This is one of our favorite annual holiday posts, where we highlight some promising seniors across the state who are still uncommitted heading into the new year. Many of these players have some level of interest or offers already, while others are still flying far under the radar. We always look forward to discussing some of the guys who are still out there for college coaches looking to round out their recruiting classes across levels.
For projections on what level each player projects to and what role their game may lend to at the college level, you can view a sortable table here.
Point Guards/Combo Guards
Adam Flowers (6-4 PG, Downers Grove South)
Flowers has been excellent all year and continues to look like one of the better uncommitted guards. He has size, shot-making ability, and a swagger to him that shows up in big moments.
Adonis Vassilakis (6-0 PG, Marist)
After recently surpassing 1,000 career points, the gritty Marist lead guard looks primed for a strong showing in ESCC play. Vassiliakis is a shutdown defender who makes plays for others and scores when needed.
Ahmad Lee (6-3 PG, Lincoln Park)
Lee is a scoring guard who is a key cog for a talented Lincoln Park team. He has a seasoned pull-up game with an unwavering demeanor.
AJ Berndt (6-1 PG, Cary Grove)
Berndt is a winner at the lead guard spot. He is a productive long-range shooter, smart decision maker, and opportunistic defender.
Ali Tharwani (5-11 PG, Marmion)
Tharwani continues to produce as a primary playmaker and scorer for the Cadets. He regularly gets to his spots off the dribble and makes jumpers on the move.
Alijah Little (6-3 PG, Plainfield East)
Little is already putting together a nice senior year after transferring back to Plainfield East. The athletic pop, slashing, and shot creation upside are there.
Branden Chatman (6-0 PG, Rockford Guilford)
The Rockford Guilford standout is a crafty, competitive guard who can get hot in a hurry. At the next level, he will be a spark plug who provides immediate offense.
Braylon Walker (6-2 SG, Warren)
Walker is a tremendous defender with strength and discipline to complement a toughness offensively to do what is needed to affect winning. He is showing more scoring prowess this year and continues to be a connector.
Cam Johnson (6-2 PG, UHigh)
A scoring dynamo from U-High, Johnson is a powerful guard who can score through contact at will. The versatility and pure bucket getting will serve him well going forward.
Carter Newsome (5-10 PG, Waukegan)
A four-year lead guard for Waukegan, Newsome is a skilled shooter and ball-handler. As he continues to add weight, Newsome should be a productive two-way guard.
Dominic Mordini (6-4 PG, Lake Forest)
Mordini is a legitimate, multi-purpose big guard who can take over games as a scorer or passer. He is a skilled interior finisher who scores in the mid-range, stretches the floor past the three-point line, and operates effectively in space or ball screens.
Donovan Williams (6-0 PG, Stevenson)
Williams is a quick-twitch athlete equipped with downhill skill and perimeter shot-making ability. He projects as a difference-making defender as well with his explosiveness.
Justin Oliver (6-0 PG, Curie)
Oliver has become one of the top guards in the Chicago area and has shown up against high-level competition. His knack for scoring the ball from all over the floor is hard to find. He is a true scoring guard.
Lawson Zulu (6-0 PG, Rock Island)
Zulu remains a promising two-way guard out of the Quad Cities area. On a loaded Rock Island team, he still shows lateral quickness, great hands, and a slick slashing game.
Logan Luxem (6-2 PG, Hersey)
Luxem has shown flashes of brilliance as a playmaker and creator for the Huskies. He has real length and great vision to make things happen with the ball.
Luca Stella (6-4 SG, Lake Park)
Stella has shown good footwork, three-point range, and physicality inside at the guard spot. He possesses a good feel and the frame to guard all three perimeter spots.
Luke Smith (6-1 PG, Belleville Althoff)
Smith is an underrated lead guard who is excellent at making plays for others and running an offense. He is a sound shooter who passes guys open and forces turnovers with his anticipation defensively.
