#2: Illinois prep hoops needs a downstate power
Illinois high school basketball is better when there is a powerful, big-named program outside the Chicago area.

We're not talking a great team here and there. O'Fallon made two trips to Peoria, won a couple of trophies and has been a strong program in southern Illinois, finishing second in 2007 and fourth in 2010. Champaign Centennial had a terrific two-year run, winning a state championship in 2009 and finishing fourth in 2010. Rock Island, though west rather than "downstate," won a 3A title in 2011, while Peoria Central won a 3A championship in 2012.

There have been a few others here and there who've made a dent. But it's not the same as having that thoroughbred program with staying power, producing elite players on a regular basis and possessing a certain aura about them.

One of the appetizing parts of Illinois prep basketball that's missing right now is a dominant Quincy-type team, an East St. Louis Lincoln power from the 1980s or a Peoria Manual dynasty in the 1990s.

And while Dick Van Scyoc's powerful Manual teams from 1982-1991 didn't win a state championship, it was a State Finals regular (five trips to Champaign) with three state trophies and a long lineup of familiar players and talent being pumped through the program.

When there is a dynamic program with staying power from outside the Chicago area, it just makes Illinois high school basketball that much more appealing, exciting and intriguing.

People were so charged up in the 1980s to get to Champaign and get an up-close look at those great, athletic teams out of East St. Louis. Coach Bennie Lewis' teams were so far out of the scope of the Chicago area during the winter months, the anticipation of getting a glimpse of those juggernaut teams started to build when state tournament play began. It started with the Todd Porter-led teams in the early 1980s and just got better later in the decade with LaPhonso Ellis and Cuonzo Martin.

The Manual teams in the 1990s were must-see for high school basketball fans as the Rams began their march towards four straight state championships. Even the Peoria Central teams from 10 years ago, fueled by NBA Lottery Pick Shaun Livingston, supercharged the prep hoops scene as it went 62-3 and won back-to-back state championships.

Now, with Peoria basketball in a tailspin when it comes to high-level, individual talent, you wonder just where our next downstate power will come from and when it will be.

#3: The Class of 2016 has a long way to go
There's no sin in letting young kids develop at their own pace. Less hype early on in a high school player's career is always better.

But when it comes to the Class of 2016 in Illinois, it's been awhile since there was this little of an impact at the varsity level by a freshmen group as a whole. Once an absolute rarity back in the 1970s, 1980s and even into the early 1990s, freshmen contributing at the varsity level has now become the norm. This past year the impact was minuscule.

Current high school players like Jabari Parker at Simeon, Jahlil Okafor at Whitney Young, Cliff Alexander at Curie, Jalen Brunson at Stevenson, Tyler Ulis at Marian Catholic, Billy Garrett, Jr. at Morgan Park, Morris Dunnigan at Joliet West, Roosevelt Smart at Palatine, Evan Boudreaux at Lake Forest, Robert Knar at Mundelein, Jaylon Tate at De La Salle, Charles and Dominique Matthews at St. Rita, Milik Yarbrough at Zion-Benton, St. Charles East's Kendall Stephens and many others all made significant impacts at the varsity level as freshmen.

This season? There were a few freshmen here and there that contributed and made various impacts around the state this past winter, but it's been nothing to the degree we've grown accustomed to over the past decade.

Times have changed. Today, many parents are starting to expect their son to play varsity basketball as a freshman, even sometimes choosing a high school to attend based on that opportunity.

Even high school coaches are now looking for freshmen who might be able to contribute. There just wasn't a lot of that happening this past season.

#4: Cliff Alexander has turned the corner and become an alpha dog
There are legit high-major prospects. Then among those legit high-major prospects there are the alpha dogs. Those players that combine the promise, potential, production, the must-have qualities college coaches covet and the alpha dog instincts where they know who and what they are as a player.

A year ago, as a sophomore, Whitney Young's Jahlil Okafor joined Simeon's Jabari Parker on that alpha dog level. This year Cliff Alexander did the same -- and continues to in the early going of the 2013 club basketball circuit.

The Curie big man went from a promising, high-major big-man "prospect" to an absolutely dominating force. His confidence grew, his production became more consistent and what he did on the floor left you saying, "There just aren't many of THOSE type of guys around."

A big, strong, powerful, athletic post who blocks shots, rebounds, runs the floor and dunks everything, Alexander will be scary as he continues to develop offensively. In this era of hard-to-find talented big men, Alexander moved into the minuscule percentage of absolutely must-have, program-changing recruits for the small percentage of college programs that even have a legitimate shot at him.

#5: Illinois high school basketball is becoming a two-class society
We've heard how the middle class has been lost in America, how the rich get richer. We might be on the verge of that happening in Illinois prep basketball. Some will say it's already happened.

There is the Chicago Public League, most notably Simeon, Whitney Young and Morgan Park, and then everyone else.

With Simeon leading the way, these three city powers have stockpiled championships in recent years and long-lasting talent.

Prep hoops in Illinois is starting to resemble women's college basketball, where the same teams dominate year after year. When the women's Final Four takes place, you come to just expect at least two or three of the same teams among Connecticut, Tennessee, Notre Dame and Stanford to be playing in it.

Over the past eight seasons in the state's largest class of basketball, Simeon and Whitney Young have won seven of the eight championships. (Richards won the 4A title in 2008--but Simeon dipped down to 3A that season and played Marshall in the 3A state title game.) In addition, Simeon and Whitney Young both have a state runner-up trophy in the last six years.

This year Simeon won its fourth straight title and sixth championship in the past eight years. If Simeon had lost, odds are Whitney Young would have been your Class 4A champion. Simeon knocked off Whitney Young in the sectional championship.

In Class 3A, Morgan Park simply wasn't going to lose to anyone. The Mustangs proved that by the mockery they made of the other 3A teams throughout March.

The jump Morgan Park has made from respectable program to power since coach Nick Irvin took over has ramped up the city's stranglehold on prep hoops in this state. Since Irvin took over in 2008, Morgan Park has averaged 26 wins a season and now has a state championship.

And next year? Each one of these three powers will be back with more firepower. Whitney Young, with the return of the nation's top-ranked player, Jahlil Okafor, will be favored to win 4A. Simeon boasts a bundle of young talent and will remain a major threat over the next three seasons. And Morgan Park, even with heavy graduation losses, will likely be one of the favorites to repeat in Class 3A when the season begins.

#6: Jalen Brunson is who I thought he was
A year ago in this very space, in this exact blog idea--10 things I learned this season (the 2011-2012 season version)--Jalen Brunson was declared the best freshman in the state.

There were some critics, many who questioned that assertion, scoffed at the idea a kid from the suburbs, in Lincolnshire, of all places, could be the best player in the freshman class in Illinois. Understandable. Hoop fanatics just want players to go out and earn their respect.

