We tuned in to a couple of games via livestream of the NY2LA Swish N Dish event featuring two local 17U teams that aren’t in the area this weekend. Here were some of the standouts.

Illinois Wolves 17U

Ian Miletic (6’7 SG, Rolling Meadows)

The talent and professional approach from Miletic were notable. Even when he wasn’t looking to score, he made timely cuts, was active with his hands and length defensively, and facilitated well. It was easy to see the proficient shooting ability with sound mechanics and quick lift on his jumper. But he also did significant damage getting downhill, showing the handle and explosiveness that make him a mismatch at 6-foot-7. Above all else, he was one of the standouts of the weekend when it came to encouraging and cheering on his teammates. Miletic has prototypical length, skill, athleticism, IQ, and superb intangibles. High-major kid who has developed into a top-5 2025 prospect in Illinois.

Jaylan McElroy (6’7 PF, DePaul Prep 2024)

McElroy’s defense, as usual, was a difference maker. He came over from the weakside for blocks and vertical contests while showing good lateral movement in space defensively. Offensively, McElroy did a nice job drawing contact and getting to the line. McElroy was a tenacious two-way performer for a Wolves team that had a nice blend of positional length around him. For programs looking to fill their last few spots, McElroy is one of the best remaining players on the board.

Marcos Gonzalez (6’3 SG, Brother Rice)

Gonzalez worked in multiple areas for the Wolves, looking good using his length to create space. He balanced getting out and running the wing and being a secondary playmaker to get some looks for others. The Brother Rice guard has solid strength and really good body control when weaving in and out of the lane, oftentimes finding finishing angles that don’t seem available. Another Division 1 prospect to track.

Nick Allen (6’11 C, Bradley Bourbonnais)

The defense understandably put some focus on Allen, who handled the extra attention well by making passes out of the post. It’s always impressive to see how easily and fluidly Allen moves at 6-foot-11 when he is rolling to the rim. On a couple of occasions, he created deep positioning, leg whipped, and set himself up to receive quality looks. But where he made the biggest impact was on the interior on the other end where he was disrupting actions and challenging shots. Even some of the more explosive finishers struggled to get a clean look inside. Allen continues to show flashes of a Power 5 big man.

Sean Reynolds (6’1 PG/SG, DeKalb)

It was a three-point show from a highly reliable marksman in Reynolds. He stepped into kick outs from post touches or dribble penetration and was cashing in from the perimeter. There are a lot of repeatable features to his shot and the rotation was textbook coming out of his hands. In addition to the shooting display, Reynolds made some heady defensive plays to pick up steals, get deflections, and corral loose balls. Another kid who is a steady producer, Reynolds will be on a lot of radars to see in person this spring and summer.

Tyreek Coleman (6’2 PG, Waubonsie Valley)

Coleman was a spark plug and ignited a key turning point for the Wolves. He showed a little bit of everything offensively, breaking down defenders to get to the rim, hitting an open three, and driving and kicking. Coleman has more of a smooth game, but his long strides and change of speeds were enough to get where he needed with the ball. In one-on-one situations defensively, he turned ball handlers and showed some promise as an on-ball stopper. The momentum from his big junior year will continue.

MidPro Academy 17U

Braden Freeman (6’6 SG, Moline)

His best trait is his ability to do a little bit of everything. The versatile Moline wing made an effort to find the best shot in the offense, whether that was keeping it himself on his timely slashes or feeding cutters, bigs, or shooters. Freeman is a legitimate 6-foot-6 with solid ball skills and comfort attacking closeouts and scoring creatively in the lane. I thought his rebounding and nose for the ball were excellent and his defensive presence was effective as usual. One of many players who will have multiple D1 suitors.

Dietrich Richardson (6’7 PG, Peoria Manual)

Richardson has a chance to be special. 6-foot-7 point guards are rare, but finding one that runs, jumps, and handles like a traditional explosive lead guard is beyond unique. He was shaking defenders and effortlessly getting into the teeth of the defense where he finished over and around the help defenders if they got there in time. From the early going, he dribbled to his spots around the foul line and sprung up to get to his pull-up. The advanced feel as a passer led to multiple wide open shots for teammates. Richardson anticipates rotations and delivers the ball on time and on target. There was also a lot to like about his defense, particularly as a shot blocker out of the backcourt and as a versatile, one through three perimeter defender. Richardson may not be well-known to those in the Chicago area, but he is one of those guys. High-major guard with star potential.

Kobe Walker (6’10 C, Normal)

You can’t teach size but you can teach skill. It seems like Walker has continued to progress with his interior footwork, touch, and impact inside. Walker was all over the glass, particularly giving the defense fits on the offensive glass. He must’ve been well over 10 rebounds in the game with a few leading to putbacks. If he rolled or there was an advantageous switch, he buried defenders or hunkered down in the dunkers spot. Walker will be a strong piece for this group as a true big.

Leshawn Stowers (6’5 PG/SG, Peoria)

One of the more understated traits that college coaches look for is the ability to do what is needed for your team to be successful. Stowers, a powerful scorer who went for 20 points a game during the high school season, was thriving at the point guard spot getting the team into sets and controlling the tempo against some full court pressure. As the game progressed, he found opportunities to get downhill with a head of steam and finish. But you have to imagine that showing his comfort at both guard spots will only help his stock.

Matthew Zobrist (6’5 SG, Metamora)

Zobrist is a pure perimeter scorer. MidPro was able to run him off of pindowns and find him on the move for a bunch of threes throughout the game. The balance and footwork to get square really stood out from the Metamora guard, who is a college-ready shooter. He’s got a college-ready frame as well, with a stocky build and the toughness to deliver contact and make plays in crowds. Sometimes overlooked, but Zobrist is a good passer and aggressive downhill driver when the jumpers aren’t there, making a few crafty and athletic moves inside. Every time I watch Zobrist, I like him more. Zobrist is a Division 1 prospect who will help a program win games and have a lot of opposing coaches wishing they offered.