Marcus Johnson (6-1 PG, Sycamore)
Johnson is making an immediate impact at Sycamore as a top-scoring option and complementary decision maker for the Spartans. The 6-foot-1 guard makes things happen consistently.
Mark Render (6-1 PG, Antioch)
Render is a tough kid who does what is needed to contribute to winning. This year, there is more scoring and shot-making for Render, who is producing across the board for Antioch.
Maurice Neeley (6-2 SG, St. Patrick)
Neeley has been a breakout player for St. Pats and is looking like a disruptor defensively and a serious dribble-drive threat on the offensive end.
Myair Thompson (5-10 PG, Kankakee)
Thompson is that traditional, pitbull point guard who makes up for a lack of size with aggressiveness and confidence with the ball. He continues to be an x-factor for Kankakee.
Panayiotis Sotos (6-2 PG, Maine South)
Sotos is carrying an incredibly heavy load in his fourth varsity season and doing so admirably. The physical, 6-foot-2 guard can shut down opposing guards, shoot the three, and make on-time deliveries on the move.
Robert Sansone (6-0 PG, Montini)
Sansone is a gifted scorer who has a college-ready offensive bag as a long-range shooter and pull-up scorer. As he continues to add strength, he could be a double-digit scorer at the college level.
Rocco Pagliocca (6-2 PG, Stevenson)
Pagliocca has overcome adversity and is looking like the highly-skilled guard that intrigued many as an underclassman. The 6-foot-2 guard can play on and off the ball and use his handle and IQ to manufacture offense.
Tishawn Clemmons (5-9 PG, Decatur MacArthur)
Clemmons can take over games as a volume scorer, but has become a more confident floor general and pace setter as well. Expect several college coaches to laud his speed, scoring, and point-of-attack defense.
Torey Baskin (6-2 PG, Hoffman Estates)
Baskin is having an All-State type of season for Hoffman, scoring on command from all three levels and doing so efficiently. He is a competitive kid who guards the ball and steps up in big moments as well.
Trey Birditt (6-0 PG, Normal)
Birditt is making the most of his senior season in a big role. His driving, defense, and motor are producing results statistically and from a leadership perspective.
Tyjuan Hunter (5-6 PG, Hope)
Hunter’s heart and production can’t be questioned. He simply makes things happen as a shifty ball-handler who makes tough shots look routine.
Xavier Justice (5-11 PG, Batavia)
Justice is a floor general for the Bulldogs who continues to look like a quality decision maker at the next level with how he controls the tempo and lets plays develop.
Cason Newton (6-1 SG, Byron)
An excellent athlete with speed and burst in the open court, Newton is a productive shooter who gets to his spots well. He projects as a disruptive on-ball defender who makes plays in the flow of the offense.
Danny Snyder (6-0 SG, Glenbard East)
Snyder is a tough kid who shoots the laces off the ball out of the backcourt. He has a frame that should translate well to the college game and is a willing and capable on-ball defender.
Ethan MacDermot (6-3 SG, Benet)
A transfer from Australia, MacDermot is an impressive connector for Benet. He is physically strong, plays off of two feet in the paint, knocks down open looks, and provides good defensive energy. He is one of the more unheralded seniors in the state with a chance to be a really good college player.
Miles Okyne (6-4 PG, Naperville North)
Okyne’s stock keeps rising following a strong summer where he seemed to put the pieces together. The 6-foot-4 point guard sees the floor well, takes opposing guards out of games with his defense, and can score in bunches when needed.
Tyler Thompson (6-6 SG, Triad)
Thompson is a big, 6-foot-6 combo guard who uses his frame incredibly well to get to his spots, make plays in crowds, and shoot over smaller defenders. He rebounds, passes, and shoots it at a plus clip.
Wings
Aamir Shannon (6-4 SG, Joliet West)
The explosive Joliet West guard is a strong attacker off the bounce who will be a useful slasher at the next level. Shannon provides some physical traits that you can’t teach at the two-guard spot.