There is sometimes personal second-guessing when you develop the type of basketball crush the Hoops Report had on Brunson, as described in this blog from December.

That hoops crush happened quickly, as in the first time it took in the young star the summer before his freshman year of high school at the UIC Team Camp. That's when you know. As there is with all special talents, there was something different about this player at that young of an age -- and the very first time you watched him play.

Now, nearly two years later, no surprise with this: Brunson is still the best player in his class, the best sophomore in the state.

Both St. Rita's Charles Matthews and Simeon's D.J. Williams are ranked higher nationally and are terrific prospects at the same stage of their young careers. Matthews has made quite an impression as a freshman and sophomore, while Williams is just beginning to blossom into the player he can be. In fact, when projecting down the road with that magical word "upside," some would argue that Matthews and Williams may get an edge over Brunson.

But Brunson, the 6-2 Stevenson point guard, is just so complete at this age. It's remarkable, really, when you look at the production and impact he made over the course of the entire season. There is no denying that right now he's the most complete, consistent and productive sophomore in the class who impacts games in different ways every trip down the floor.

Then he went and dazzled national scouts and those who haven't had much of a chance to see him this past weekend at the Swish 'N Dish in Wisconsin. While playing with the Mac Irvin Fire, he played up an age group and still did his thing in impressive fashion.

There are many factors that went into Stevenson finishing second in the state, but the biggest reason is pretty clear--Brunson. And when it comes to the pleasure of watching someone play basketball the way it's supposed to be played, with an understanding, discipline and the talent he possesses, it's easy to appreciate the brand of basketball this kid brings to the floor.

#7: The Class of 2014 is worth the hype.
With massive attention thrown Jahlil Okafor's way as early as 8th grader--and the Whitney Young big fella living up to the expectations through his high school career--the Class of 2014 has received a heavy dose of hype and college interest from the get-go.

Soon, Curie's Cliff Alexander joined Okafor among the top 10 national talents in the Class of 2014, while Normal U-High's Keita Bates-Diop became a consensus top 25 prospect in the country. The class had its star power at the top, so the hype ensued.

But what materialized over the course of this past season is a group of juniors that solidified themselves as legitimate prospects. Yes, the eye-catching, high-level talent at the top is impressive, but the class also has tremendous Division I depth. Right now the Hoops Report envisions not just 30-plus Division I prospects, but 30-plus mid-major Division I prospects.

The most recent Rivals.com player rankings has 10 players from Illinois ranked among its top 100 players in the Class of 2014 and 14 among the top 150.

While the Hoops Report doesn't always agree with the national rankings when it comes to players it watches the most here in Illinois, the fact 10 percent of the top 100 players in the country are from Illinois is an eye-opener.

And although the Hoops Report may not truly believe there are more than two dozen legit high-major players in the junior class, as is being projected, it won't be a surprise if that number ends up signing with programs in high-major conferences next November.

The Class of 2011 in Illinois was loaded, the best this state has produced since 1998. The Class of 2014 is on track to be better and deeper than 2011.

#8: Malachi Nix was the most underappreciated senior
While it's true you could replace Malachi Nix's name here with a number of different "underappreciated" players from this 2012-2013 season--New Trier's Steven Cook, Oswego's Elliot McGaughey, Benet's Pat McInerney and Lemont's Juozas Balciunas to name a few--and I wouldn't argue with you, the 5-6 point guard gets the nod. He's just done so much as a player for a once-downtrodden Niles North basketball program.

In fact, he's been so influential that Niles North basketball may have to count years by using the abbreviation BN--"before Nix."

Prior to Nix entering the halls of Niles North, the basketball program won 34 games the previous eight seasons. This past year alone Nix and the Vikings won 27.

Before Nix, the Niles North basketball program had won one regional title and produced two 20-win seasons--in the previous 50 years. During Nix's sophomore, junior and senior years, Niles North averaged 24 wins a year, won three straight regional championships and won the school's first-ever sectional title. Yes, "BN" works for Niles North basketball.

"First and foremost, he is a competitor and a winner," says Niles North coach Glenn Olson of his star point guard. "People question his size, but I have watched him every day and realize how little of a factor his size is."

Even with all the team success (84 career wins, 3 straight regional titles, 1 sectional championship and two CSL North titles) and despite significant numbers Nix put up (Nix scored 44 in a win over Morton), he's been underappreciated, somewhat overlooked.

Nix didn't receive the headlines or attention other top guards in the senior class have received. He didn't land on the Chicago Sun-Times all-area team. The recruiting interest has been tepid.

Nix graduates with 1,532 career points after averaging 18 points a game as a senior. He's also the career leader in steals with 215.

Loyola Academy coach Tom Livatino watched Nix beat his Ramblers team twice during their 22-6 season, including a regional final loss to end the season as Nix poured in a whopping 39 points.

"He's a warrior with a toughness and a will to win," says Livatino, who says Nix reminds him of a former player he coached at Lincoln Park, Northwestern standout point guard Michael Thompson. "I would not be concerned about his size. You can't stay in front of him and has a knack for scoring. He's relentless on defense."

#9: Simeon's place nationally is solidified
Rob Smith really doesn't need any further validation that his goal of becoming a national program has been accomplished, but here is some anyway.

You know the notion of Simeon being recognized nationally is valid when you're at a swim up bar in a resort pool in Mexico and, without any provoking, Simeon basketball pops up in the conversation. When a man sipping a Bahama Mama finds out you're from Chicago, he brings up -- of all things -- Simeon.

The conversation with this Boston sports fan -- who I can't even put in the avid sports fan category since he forgot his very own Celtic Rajon Rondo was out with an injury (Although he was a wee bit inebriated) -- began casually. But within minutes of Boston/Chicago conversation, he brings up Jabari Parker, how he was aware of Parker and Simeon with all the media attention thrown their way, and "Isn't that where Derrick Rose went to high school as well?"

Simeon is arguably -- no, not arguably anymore -- Simeon basketball IS, nationally, this state's most recognizable high school athletic program in history. Prior to Simeon basketball, that distinction probably went to Frank Lenti and Mt. Carmel football when the Caravan played in 10 state championships from 1989-2003, winning nine, and were prominently mentioned nationally.

Now it's Simeon, thanks to Derrick Rose, Jabari Parker, mass media exposure, national TV appearances and championships. The Wolverines reached the national level prior to this season, but the program reached new, greater heights during this 2012-2013 campaign.

#10: The IHSA needs set rules for state tournament dates and cancellations
Now that we have been reminded that snowstorms can occur in March, can the IHSA -- no, the IHSA must -- put something in place to properly handle the cancellation of regional and sectional games?

The fact teams had to play sectional semifinal games Thursday night, while the other sectional winner had the night off while waiting for its sectional final opponent, is ludicrous.

