It’s a bit of a down time for a lot of high school players getting ready for the school year. But a lot of seniors are utilizing this period to narrow down their college options. A number of players in the 2024 class have already announced their commitments, but there is still a bevvy of in-state talent that is still available across all levels.
We will highlight a few uncommitted seniors who project out to the D1 and D2 level, from some of the best still available to some who are largely under the radar, with plenty of overlap between the two. This is not an all-inclusive list of 2024s who are on track to be D1/D2 players and if you would like to see our list of 150 of the top senior prospects in the state, you can view that HERE.
*Offers listed are only stated offers. Some may be missing or may no longer be on the table in certain situations.
Best Available:
Jack Stanton (6’2 PG, Downers Grove North)
Calling Cards:
- Shooting
- Creating Offense Off The Dribble
- Toughness, Maturity, and Work Ethic
Level Projection: Mid-Major D1
Offers:
- D1: Bradley, Bucknell, Cal Poly, Columbia, Dartmouth, Drake, Fordham, Furman, Holy Cross, Illinois State, Miami (OH), Penn, Rice, Southern Illinois, St. Thomas, Stanford, Valparaiso, Yale
- D2: Lewis
Stanton is the best prospect available in the class and has been the ultimate model of consistent production and improvement. He is currently the most proven, complete shooter in the state when you consider standstill catch-and-shoots, hitting tough pull-ups off the bounce, and shooting off of different cuts and away screens. Stanton is a gym rat who has continued to add layers to his game as a playmaker and defender while putting on good muscle. He will be a fan favorite and winner at the next level.
Chris Riddle (6’6 SF, Kenwood)
Calling Cards:
- Slashing
- Positional Size and Athleticism
- Wing Defense
Level Projection: Mid-Major D1
Offers:
- D1: Akron, Bradley, DePaul, Eastern Michigan, Illinois, Illinois State, Indiana State, Nevada, Northern Illinois, Portland, Texas Tech, Toledo, UNLV, Western Illinois
It has always looked like Riddle’s game was better suited for the college game than high school. Nonetheless, the athletic wing continued to impress this summer with Mac Irvin and is set to have a big-time breakout senior year after coming off of the bench at times last year. The size, shooting, and defensive potential hint towards a player whose stats can’t fully encompass his talent.
Jaden Smith (6’11 C, Kenwood)
Calling Cards:
- Shot Blocking
- Length
- Rim Running
Level Projection: Low-to-Mid Major D1
Offers:
- D1: Akron, Arizona State, Cal Poly, Dayton, Eastern Michigan, Fordham, Georgia Tech, Illinois-Chicago, Illinois State, Loyola (MD), McNeese State, Northern Illinois, Saint Louis, TCU, Western Illinois, Wyoming
Another Kenwood and Mac Irvin product, Smith was probably the biggest winner of the summer when it comes to centers in the class. A shot-blocking extraordinaire, he led the EYBL in blocks and caught the attention of many with how well he moved and looked shooting the ball. Good upside, particularly as an anchor of a college defense with flexibility to play in drop or hold his own in switches.
Eoin Dillon (6’9 PF, Peoria Notre Dame)
Calling Cards:
- Floor Spacing and Pick & Pop Game
- Mobility At Size
- Physical Upside
Level Projection: Low-to-Mid Major D1
Offers:
- D1: American, Bradley, Dartmouth, Eastern Illinois, Green Bay, Illinois State, Loyola (MD), SIUE, St. Thomas, Stonehill, Toledo
Among the elite shooting forwards in the class, Dillon has what college coaches look for in a stretch-four. His build is going to add weight well, he’s a plus athlete at the position, and works out in the perimeter as a shooter and ball-handler more like a wing than a big. Dillon played well with the Illinois Wolves and has a good number of options to choose from. I really like how his game translates to 5-out systems.
Je’Shawn Stevenson (6’4 SG, Lindblom)
Calling Cards:
- Downhill Driving
- Scoring Instincts
- Strength and Size
Level Projection: Low-to-Mid Major D1
Offers:
- D1: Cleveland State, Northern Illinois, Saint Louis, Yale
Lindblom’s star guard isn’t a secret anymore. For a combo guard, he is very physically developed and plays to and through contact at a rate that is going to immediately work in his favor in college. He’s proven that he can thrive as the go-to, high-volume guy but also showed this summer that he can be an efficient, off-ball option who can make some plays for others.