Bryson Mossman (6-4 SG, Routt)
Mossman is among the best available two-guards in the state, bringing a polished three-point stroke, good positional length, and improved athleticism. He knows how to fill it up offensively and is a competitive defender who is focused on winning.
Cameron Mercer (6-3 SG, Riverside Brookfield)
Mercer has been on the radar for a few years now, flashing potential as a lockdown defender with plenty of shot-making to track. Look for the 6-foot-3 guard to be near the top of the target list for some programs.
Carson Loughlin (6-3 SG, Naperville North)
Loughlin looks to be closer to 6-foot-4 and is a very well-rounded guard with vision, spot-up shooting, and effective anticipation and activity defensively. He is off to a strong start for a very good Naperville North team.
Charlie Pomis (6-3 SG, Hersey)
One of the top uncommitted two-guards in the Chicago area, Pomis is a dynamic athlete who attacks the rim with force but also has shooting range past the college line. His length and anticipation should lead to positive defensive outputs at the next level as well.
Eddie Smajic (6-6 SG, Columbia)
Smajic is back after missing time due to injury and hasn’t wasted any time getting reacclimated. He is a physical wing who handles the ball with confidence, makes tough shots off of the dribble, and can make some plays that 6-foot-6 guards don’t usually pull off.
Eli Loeding (6-4 SG, Prairie Ridge)
Loeding is an under-the-radar wing with size, athleticism, and scoring instincts. Early in the year, he is carrying the load for Prairie Ridge and showing some of the shooting ability and high-flying ability that made him one of the area’s top scorers last year.
Evan Frieders (6-5 SG, Kaneland)
Frieders has positional size and good slashing ability to go with it. He is putting together a strong year for Kaneland and should continue to attract programs going into the new year.
Isaiah Feuerbach (6-4 SG, Sycamore)
Feuerbach has developed as an all-around guard with the size to play both wing spots effectively while still scoring the ball in a variety of ways. He is a four-year player for the Spartans.
Jackson Bohm (6-3 SG, Mahomet-Seymour)
Bohm is a big-time producer for Mahomet-Seymour as an aggressive driver, rhythm shooter, and tough shot maker. He works hard on the defensive end and has a college-ready frame with very good leaping ability. Bohm is going to be a very good college player with time.
Jacob Love (6-2 SG, St. Charles North)
Love stands out as a three-point specialist who doesn’t have many off days from beyond the arc. He is a well-built guard who understands how to find shots in the flow of the offense.
Josh Humbles (6-3 SG, Peoria Manual)
Humbles took another step forward this year with his offensive game, after proving to be a difference maker as a wing defender. When needed, Humbles gets to the lane at will and either finishes himself or facilitates well.
Kain Kretschmar (6-4 SG, Lake Zurich)
Checking most of the boxes for a solid two-guard, Kretschmar spaces the floor at a high level and shows the ability to manufacture shots with the ball in his hands. He has garnered several suitors following a big summer.
Karson Komnick (6-3 SG, Lincoln)
Komnick is an All-State player for Lincoln who shoots it well from distance and causes havoc in passing lanes defensively. He continues to lead the way during his senior season.
Karson Thomas (6-4 SG, Marist)
Thomas produces on both ends, adding value as a mid-range scorer, driver, and on-ball defender. Expect the Redhawk standout to draw interest from several levels.
Kye Ward-Owens (6-5 SG, Hyde Park)
Ward-Owens is a power guard who has been a primary decision maker at times during his time at Hyde Park. He is a walking mismatch with his handle, size, playmaking, and tenacity.
Lakon Otto (6-3 SG, Canton)
Otto projects best as a long-range shooter who has some athleticism to work with as he develops. At 6-foot-3, he has a solid ability to put it on the ground when defenders close out too aggressively.