Every step of the way along the state tournament trail becomes more taxing and emotionally draining. There is no question there was a distinct disadvantage for any team that played and won the Thursday night sectional game this year.

While one sectional semifinal winner had the luxury of "coming back down" emotionally from its win, having a night off and preparing for the sectional final with an actual practice, the other winner had to come back and play less than 24 hours later the following night for a sectional championship.

You can say teams play back-to-back nights all season or they do it for the State Finals in Peoria the very next weekend. But EVERYONE is doing it then, not just one of the two teams, so it remains competitively fair.

These high school teams--the players and the coaches--put in so much time and energy, both out of season and during the season to prepare for this moment. The least we can do is when games mean the most and they are playing for what they've worked so hard for is give them all a balanced playing field and an equal, fair shot.
 
The IHSA can claim this was the only way due to scheduling conflicts and availability with sectional sites, facilities and workers. Maybe scheduling snafus were an issue at a sectional site or two--I know the Class 3A sectional at Nazareth was one (the sectional was moved to Riverside-Brookfield as a result).

I also know I called three sectional hosts and asked if moving the championship game to Saturday night would have been a problem. Each one said there would be no problem in moving the title game one day back.
 
But the bigger question is why isn't there something more concrete already in place for situations like this?

I guess that shouldn't be a surprise since the IHSA leaves regional scheduling to the discretion of the host school. Huh? This is a whole other story, but look at the various regional scheduling around the state. They're all different from regional to regional with the opportunity (power) to add competitive advantages when they see fit. Why wouldn't they all be uniform across the state?

When it comes to hosting a sectional, would it be that difficult to put in writing that sectional hosts must, in the rare event there is a cancellation, have their gym available all week, including Saturday night?

What took place this past year can't happen again. And I would think every high school coach would agree.

Follow Joe Henricksen and the City/Suburban Hoops Report on Twitter @joehoopsreport

These soon-to-be juniors have a couple of years under their belt, so we do have a pretty good sample size on the development and potential of the players in this class. For comparison sake, the Class of 2015, at this point, looks to be a notch below the Class of 2011, 2013 and 2014 in Illinois but is better than 2012 and 2016.

No sophomore in the state has made a bigger impact at the varsity level than Stevenson's Jalen Brunson over the past two seasons. He was a monster last season as a sophomore. But in an informal, off-the-record survey of 18 college head coaches and assistants conducted by the City/Suburban Hoops Report, St. Rita's Charles Matthews edged Brunson 11 to 7 when asked who was the top prospect in the class.

College coaches liked the size, versatility and athleticism of Matthews over the pure basketball instincts, winning mentality and scoring ability of Brunson. Regardless, both Brunson and Matthews have set themselves apart from the rest of the class as we spin past the second turn on the track of their high school career.

Brunson, Matthews and several others in the class have made major impacts at the varsity level in their first two seasons of high school basketball. Here is how the Hoops Report sees the Class of 2015 shaping up as we head into a big summer as more and more eyes will be on these up-and-coming prospects.

1. Charles Matthews, 6-4, PG/2G, St. Rita
Regarded as one the top dozen prospects in the country in the Class of 2015, Matthews is a combo guard with size, length and versatility. He's one of the few players in the class that has solidified himself as a true, legit high-major player. Matthews impacts games in a variety of ways and has so many tools to work with and build on. Now he simply needs to be that impact player on a consistent basis.

2. Jalen Brunson, 6-2, PG, Stevenson
Made a huge name for himself while averaging 21.8 points a game for a Stevenson team that finished second in the state in March. All the cliché attributes of a point guard fit, including natural leader with a high basketball I.Q. But he can really pass and shoot, run a team and, best of all, is a clutch performer. Only question mark surrounding Brunson is his overall quickness and foot speed, particularly on the defensive end.

3. D.J. Williams, 6-7, WF, Simeon
A big 12 months ahead for this long, skilled, versatile wing who needs to show he's ready to live up to the early hype. The quintessential 3-man who handles it well for his size and has shooting touch out to the three-point line. The potential, however, must become a reality soon.

4. Edward Morrow, 6-6, PF, Simeon
Although an undersized 4-man at this point, he's a strong, athletic rebounder and finisher who plays with a motor. The classic high energy player who, when he's at his best, excels and flourishes doing the dirty work, particularly on the glass. He must maintain that mindset.

5. Roosevelt Smart, 6-3, 2G, Palatine
While not talked about as much as some other sophomores in the class, Smart has an active body and can score in a multitude of ways. His shooting and range have steadily improved. As he becomes a bigger factor off the dribble, Smart could evolve into a prolific scorer on the perimeter.

6. Glynn Watson, 5-10, PG, St. Joseph
Brings a difficult-to-find quality to the table -- pure point guard abilities. Watson is a penetrator with speed and an outstanding passer with vision. He's a facilitator with some imagination to his game and a little better burst than people realize. The mid-range game is there, but the three-point shot isn't quite yet.

7. Prentiss Nixon, 6-0, 2G, Bolingbrook
There isn't a better shooter in the class -- and he shoots it with outstanding range. Yes, he's an undersized 2-guard right now, but he at least has something to hang his hat on at the end of the day -- the ability to stretch a defense and space the floor with his shooting.

8. Aaron Jordan, 6-3, 2G, Plainfield East
Unheralded sophomore put together a terrific season with little fanfare, averaging 15.5 points with 63 three-pointers. He has a knack for scoring, though the release point on his jumper must be tweaked.

9. Evan Boudreaux, 6-7, PF, Lake Forest
Aside from Brunson, there isn't another player in the class as productive as Boudreaux. The burly forward put up a double-double (16.5 ppg, 10.2 rpg) as a sophomore. He has a little strength and skill level, rebounds and can step out and knock down shots. Has always been so advanced for his size and age.

10. Joseph Toye, 6-6, WF, Whitney Young
With his great length, superior athleticism and still untapped potential, Toye is arguably the most intriguing prospect in the class. He just needs to put it all together and figure out how to impact games on a consistent basis.

11. Antoine Pittman, Jr., 6-2, 2G, Rockford Jefferson
Just might be the best-kept secret in Illinois. Pittman shoots it with range and has an athletic body. This up-and-coming prospect could emerge into a relentless scorer before it's all said and done with his physical tools and shooting ability.

12. Jordan Ash, 6-1, 2G, St. Joseph
Extremely explosive off the floor with physical tools. He's a finisher at the rim in the halfcourt and especially in transition. His body will get bigger and stronger. Pure scoring and playmaking ability must improve with a more polished perimeter shot.

13. Joshua Stamps, 6-4, 2G, Chicago (Curie)
Look for Stamps to be more relaxed, free and easy as a junior and make a bigger name for himself. Good size for a 2-guard who can hit shots from the perimeter. Will need to start using the dribble to create more shots for himself and others.