Davis Bynum (6’8 SF/PF, Esat St. Louis)
Calling Cards:
- Versatility on Both Ends
- Ball-handling and Passing Ability
- Rebounding
Level Projection: Low-to-Mid Major D1
Offers:
- D1: Cal State Fullerton, Eastern Illinois, Illinois State, Lindenwood, SIUE, Valparaiso
Bynum’s multi-faceted game made waves during the June live periods. That momentum carried well into July where the 6-foot-8 Swiss-Army knife pulled in more suitors. He looks like a potential impact defender across multiple spots and will be able to facilitate or make smaller defenders pay inside as his back to the basket game develops. Very projectable, versatile forward.
Braeden Carlsen (6’4 SG, Wauconda)
Calling Cards:
- Perimeter Shooting
- Efficient Three-Level Scoring
- Strength, Physicality, and Projectable Frame
Level Projection: Low-to-Mid Major D1
Offers:
- D1: Incarnate Word, Mercer
Carlsen finally started to pick up some steam in July after showing a steady, high-caliber all-around game. He can score using post ups, mid-range pull-ups, or volleyball line threes while making plays in the flow of the offense. For a 6-foot-4 guard who already has the strength and footwork to fit into a college system as both a scorer and positional defender, some coach will be getting a steal.
Jehvion Starwood (6’3 PG, Oswego East)
Calling Cards:
- High-Level Athleticism
- Dribble Penetration
- Defensive Activity
Level Projection: Low-to-Mid Major D1
Offers:
- D1: Illinois State, Miami (OH), Southern Illinois, Wyoming
High-flying combo guard has looked the part of a Division 1 guard for years, steadily improving and fine-tuning his skill. Now, he has a number of options and is among the better two-way guards in the state. He will show his ability to carry the load for Oswego East this year, but his finishing, tenacious defense, and open court game made the necessary statements over the last six months.
DeKwon Brown (6’3 PG, Simeon)
Calling Cards:
- Breaking Down Defenders In Space
- Pick-and-Roll Scoring
- Pace
Level Projection: Low-to-Mid Major D1
Offers:
- D1: High Point, Kent State, Radford, Robert Morris, Western Illinois
By transferring to Simeon, Brown immediately became one of the top players in the Chicago Public League. His one-on-one ability and scoring instincts as a lead guard make him a nightmare in most matchups. Brown also has solid vision and will be the type of college guard who you can trust in ball screen actions.
Braylon Roman (6’4 PG, Normal)
Calling Cards:
- Length, Athleticism, and Body Control
- Getting To The Rim
- Defensive Upside
Level Projection: Low-to-Mid Major D1
Offers:
- D1: Bradley, Illinois-Chicago, Illinois State, Murray State, Radford, Robert Morris
Even though Roman doesn’t receive the same attention as some Chicago area guards, his upside is right up there with some of the best. A true 6-foot-4 with length and feel for the game, Roman can facilitate for his teammates and has that knack for using his athleticism and strides to get into the paint in creative ways. I like his defensive impact as well, potentially developing into a stopper at both backcourt spots.
Underappreciated D1/D2 Prospects To Not Forget About:
Calvin Robins Jr. (6’5 SF/PF, Kenwood)
Calling Cards:
- Elite Athleticism
- Motor
- High Character
Level Projection: Low-to-Mid Major D1
Offers:
- D1: Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth, Hampton, Illinois-Chicago, Illinois State, Oakland, Radford, Western Illinois, Yale,
Forget his position, Robins is a basketball player. Injuries robbed him of his summer, but Robins is as electric of an athlete and checks as many intangible boxes as you’ll find. From rebounding to defending on the interior and on the wing to catching lobs, he makes things happen. I hope coaches haven’t forgotten that.
Cam Cerese (6’3 PG, Lake Park)
Calling Cards:
- Creative Scoring
- On-Ball Defense
- Work Ethic
Level Projection: D2/Low-Major D1
Offers:
- D2: Lewis
Cerese’s efficiency speaks volumes. Throughout his junior season and AAU with Greater Purpose Athletics, Cerese was locking down defensively, operating off of the dribble to score and playmake, and doing so with a high level of competitiveness. He is one of the more underrated PG recruits.