Lincoln Williams (6-6 SG, Kankakee)
The top uncommitted senior in the state and one of the best in the Midwest, Williams is a gifted wing on both ends. He impacts the game on the glass as a wing stopper and as a multi-use offensive player. When you add his athleticism, positional length, and instincts, the appeal is clear.
Lucas Johnson (6-3 SG, De La Salle)
Johnson has shown some promising glimpses in the early going this year. There is clear talent in how he attacks the paint, recovers defensively, and makes plays in space.
Maddox Ritzel (6-4 SG, Nashville)
Ritzel is a bully guard who excels at getting to the rim and using his athleticism and physicality to complete plays. His defensive instincts stand out on the wing, but he also has shown confidence, knocking down open threes. He has a unique blend of strength, athleticism, and skill.
Mason Keller (6’2 SG, Rockford Lutheran)
Keller returned as a big-time scorer for Rockford Lutheran and is a gifted outside shooter with a solid build. He gets to his spots and works the perimeter well, both of which should be of use in the college game.
Miccah Butler (6-4 SG, Edwardsville)
Butler has a pure outside stroke and is around 6-foot-5 for Edwardsville. He fits a clear role as a premium catch-and-shoot threat with some athletic pop and a developing frame.
Oliver Gray (6-6 SG, Barrington)
Gray is the best remaining perimeter scorer in the state and a clear asset at the college level with how well he shoots the ball. The 6-foot-6 guard has gotten stronger, continues to show more bounce in the open floor, and is able to manufacture jumpers on command. He has a chance to be a big impact player at the college level.
Parker Krogman (6-3 SG, Eastland)
Krogman is slightly overlooked, but he has been a mainstay at Eastland and shown plenty to look forward to as a prospect. He operates out of the triple threat well and is a very good athlete who elevates well on his pull-up.
Sean Day (6-4 SG, Downers Grove South)
The lanky lefty is a deadeye shooter who is taking on added responsibility this year. If he decides to play in college, the 6-foot-4 guard has good sense with the ball and can break open games from the perimeter.
Sean Lee (6-4 SG, Decatur MacArthur)
Lee is going to be a great late addition to a program, looking like one of the more forceful drivers and finishers in the senior class. His development as a perimeter shooter, ball-handler, and decision maker has taken his game to another level. His defensive upside is immense with his length, explosiveness, and nose for the ball.
Simereon Carter (6-4 SG, Waukegan)
Carter is battling an injury right now, but he has been brilliant for stretches for Waukegan. His downhill driving has always been a strength, but Carter has really refined his all-around game and looks like a potential force down the line.
Timi Ogunsanya (6-3 SG, Evanston)
Ogunsanya is a bit of a late bloomer for the Wildkits, but has taken advantage of his opportunity and is proving to be a downhill weapon and defensive menace for Evanston. He has solid form with his feet set and should continue to round out his game with time.
TJ Williams (6-3 SG, Bolingbrook)
Williams is making a lasting impression at Bolingbrook. His two-foot explosiveness is next-level, and he has been a constant asset in the open floor. Williams also has some appeal as a standstill shooter and a weakside defender who generates steals at a high clip.
Tommy Moffett (6-5 SG, Fremd)
A tall, versatile wing, Moffett is a rock-solid player who contributes across the board for Fremd. He pushes the pace in transition, is an excellent cutter, attacks open space, and stretches the floor.
Tony Salemi (6-1 SG, Wauconda)
Salemi’s effortless athleticism stands out, but his motor and competitive nature are just as critical in his long-term projection. He is a willing and relentless defender who recovers quickly and adds value as a three-point threat for Wauconda.
Adrian Riep (6-4 SF, Lake Zurich)
High-energy wings are always of value, particularly when they have the athleticism and size to complement it. Riep has so much more to his offensive game than he gets credit for, and Lake Zurich has seen that flourish this year.
Charles Barnes (6-6 SF, Marist)
Barnes is a very versatile, 6-foot-6 wing who can play all three spots on the perimeter. He has playmaking ability, is a slick shooter, and works to defend in space. He has a nice physical runway to tap into as well.