14. K.J. Santos, 6-4, PG/2G, Geneva
A player who appears to be just starting to bloom. Looks the part with the size, length, skill and smooth way about him on the floor. Has battled injury all spring but has shown enough flashes to vault him into the 2015 player conversation.

15. Luwane Pipkins, 5-9, PG/2G, Chicago (Bogan)
A hound and ball hawk on the defensive end while also measuring very high on the toughness meter. Pipkins also has the capability of getting hot from beyond the arc. Still must make big strides in his overall playmaking and point guard ability.

Follow Joe Henricksen and the City/Suburban Hoops Report on Twitter @joehoopsreport

#3: The Class of 2016 has a long way to go
There's no sin in letting young kids develop at their own pace. Less hype early on in a high school player's career is always better.

But when it comes to the Class of 2016 in Illinois, it's been awhile since there was this little of an impact at the varsity level by a freshmen group as a whole. Once an absolute rarity back in the 1970s, 1980s and even into the early 1990s, freshmen contributing at the varsity level has now become the norm. This past year the impact was minuscule.

Current high school players like Jabari Parker at Simeon, Jahlil Okafor at Whitney Young, Cliff Alexander at Curie, Jalen Brunson at Stevenson, Tyler Ulis at Marian Catholic, Billy Garrett, Jr. at Morgan Park, Morris Dunnigan at Joliet West, Roosevelt Smart at Palatine, Evan Boudreaux at Lake Forest, Robert Knar at Mundelein, Jaylon Tate at De La Salle, Charles and Dominique Matthews at St. Rita, Milik Yarbrough at Zion-Benton, St. Charles East's Kendall Stephens and many others all made significant impacts at the varsity level as freshmen.

This season? There were a few freshmen here and there that contributed and made various impacts around the state this past winter, but it's been nothing to the degree we've grown accustomed to over the past decade.

Times have changed. Today, many parents are starting to expect their son to play varsity basketball as a freshman, even sometimes choosing a high school to attend based on that opportunity.

Even high school coaches are now looking for freshmen who might be able to contribute. There just wasn't a lot of that happening this past season.

#4: Cliff Alexander has turned the corner and become an alpha dog
There are legit high-major prospects. Then among those legit high-major prospects there are the alpha dogs. Those players that combine the promise, potential, production, the must-have qualities college coaches covet and the alpha dog instincts where they know who and what they are as a player.

A year ago, as a sophomore, Whitney Young's Jahlil Okafor joined Simeon's Jabari Parker on that alpha dog level. This year Cliff Alexander did the same -- and continues to in the early going of the 2013 club basketball circuit.

The Curie big man went from a promising, high-major big-man "prospect" to an absolutely dominating force. His confidence grew, his production became more consistent and what he did on the floor left you saying, "There just aren't many of THOSE type of guys around."

A big, strong, powerful, athletic post who blocks shots, rebounds, runs the floor and dunks everything, Alexander will be scary as he continues to develop offensively. In this era of hard-to-find talented big men, Alexander moved into the minuscule percentage of absolutely must-have, program-changing recruits for the small percentage of college programs that even have a legitimate shot at him.

#5: Illinois high school basketball is becoming a two-class society
We've heard how the middle class has been lost in America, how the rich get richer. We might be on the verge of that happening in Illinois prep basketball. Some will say it's already happened.

There is the Chicago Public League, most notably Simeon, Whitney Young and Morgan Park, and then everyone else.

With Simeon leading the way, these three city powers have stockpiled championships in recent years and long-lasting talent.

Prep hoops in Illinois is starting to resemble women's college basketball, where the same teams dominate year after year. When the women's Final Four takes place, you come to just expect at least two or three of the same teams among Connecticut, Tennessee, Notre Dame and Stanford to be playing in it.

Over the past eight seasons in the state's largest class of basketball, Simeon and Whitney Young have won seven of the eight championships. (Richards won the 4A title in 2008--but Simeon dipped down to 3A that season and played Marshall in the 3A state title game.) In addition, Simeon and Whitney Young both have a state runner-up trophy in the last six years.

This year Simeon won its fourth straight title and sixth championship in the past eight years. If Simeon had lost, odds are Whitney Young would have been your Class 4A champion. Simeon knocked off Whitney Young in the sectional championship.

In Class 3A, Morgan Park simply wasn't going to lose to anyone. The Mustangs proved that by the mockery they made of the other 3A teams throughout March.

The jump Morgan Park has made from respectable program to power since coach Nick Irvin took over has ramped up the city's stranglehold on prep hoops in this state. Since Irvin took over in 2008, Morgan Park has averaged 26 wins a season and now has a state championship.

And next year? Each one of these three powers will be back with more firepower. Whitney Young, with the return of the nation's top-ranked player, Jahlil Okafor, will be favored to win 4A. Simeon boasts a bundle of young talent and will remain a major threat over the next three seasons. And Morgan Park, even with heavy graduation losses, will likely be one of the favorites to repeat in Class 3A when the season begins.

#6: Jalen Brunson is who I thought he was
A year ago in this very space, in this exact blog idea--10 things I learned this season (the 2011-2012 season version)--Jalen Brunson was declared the best freshman in the state.

There were some critics, many who questioned that assertion, scoffed at the idea a kid from the suburbs, in Lincolnshire, of all places, could be the best player in the freshman class in Illinois. Understandable. Hoop fanatics just want players to go out and earn their respect.

There is sometimes personal second-guessing when you develop the type of basketball crush the Hoops Report had on Brunson, as described in this blog from December.

That hoops crush happened quickly, as in the first time it took in the young star the summer before his freshman year of high school at the UIC Team Camp. That's when you know. As there is with all special talents, there was something different about this player at that young of an age -- and the very first time you watched him play.

Now, nearly two years later, no surprise with this: Brunson is still the best player in his class, the best sophomore in the state.

Both St. Rita's Charles Matthews and Simeon's D.J. Williams are ranked higher nationally and are terrific prospects at the same stage of their young careers. Matthews has made quite an impression as a freshman and sophomore, while Williams is just beginning to blossom into the player he can be. In fact, when projecting down the road with that magical word "upside," some would argue that Matthews and Williams may get an edge over Brunson.

But Brunson, the 6-2 Stevenson point guard, is just so complete at this age. It's remarkable, really, when you look at the production and impact he made over the course of the entire season. There is no denying that right now he's the most complete, consistent and productive sophomore in the class who impacts games in different ways every trip down the floor.

Then he went and dazzled national scouts and those who haven't had much of a chance to see him this past weekend at the Swish 'N Dish in Wisconsin. While playing with the Mac Irvin Fire, he played up an age group and still did his thing in impressive fashion.

There are many factors that went into Stevenson finishing second in the state, but the biggest reason is pretty clear--Brunson. And when it comes to the pleasure of watching someone play basketball the way it's supposed to be played, with an understanding, discipline and the talent he possesses, it's easy to appreciate the brand of basketball this kid brings to the floor.

