024)
When Taylor was out there, you could see glimpses of the shooting ability and guard skills that make him a mismatch. In the matchups they have this weekend, he will have some more opportunities to show his inside-out game.
Makai Kvamme (6’1 PG, DePaul Prep 2025)
A smooth operator with as good of court sense as you’ll find in the junior class, Kvamme is a player you have to watch to truly appreciate. The vision, pace, finishing, and competitiveness will make him a joy to coach at the college level.
Meyoh Swansey (6’2 SG, Romeoville 2024)
Coaches got a chance to see the pull-up shooting and defensive presence that Swansey provides. Now in a familiar facility, he should have some repeat coaches along with new faces in the crowd to take a look at him.
Owen Giannoulias (6’0 PG, Glenbrook North 2024)
Giannoulias is both a reliable floor general and relentless competitor who gets it done on both ends. He hit a tough game-winner at RB and has the type of speed, passing, and high-efficiency scoring that needs to be seen by more coaches in need of PGs.
Reid Olson (6’0 PG, Niles North 2025)
Olson likely wasn’t seen much in the spring by college coaches, but his shooting range is as good as it gets. He doesn’t need much space and showed that he’s comfortable getting his own shot or playing off of others. Should definitely be on more radars.
Terrence Smith (6’4 SG, West Aurora 2025)
Some coaches who were able to see Smith know how much talent he possesses. But Smith has some jaw-dropping athleticism and upside that highlights don’t really do justice to. Show up for the explosiveness and stay for the agility, shooting ability, and defense he gives. A top-5 prospect in the class.
Tre Blissett (6’5 SG/SF, Waubonsie Valley 2025)
Blissett really shot the ball well last weekend but wasn’t able to play in front of too many college coaches. Hopefully that changes, because the lanky wing is on the upswing and will be a serious D2 player with his shot looking like it did.
10 Young Players Who Should Breakout:
Amir Danforth (6’0 PG, Rockford Auburn 2026)
Danforth is a slick ball-handler capable of going on scoring outbursts from different spots on the floor. Plays tough defense and has a seasoned feel for the game.
Davon Grant (6’4 PF, Dekalb 2026)
You’d think Grant was 6-foot-10 with the way he impacts games in the paint. Top tier athleticism and leaping ability to go along with an attacking mentality in the paint to hunt rebounds and block shots. Going to get a lot taller as well.
Gavin Mueller (6’6 PF, St. Francis 2026)
Will be among the most physically developed sophomores at Romeoville. Big, physical, and plays with a mean streak in the paint. Mueller has a face-up game and catch-and-shoot ability that is worth tracking as well.
Jake Pollack (6’7 SF, Deerfield 2026)
A player who will open a lot of eyes with his long strides and guard skills. Was highlighted last week as a prospect to watch long-term, but Pollack is worth keeping tabs on right now.
Jamson Coulter (6’2 PG, Rich 2026)
A lot of underclassmen guards made a name for themselves last weekend, but Coulter may currently have the best combination of size, strength, skill, and athleticism. He’s a scoring machine off of the bounce and plays at his own pace. A potential nationally-recognized prospect.
Jerome Delaney (6’3 PG, OPRF 2026)
Smooth lefty guard plays with good pace and has positional size with plus vision. Transferred in from Fenwick but could give the backcourt a nice boost early on.
Lonnie Mosley (5’11 PG, Evergreen Park 2026)
Mosley is a scoring guard who has a nose for creating space for his shots. He has a build that suggests that he will put on a good amount of strength, but plays through contact well already.
Mike Nee (5’9 PG, Glenbard East 2026)
Nee is a sniper who knows how to maneuver off of ball screens and away screens to get his shots. Don’t be surprised if he has a couple of games with multiple threes.
Panayiotis Sotos (6’1 PG, Maine South 2026)
A returning starter, Sotos sees the floor well and has a mature understanding for game flow. Has range past the three-point line but is also adept at using his length to score inside with push shots.
Wood Cary (6’1 PG/SG, Moline 2026)
Cary is an energetic and athletic combo guard who has a chance to be really good. Penetrates the lane well and finishes through hits. Shows flashes of being a disruptive defender as well.