Cooper Mellican (6-5 SF, St. Charles North)
Mellican is a workhorse on both ends of the floor and brings winning traits that will translate. He’s got a great frame, plays through bumps on his drives, shoots it well off the catch, and is a tireless competitor defensively and on the glass. I remain high on his upside and willingness to continue expanding his game.
Daylyn Porter (6-5 SF, Romeoville)
Porter’s ability to make plays for others or attack closeouts from the wing will be of use as he matures. The 6-foot-5 wing brings an edge on the defensive side of the ball as well, switching across multiple positions.
Evan Blankenship (6-5 SF, Batavia)
Blankenship has continued to ascend as a quality two-way prospect. He is capable of excelling as a face-up four or using his athleticism and length on the wing, where he is a capable perimeter shooter and slasher.
Fenix Foy (6-4 SF, Peoria)
Foy showed a lot of good signs in the summer as an active high-flyer with more layers to his game than he showed as a junior. He is a warrior on the defensive end and has continued to come along as an offensive threat.
Freddy Battaglia (6-4 SF, Lake Park)
Battaglia is having a big year for Lake Park, showing the rebounding prowess, straight-line driving, and low-post skill that have made him a promising prospect. He has the size, athleticism, and shooting ability to be a very productive college wing.
Jaali Love (6-7 SF, Waukegan)
Love looks the part of a lanky wing who can handle it in space and generate some offense for himself. A standout for Waukegan, he has been a big-time rebounder and scorer for them.
James Johnson (6-4 SF, Washington)
Johnson is a lockdown defender with a huge wingspan, high IQ, and plenty of offensive tools to work with consistently. He uses his frame well to score in crowds and has proven that he can score in bulk.
Joe Niego (6-7 SF, Brother Rice)
Niego is having a breakout year for the Crusaders, shooting it at a high clip and scoring in the low post with a variety of face-up and back-to-the-basket moves. He has put serious time into adding muscle and athleticism to complement a diverse skillset at 6-foot-7.
Josh Abushanab (6-5 SF, Glenbard West)
Abushanab does so many things well for the Hilltoppers, from initiating offense to scoring off of the dribble to causing turnovers with his defensive activity. The ceiling is high as he continues to put all of the tools together.
Luke Robinson (6-4 SF, Richmond Burton)
Robinson continues to be a catalyst for Richmond as a floor spacer and direct line driver with athleticism. The 6-foot-4 wing has a good frame that helps him hold his ground defensively.
Matt Welch (6-4 SF, Glenbard North)
Welch is a lights-out shooter in the midst of an excellent senior campaign for Glenbrook North. He has the strength to guard fours and is willing to bang inside as a finisher or rebounder.
Tommy Blyth (6-5 SF, Lyons)
The long-term arrow is pointing up for Blyth, a springy combo forward who gets to the rim well, rebounds above the rim, and shines defensively. He is also a catch-and-shoot threat with an ever-improving perimeter game.
Zion Lee (6-5 SF, DePaul Prep)
Lee is going to make a college coach happy late in the process. The 6-foot-5 forward defends all over the floor and goes up into traffic for rebounds and finishes inside. He has been a great fit with the disciplined, defensive-minded Rams.
Bigs
Adam Anwar (6-7 PF, McHenry)
Anwar is the best available face-up forward in the state, in the midst of an All-State season for McHenry. He is a high-level three-point shooter who has the frame, IQ, and skillset to be a mismatch problem in a variety of systems.
Adam Bauer (6-7 PF, Cary Grove)
Bauer is a powerful big who gets out in transition and rebounds at a high clip. He is a strong two-foot leaper who finishes above the rim as a roller and cutter. There is promise for him as a DHO and short roll threat as well.
Aris Morgan (6-7 PF, Rock Island)
Morgan transferred in over the summer and showed upside as a run-and-jump athlete capable of protecting the rim and cleaning the glass. He will appeal to programs across multiple levels.