#7: The Class of 2014 is worth the hype.
With massive attention thrown Jahlil Okafor's way as early as 8th grader--and the Whitney Young big fella living up to the expectations through his high school career--the Class of 2014 has received a heavy dose of hype and college interest from the get-go.

Soon, Curie's Cliff Alexander joined Okafor among the top 10 national talents in the Class of 2014, while Normal U-High's Keita Bates-Diop became a consensus top 25 prospect in the country. The class had its star power at the top, so the hype ensued.

But what materialized over the course of this past season is a group of juniors that solidified themselves as legitimate prospects. Yes, the eye-catching, high-level talent at the top is impressive, but the class also has tremendous Division I depth. Right now the Hoops Report envisions not just 30-plus Division I prospects, but 30-plus mid-major Division I prospects.

The most recent Rivals.com player rankings has 10 players from Illinois ranked among its top 100 players in the Class of 2014 and 14 among the top 150.

While the Hoops Report doesn't always agree with the national rankings when it comes to players it watches the most here in Illinois, the fact 10 percent of the top 100 players in the country are from Illinois is an eye-opener.

And although the Hoops Report may not truly believe there are more than two dozen legit high-major players in the junior class, as is being projected, it won't be a surprise if that number ends up signing with programs in high-major conferences next November.

The Class of 2011 in Illinois was loaded, the best this state has produced since 1998. The Class of 2014 is on track to be better and deeper than 2011.

#8: Malachi Nix was the most underappreciated senior
While it's true you could replace Malachi Nix's name here with a number of different "underappreciated" players from this 2012-2013 season--New Trier's Steven Cook, Oswego's Elliot McGaughey, Benet's Pat McInerney and Lemont's Juozas Balciunas to name a few--and I wouldn't argue with you, the 5-6 point guard gets the nod. He's just done so much as a player for a once-downtrodden Niles North basketball program.

In fact, he's been so influential that Niles North basketball may have to count years by using the abbreviation BN--"before Nix."

Prior to Nix entering the halls of Niles North, the basketball program won 34 games the previous eight seasons. This past year alone Nix and the Vikings won 27.

Before Nix, the Niles North basketball program had won one regional title and produced two 20-win seasons--in the previous 50 years. During Nix's sophomore, junior and senior years, Niles North averaged 24 wins a year, won three straight regional championships and won the school's first-ever sectional title. Yes, "BN" works for Niles North basketball.

"First and foremost, he is a competitor and a winner," says Niles North coach Glenn Olson of his star point guard. "People question his size, but I have watched him every day and realize how little of a factor his size is."

Even with all the team success (84 career wins, 3 straight regional titles, 1 sectional championship and two CSL North titles) and despite significant numbers Nix put up (Nix scored 44 in a win over Morton), he's been underappreciated, somewhat overlooked.

Nix didn't receive the headlines or attention other top guards in the senior class have received. He didn't land on the Chicago Sun-Times all-area team. The recruiting interest has been tepid.

Nix graduates with 1,532 career points after averaging 18 points a game as a senior. He's also the career leader in steals with 215.

Loyola Academy coach Tom Livatino watched Nix beat his Ramblers team twice during their 22-6 season, including a regional final loss to end the season as Nix poured in a whopping 39 points.

"He's a warrior with a toughness and a will to win," says Livatino, who says Nix reminds him of a former player he coached at Lincoln Park, Northwestern standout point guard Michael Thompson. "I would not be concerned about his size. You can't stay in front of him and has a knack for scoring. He's relentless on defense."

#9: Simeon's place nationally is solidified
Rob Smith really doesn't need any further validation that his goal of becoming a national program has been accomplished, but here is some anyway.

You know the notion of Simeon being recognized nationally is valid when you're at a swim up bar in a resort pool in Mexico and, without any provoking, Simeon basketball pops up in the conversation. When a man sipping a Bahama Mama finds out you're from Chicago, he brings up -- of all things -- Simeon.

The conversation with this Boston sports fan -- who I can't even put in the avid sports fan category since he forgot his very own Celtic Rajon Rondo was out with an injury (Although he was a wee bit inebriated) -- began casually. But within minutes of Boston/Chicago conversation, he brings up Jabari Parker, how he was aware of Parker and Simeon with all the media attention thrown their way, and "Isn't that where Derrick Rose went to high school as well?"

Simeon is arguably -- no, not arguably anymore -- Simeon basketball IS, nationally, this state's most recognizable high school athletic program in history. Prior to Simeon basketball, that distinction probably went to Frank Lenti and Mt. Carmel football when the Caravan played in 10 state championships from 1989-2003, winning nine, and were prominently mentioned nationally.

Now it's Simeon, thanks to Derrick Rose, Jabari Parker, mass media exposure, national TV appearances and championships. The Wolverines reached the national level prior to this season, but the program reached new, greater heights during this 2012-2013 campaign.

#10: The IHSA needs set rules for state tournament dates and cancellations
Now that we have been reminded that snowstorms can occur in March, can the IHSA -- no, the IHSA must -- put something in place to properly handle the cancellation of regional and sectional games?

The fact teams had to play sectional semifinal games Thursday night, while the other sectional winner had the night off while waiting for its sectional final opponent, is ludicrous.

Every step of the way along the state tournament trail becomes more taxing and emotionally draining. There is no question there was a distinct disadvantage for any team that played and won the Thursday night sectional game this year.

While one sectional semifinal winner had the luxury of "coming back down" emotionally from its win, having a night off and preparing for the sectional final with an actual practice, the other winner had to come back and play less than 24 hours later the following night for a sectional championship.

You can say teams play back-to-back nights all season or they do it for the State Finals in Peoria the very next weekend. But EVERYONE is doing it then, not just one of the two teams, so it remains competitively fair.

These high school teams--the players and the coaches--put in so much time and energy, both out of season and during the season to prepare for this moment. The least we can do is when games mean the most and they are playing for what they've worked so hard for is give them all a balanced playing field and an equal, fair shot.
 
The IHSA can claim this was the only way due to scheduling conflicts and availability with sectional sites, facilities and workers. Maybe scheduling snafus were an issue at a sectional site or two--I know the Class 3A sectional at Nazareth was one (the sectional was moved to Riverside-Brookfield as a result).

I also know I called three sectional hosts and asked if moving the championship game to Saturday night would have been a problem. Each one said there would be no problem in moving the title game one day back.
 
But the bigger question is why isn't there something more concrete already in place for situations like this?

I guess that shouldn't be a surprise since the IHSA leaves regional scheduling to the discretion of the host school. Huh? This is a whole other story, but look at the various regional scheduling around the state. They're all different from regional to regional with the opportunity (power) to add competitive advantages when they see fit. Why wouldn't they all be uniform across the state?