Carlos Harris (6’2 PG, Curie)
Calling Cards:
- Finishing At The Rim
- Open Court Playmaking
- Fearless Play Style
Level Projection: Low-to-Mid Major D1
Offers:
- D1: Eastern Illinois, Illinois, Illinois-Chicago, Northern Illinois, Southern Indiana, Radford
Harris has been a difference maker for Curie for years and had a solid showing with Meanstreets this spring and summer. His physical driving game may not be as seamless of a transition as a knockdown shooter, but his toughness and grit will be a difference maker. Harris regularly shows up and does what is needed to win.
DJ Bolden (6’2 PG, Westinghouse)
Calling Cards:
- Downhill Driving
- Scoring Instincts
- Quickness
Level Projection: D2
Offers: N/A
Bolden is another player who has produced at a high level but may get lost in the shuffle of Chicago guards at times. But college coaches should take a deeper look at a scoring guard who is a disruptive defender and above-average athlete by college standards. He may be a player who opens eyes in the midst of his senior season, but he’s got a chance.
Connor May (6’7 SG/SF, Palatine)
Calling Cards:
- Two-Way Versatility
- Catch-and-Shoot Ability
- Positional Size
Level Projection: Low-to-Mid Major D1
Offers:
- D1: Eastern Illinois, Lehigh
- D2: Lewis
College coaches love versatility and May is a chameleon on both ends. His deliberate ball-handling and passing ability separate him from other wings, but he is also a reliable shooter who can really score in the paint off of penetration and face-ups. May has some solid options to choose from and will be one of a few returning All-State 4A players.
Kelton McEwen (6’2 PG)
Calling Cards:
- Shooting
- Pick-and-Roll Decision Making
- Off Ball Movement
Level Projection: D2
Offers: N/A
McEwen showed well in June and is right up there with the most elite shooters in the class. Beyond pure spot shooting, McEwen is a savvy pick-and-roll player with a quick stop-and-pop game and floaters to score inside. He hasn’t pulled in the same offers as some other PGs, but McEwen has the skill level and composure to thrive, especially in college when he isn’t being no-helped every game.
Jaylan McElroy (6’7 SF/PF, DePaul Prep)
Calling Cards:
- Lockdown Defense Across Multiple Positions
- Energy and Effort
- Athleticism and Projectable Frame
Level Projection: Low-Major D1
Offers:
- D1: Illinois State, Loyola (MD)
He’s not the flashiest player, but McElroy has the traits that tend to make an early impact at the college level. Maturity, a defensive-minded approach, and relentless energy stand out. The 6-foot-7 forward can guard all over the floor and rebounds with intensity until the final buzzer. On top of that, his off-ball movement will help keep his defenders honest. Defense and energy translate.
Miles Boland (6’3 SG, Loyola)
Calling Cards:
- Perimeter Shooting
- Playmaking As A Primary Or Secondary Ball-Handler
- Toughness and Activity
Level Projection: D2/Low-Major D1
Offers: N/A
Boland is strong, intelligent, and can score on the perimeter and in the paint. And yet, it doesn’t seem like college coaches have fully tapped into what he provides. There could be a number of factors, but Boland is the type of kid who you can watch three different times and he’ll will his team in three different ways. It’s only a matter of time before he picks up his first offer.
Nick Taylor (6’7 PF, Glenbrook South)
Calling Cards:
- High Motor and Relentless Effort
- Quick-Twitch Athleticism
- Finishing Ability
Level Projection: D2
Offers:
- D1: Incarnate Word
- D2: Lewis, Wisconsin Parkside
It’s impossible to talk about Taylor without mentioning toughness and energy. But his athleticism is something that should be getting more discussion. Taylor has an impressive second jump to get offensive rebounds and can finish in the paint like a player three or four inches taller. He has also shown signs of becoming a pick-and-pop threat who can flex to the wing more often.
Will Ashford (6’6 SF, Metea Valley)
Calling Cards:
- Length
- Smooth Skillset As A Shooter And Slasher
- Defensive Upside
Level Projection: D2
Offers: N/A
Ashford seemed to open a lot of eyes this summer with how well he utilized his athleticism, length, and quickly-improving pull-up game. He passes the eye test for a scholarship-level wing and is on the trajectory to being a player who shows significant growth even during his senior year. Ashford is a player who coaches should look to pull the trigger on soon.