Brady Ward (6-8 PF, IVC)
Now healthy, Ward has been a load inside with good feet, a solid build, and a bit of nastiness inside for IVC. He has shown the ability to step outside and hit jumpers and is only scratching the surface of his athleticism.
Cam Anderson (6-6 PF, Schaumburg)
The springy senior is showing well as the lead guy for Schaumburg. Anderson is a big-time athlete who has continued to develop as an all-around player for the Saxons.
Cooper Knowles (6-9 PF/C, West Hancock)
The best true big left on the board, Knowles is a dominant defensive presence who has a tireless motor, a quick second jump, and excellent timing as a shot blocker. He is an intriguing offensive threat as well with his rim running, value as a vertical lob threat, and blossoming face-up game.
Daniel Odhiambo (6’7 PF, Vernon Hills)
Odhiambo has opened eyes all year with a freakish level of athleticism and tenacity as a finisher for Vernon Hills. He is a serious double-double threat who is rising as a prospect.
Erik Vagonis (6-6 PF, Downers Grove South)
Vagonis is a modern four-man with some comfort stretching the floor and an active, attacking mindset off the ball. Look for him to continue to add strength with time.
Gage Peterson (6-5 PF, Waltonville)
A decorated scorer and rebounder for Waltonville, Peterson is in a position to have a great end to his career. He is crafty inside, works well in face-up situations, is a very good passer, and has shown the ability to own both backboards.
Jacob Marynowski (6-4 PF, Glenbard East)
A multi-year starter for the Rams, Marynowski is slightly undersized but does a great job of affecting games in the paint. He just finds a way to score off of seals and dump-offs and is a highly efficient interior finisher.
Jayden Madden (6-9 C, Bolingbrook)
One of the more projectable long-term bigs on the board, Madden is a disruptive rim protector and lob catcher who is heading in the right direction physically. He has a ton of upside.
Marc Gamble (6-7 PF, Timothy Christian)
Gamble remains a favorite with his shooting stroke, agility, and perimeter skill at 6-foot-7. He is in the midst of another big year for Timothy Christian and will continue attracting suitors.
Mason Moore (6-7 PF, Rich)
Moore had a strong summer and has looked to be on the brink of a breakthrough for some time. He has a big wingspan and serious athleticism that he uses well on both ends for Rich.
Pat Irvin (6-5 PF, Walter Payton)
Irvin is a do-it-all forward who is quietly one of the best forwards in the city. He is a double-double machine who has developed an inside-out game that will continue to expand in college.
Prince McCord (6-7 PF, Kenwood)
McCord brings the type of energy and upside that you look for in a young big. The physical traits are there, with the length and pogo-stick athleticism to alter shots inside and outrun opposing bigs.
RJ McPartlin (6-7 PF, St. Patrick)
McPartlin is a polished interior scorer who simply produces around the rim. He goes up strong and also has touch to hit hooks and push shots in the lane. The 6-foot-7 big man remains a primary threat for St. Pats.
Ryan Lipke (6-6 PF, Joliet West)
Lipke is a bit under the radar with how well he moves, gets off the ground, and impacts games. He’s a terrific offensive rebounder and screen outlet who has added good muscle and skill over the last few years.
Stephen George (6-6 C, St. Francis De Sales)
George looks like a grown man compared to other high school bigs, scoring on deep seals and carving out space well. He will be a solid low-post option with a college-ready build.
Troy DeFrates (6-7 PF, Jacksonville)
DeFrates is a bit of an unknown outside of his area, but he is a very effective two-way player. His combination of speed and length, along with an efficient, developing offensive game, makes him an intriguing long-term prospect.
Uros Mitrovic (6-5 PF, Grayslake North)
A lethal three-point shooter with a big frame for Grayslake North, Mitrovic is one of the best forwardsto haves come through the program. He rebounds at a high rate and can flex out to the perimeter when needed.