When it comes to hosting a sectional, would it be that difficult to put in writing that sectional hosts must, in the rare event there is a cancellation, have their gym available all week, including Saturday night?

What took place this past year can't happen again. And I would think every high school coach would agree.

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Lake Forest sophomore Evan Boudreaux entered high school as a freshman over two years ago and immediately made an impact -- at the varsity level.

As a freshman he averaged 13 points and nearly 9 rebounds a game. He put up 13 points and 19 rebounds in a regional championship victory over Fremd that season.

This past season, with a year of varsity basketball under his belt, the 6-7 Boudreaux was a force as a sophomore. He put up a double-double, averaging 16.5 points and 10.2 rebounds a game.

There is something to be said about production in this day and age where "length" and "athleticism" often seem to supersede performance in recruiting. And it's not very often young players can produce on a consistent basis at the varsity level the way Boudreaux has in his two years.

"I think it's his competitiveness more than anything," says Lake Forest coach Phil LaScala as to why Boudreaux has made such an early impact. "For a big kid, at his size, he just competes. He play with extreme confidence and that's hard to teach. He does things to make us successful that doesn't always show up on the stat sheet."

Boudreaux is a tough, put together 6-7, 225-pounder who gobbles up rebounds and shows versatility on the offensive end. He can trail on a break and knock down a 3-pointer. He shows the ability to be a pick-and-pop 4-man with his solid frame and shooting touch. And he brings a competitive edge, which is showcased when attacking the glass.

Already this spring, Boudreaux has led Team NLP to a tournament title in the 17U Platinum Division of the NY2LA Sports Spring Extravaganza in Minnesota. Even though Boudreaux was playing up one age group, he was named co-MVP of the event, along with NLP teammate Kurt Hall of North Chicago.

Boudreaux's play this spring, which included helping his team to a runner-up finish in the King James Classic, has helped garner a whole bunch of added interest from college programs. According to Dickey Simpkins, former Chicago Bull and founder of Team NLP, Boudreaux currently has offers from Boston College, DePaul, Iowa, Iowa State and Northwestern, with interest from the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, Stanford, Virginia, Wisconsin and Xavier.

"He's a skilled 4-man who can get things done inside and outside," says Simpkins. "Coaches like his toughness, his ability to rebound in traffic and the versatility he brings offensively."

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So what if we could rank those prep players today, knowing what we know with a little hindsight? Where would they rank?

Knowing everything they know now, who would college coaches offer scholarships to if they could go back in time?

We know Marshall's Darius Smith wouldn't have been a consensus top five player. And we know a kid named Robert Covington, who prepped at Proviso West, would be ranked a whole lot higher today.

Overall, the class wasn't -- and didn't turn out to be -- all that dynamic. Nearly half (9 of 20) of the original players in the Hoops Report's top 20 in 2009 did not finish their career with the school they signed with out of high school. Surprise, surprise. And there were several players who ran into off-the-court trouble that led to suspensions, transfers and, in one tragic case, death.

Michael Haynes, who played at both Washington and Fenger in high school and was headed to Iona after brief stops at a prep school and junior college, was tragically shot and killed last summer.

No, it's not the easiest thing to do when you consider certain players could have played at a level lower than it did and possibly produced at a higher level. A lot of "What ifs?" come into play. Would Lake Forest's Matt Vogrich have had a bigger impact playing in the Missouri Valley or even at Michigan if he wasn't followed up by the likes of Tim Hardaway, Jr. and Nick Stauskas in Ann Arbor?

This list is about performance and production at the collegiate level, combining the level they are playing at and the impact they've had, and also for a good old fashioned basketball conversation. Here is a look at how the Hoops Report sees the Class of 2009 -- four years later.

1. Brandon Paul, 6-4, 2G, Gurnee (Warren)
After an up-and-down, inconsistent three seasons in Champaign, Paul had a monster first half of the season as a senior and finished the year averaging 16.6 points and 4.4 rebounds a game. He led the Illini to a NCAA Tournament berth and was a third-team All-Big Ten selection.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: No. 1

2. Drew Crawford, 6-5, 2G, Northwestern
Suffered a season-ending injury after 10 games and took a medical redshirt this past season. He will return and play for first-year coach Chris Collins as a fifth-year senior next season. Could a big year vault him to the top of this list at the end of the day? Crawford was the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year and, as a junior, was a consensus third-team All-Big Ten selection after averaging 16 points a game.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: No. 2

3. Jack Cooley, 6-8, PG, Glenview (Glenbrook South)
Improved each and every year at Notre Dame and had a breakout season for the Fighting Irish as a senior. He averaged a double-double on the season, putting up 13.1 points and 10.1 rebounds a game while shooting 58 percent from the field. He was a first-team All-Big East selection as a senior.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: No. 4

4. D.J. Cooper, 5-9, PG, Chicago (Seton Academy)
After a huge junior year that helped the Bobcats to the NCAA's Sweet Sixteen, Cooper put up 14 points and 7.1 assists a game this past season. Cooper is the only player in NCAA history to record 2,000 points, 900 assists, 600 rebounds and 300 steals in a career.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: No. 11

5. Angus Brandt, 6-10, PF, Lake Forest (Academy)
After averaging 9.1 points a game as a junior, Brandt was off to a fast start with Oregon State in his first four games of the season this year, averaging 11.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks a game. But an ACL injury sidelined Brandt for the season. He redshirted and will return to the Beavers next year.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: No. 3

6. Robert Covington, 6-8, WF, Hillside (Proviso West)
Arguably the best player in the Ohio Valley Conference and a player who will have the opportunity to make money as a pro somewhere. Without a whole lot of fanfare, Covington averaged 17 points, 8 rebounds and nearly two blocks a game this year at Tennessee State. He's a two-time All-OVC player and scored 1,738 career points.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: No. 21

7. Joseph Bertrand, 6-5, 2G, Sterling
Redshirted as a freshman and still has a year of eligibility at Illinois. His role and game expanded this past season, where he averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds in 22 minutes a game. Will play a valuable role for Illinois next year as a fifth-year senior.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: No. 7

8. Derek Needham, 5-11, PG, Chicago (De La Salle)
Put together a terrific career, starting with a freshman season where he averaged a career-high 16.4 points a game. Nearly scored 2,000 career points (1,875) and was a three-time All-MAAC selection at Fairfield.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: No. 15

9. John Taylor, 6-1, 2G, North Lawndale
Without question the most difficult player to place in these rankings. This past season Taylor led the country in scoring in Division II with over 27 points a game for Fresno Pacific. That came a year after he was named the National Junior College Player of the Year. He has decided to forego his senior year, has hired an agent and will enter the NBA Draft this June.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: No. 8

10. Jon Mills, 6-4, PF, Chicago (North Lawndale)
After two years of junior college ball, Mills played big and was very productive at Southern Miss. He averaged 9.5 points and 6.1 rebounds a game last season as a junior and 9.3 points and 8 rebounds a game as a senior.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: No. 13

11. Marcus Jordan, 6-2, 2G, Chicago (Whitney Young)
An odd career that was productive but ended prematurely when leaving the Central Florida basketball program with a year of eligibility remaining. Jordan averaged 8.0, 15.2 and 13.7 points a game in three years.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: 17

12. Dyricus Simms-Edwards, 6-3, PG, Washington
Although Bradley struggled in the four years Simms-Edwards played, he was the program's best overall player during that time. He averaged in double figures in three of his four years, including 12.3 points and 2.7 assists a game this past season as a senior. Finished career with 1,255 points.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: 21

13. James Kinney, 6-2, 2G, Champaign Centennial
Began his career at Ohio and played a role as a freshman before his career as a Bobcat was cut short. He ended up at Eastern Utah College before settling in at San Jose State. As a junior he led the Spartans in scoring at nearly 16 points a game and was averaging 20.6 points a game through 14 games. He ran into some off-the-court issues and was dismissed from the team.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: No. 18

14. Cully Payne, 6-1, PG, Schaumburg
The journey of Cully Payne has been a winding road. After starting at Iowa as a freshman, averaging 8.7 points a game, his role and minutes diminished as a sophomore. He transferred to Loyola, sat out a year and this past season played 28 minutes a game and averaged 7.9 points and 4.2 assists a game. However, Payne has left the program with a year of eligibility remaining.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: No. 10

15. Kyle Cain, 6-7, PF, Calumet City (T.F. North)
Went the prep school route and is only a junior eligibility wise. Was a key fixture for Arizona State, starting 17 games last season and averaged 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds a game. But he decided to transfer and is sitting out the season at UNC-Greensboro this year, where he will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: 16

16. Chris Colvin, 6-2, PG, Chicago (Whitney Young)
The physical guard began his career at Iowa State and transferred to Arizona State, where he has been a role player the past couple of seasons. He averaged 5.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2 assists a game this past season.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: 9

17. Matt Vogrich, 6-3, 2G, Lake Forest
Had a breakout summer on the AAU circuit and generated a whole lot of interest heading into his senior year of high school. But he just wasn't able to get off the Michigan bench much in his four years.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: 6

18. Paris Gulley, 6-2, 2G, Peoria Manual
Following his career at Manual, Gulley spent two seasons at Southeastern Community College. Quietly he put together a strong two years at UW-Milwaukee, including averaging 14.7 points a game this past season after scoring 8.5 points a game as a junior.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: No. 39

19. Jordan Prosser, 6-9, C, Eureka
After redshirting as a freshman at Bradley, Prosser has been a regular the past three seasons and has a year of eligibility remaining. This past season he played 22 minutes a game and averaged 5.5 points and 3.5 rebounds a game one year after averaging 7.8 points and 6.5 rebounds a game.
Previous Hoops Report ranking in 2009: No. 26

❇ Michael Haynes, Fenger
The Hoops Report has placed Haynes among the top 20, where he would have been if not for his life being cut tragically short. He passed away last summer when he was shot and killed on Chicago's Far South Side. After high school, Haynes had a quick stop at a prep school before signing with UTEP. He didn't play there and instead ended up at Indian Hills Community College in Iowa. He signed with Iona before his tragic death last July.
Previous ranking in 2009: 12

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Roughly 12 months ago the City/Suburban Hoops Report sang the praises of this group in this very blog. A year later LockDown is deserving of a little more praise, now playing at the 16U level. 

After making a name for itself a year ago on the club circuit, Chicago LockDown has continued its winning ways.

This spring, LockDown has put together an impressive club basketball results résumé, including a title run at the Derby Classic in Louisville, where it knocked off the Illinois Celtics and beat both MoKan Elite and Mac Irvin Fire to win the title. LockDown shared a title at the Hoosier Jam Fest in Indianapolis and finished second this past weekend at the Spiece Run-N-Slam event in Fort Wayne.

While individual players still remain the focus and the highlight of club basketball in the spring and summer, it's refreshing to see a little old school basketball played -- unselfishness, teamwork, an offensive system, intangibles -- and some success come with it. 

LockDown has Division I talent, for sure, but we're not talking big-named, high-major talent or Division I prospects up and down the roster. Yet the wins and tournament runs keep coming.

Led by the sophomore trio of Matt Rafferty, a 6-7 forward from Hinsdale Central, St. Viator point guard Mark Falotico and Lyons Township guard Harrison Niego, LockDown has some impressive pieces. Those three are all among the Hoops Report's Top 25 prospects in the Class of 2015.

This team plays hard, together and has multiple players capable of stretching a defense and knocking down shots from beyond the three-point line. This past weekend, with Niego sidelined with an injury on Saturday, Niles Notre Dame's Joe Mooney, Neuqua Valley's Connor Raridon and Nazareth Academy's 6-5 George Keirnan constantly stepped up.

Plus, St. Viator head coach Mike Howland, who has helped lead the Lions to 46 wins and two regional titles the past two years, coaches the 16U LockDown team. That's an advantage many travel teams don't have.

Most importantly, in the world of disgruntled players scattered on various AAU rosters by this time of the year, Chicago LockDown appears to truly enjoy themselves, playing loose and having fun.

Here is a look at a few of the top performing club teams this spring in 17U and 16U play.

■ Illinois Wolves 16U
Coach Mike Mullins' Illinois Wolves program remains a constant when it comes to consistency and productivity, both from an individual player standpoint and team success.

This spring the Wolves 16U team has impressed, compiling a 17-4 record with one title and a runner-up finish. Behind the four-guard attack of St. Joseph's Glynn Watson and Jordan Ash, Palatine's Roosevelt Smart and Bolingbrook's Prentiss Nixon, this remains one of the top club teams in Illinois.

■ Mac Irvin Fire 17U
After playing two weekends on the rugged Nike EYBL circuit without Jahlil Okafor (ankle injury), the Fire found themselves 5-4 overall. But prior to the two EYBL weekends, the Fire came home from a loaded Swish 'N Dish event in Milwaukee with a Platinum Tournament title, beating the Illinois Wolves in the semifinals and Meanstreets in the championship. It will be interesting to see this team when Okafor, Curie's Cliff Alexander and Stevenson's Jalen Brunson all take the floor together for the first time.

■ Meanstreets 17U
Led by point guard Tyler Ulis of Marian Catholic, 6-9 Paul White of Whitney Young and the St. Rita tandem of Charles Matthews and Vic Law, Meanstreets reached the championship game of the loaded Swish 'N Dish back in April, falling to Mac Irvin Fire. This team has put together a 7-2 overall record thus far in Nike EYBL play.

■ Illinois Wolves 17U
Aside from an early exit this past weekend at the Run-N-Slam event in Fort Wayne, the Wolves 17U team has been solid. The Wolves, featuring Ohio State recruit Keita Bates-Diop and the rising tandem of 6-7 Malek Harris of Sandburg and guard Ore Arongundade of St. Viator, have reached the semifinals of three different events, winning one title, and have compiled a 16-4 record overall.

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Western Michigan's Darius Paul, the brother of recently departed Illinois star guard Brandon Paul, is heading to Illinois to play for coach John Groce.

Paul was an under-the-radar recruit for Western Michigan coming out of Warren. But he promptly put together an impressive freshman year this past season, averaging 10.4 points and 5.7 rebounds a game for the Broncos. He was named the Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year.

The 6-9, 225-pound Paul was considered a late bloomer in high school who always showed upside. He always had a soft touch for a big man and had range that extended out to the three-point line. His performance and production at Western Michigan during his freshman year showed signs he was beginning to tap into that potential.

In a late February game, a 65-62 win over Toledo, Paul scored a season-high 28 points and 12 rebounds.

Paul's high school career included a state runner-up finish as a junior, with Paul leading coach Chuck Ramsey's team in scoring with over 11 points a game. As a senior, Paul signed with Western Michigan in the fall and then came on strong as the season wore on.

In a key late-season game against Proviso East, Paul scored 19 points with 13 rebounds and five assists. He poured in 30 points with five 3-pointers in a big conference win over Mundelein. Paul, who was a top 10 prospect in the Class of 2012 in Illinois, led Warren to 23 wins and a super-sectional berth as a senior as he averaged 18 points and 9.7 rebounds a game.

Paul will sit out next season as a transfer and have three years of eligibility remaining at Illinois. He will join a frontcourt in 2013-2014 that will include 6-10 senior Nnanna Egwu, 6-10 sophomore Maverick Morgan, 6-9 sophomore Austin Colbert, 6-6 senior Myke Henry and 6-9 freshman Michael Finke.

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#4: Cliff Alexander has turned the corner and become an alpha dog
There are legit high-major prospects. Then among those legit high-major prospects there are the alpha dogs. Those players that combine the promise, potential, production, the must-have qualities college coaches covet and the alpha dog instincts where they know who and what they are as a player.

A year ago, as a sophomore, Whitney Young's Jahlil Okafor joined Simeon's Jabari Parker on that alpha dog level. This year Cliff Alexander did the same -- and continues to in the early going of the 2013 club basketball circuit.

The Curie big man went from a promising, high-major big-man "prospect" to an absolutely dominating force. His confidence grew, his production became more consistent and what he did on the floor left you saying, "There just aren't many of THOSE type of guys around."

A big, strong, powerful, athletic post who blocks shots, rebounds, runs the floor and dunks everything, Alexander will be scary as he continues to develop offensively. In this era of hard-to-find talented big men, Alexander moved into the minuscule percentage of absolutely must-have, program-changing recruits for the small percentage of college programs that even have a legitimate shot at him.

#5: Illinois high school basketball is becoming a two-class society
We've heard how the middle class has been lost in America, how the rich get richer. We might be on the verge of that happening in Illinois prep basketball. Some will say it's already happened.

There is the Chicago Public League, most notably Simeon, Whitney Young and Morgan Park, and then everyone else.

With Simeon leading the way, these three city powers have stockpiled championships in recent years and long-lasting talent.

Prep hoops in Illinois is starting to resemble women's college basketball, where the same teams dominate year after year. When the women's Final Four takes place, you come to just expect at least two or three of the same teams among Connecticut, Tennessee, Notre Dame and Stanford to be playing in it.

Over the past eight seasons in the state's largest class of basketball, Simeon and Whitney Young have won seven of the eight championships. (Richards won the 4A title in 2008--but Simeon dipped down to 3A that season and played Marshall in the 3A state title game.) In addition, Simeon and Whitney Young both have a state runner-up trophy in the last six years.

This year Simeon won its fourth straight title and sixth championship in the past eight years. If Simeon had lost, odds are Whitney Young would have been your Class 4A champion. Simeon knocked off Whitney Young in the sectional championship.

In Class 3A, Morgan Park simply wasn't going to lose to anyone. The Mustangs proved that by the mockery they made of the other 3A teams throughout March.

The jump Morgan Park has made from respectable program to power since coach Nick Irvin took over has ramped up the city's stranglehold on prep hoops in this state. Since Irvin took over in 2008, Morgan Park has averaged 26 wins a season and now has a state championship.

And next year? Each one of these three powers will be back with more firepower. Whitney Young, with the return of the nation's top-ranked player, Jahlil Okafor, will be favored to win 4A. Simeon boasts a bundle of young talent and will remain a major threat over the next three seasons. And Morgan Park, even with heavy graduation losses, will likely be one of the favorites to repeat in Class 3A when the season begins.

#6: Jalen Brunson is who I thought he was
A year ago in this very space, in this exact blog idea--10 things I learned this season (the 2011-2012 season version)--Jalen Brunson was declared the best freshman in the state.

There were some critics, many who questioned that assertion, scoffed at the idea a kid from the suburbs, in Lincolnshire, of all places, could be the best player in the freshman class in Illinois. Understandable. Hoop fanatics just want players to go out and earn their respect.

There is sometimes personal second-guessing when you develop the type of basketball crush the Hoops Report had on Brunson, as described in this blog from December.

That hoops crush happened quickly, as in the first time it took in the young star the summer before his freshman year of high school at the UIC Team Camp. That's when you know. As there is with all special talents, there was something different about this player at that young of an age -- and the very first time you watched him play.

Now, nearly two years later, no surprise with this: Brunson is still the best player in his class, the best sophomore in the state.

Both St. Rita's Charles Matthews and Simeon's D.J. Williams are ranked higher nationally and are terrific prospects at the same stage of their young careers. Matthews has made quite an impression as a freshman and sophomore, while Williams is just beginning to blossom into the player he can be. In fact, when projecting down the road with that magical word "upside," some would argue that Matthews and Williams may get an edge over Brunson.

But Brunson, the 6-2 Stevenson point guard, is just so complete at this age. It's remarkable, really, when you look at the production and impact he made over the course of the entire season. There is no denying that right now he's the most complete, consistent and productive sophomore in the class who impacts games in different ways every trip down the floor.

Then he went and dazzled national scouts and those who haven't had much of a chance to see him this past weekend at the Swish 'N Dish in Wisconsin. While playing with the Mac Irvin Fire, he played up an age group and still did his thing in impressive fashion.

There are many factors that went into Stevenson finishing second in the state, but the biggest reason is pretty clear--Brunson. And when it comes to the pleasure of watching someone play basketball the way it's supposed to be played, with an understanding, discipline and the talent he possesses, it's easy to appreciate the brand of basketball this kid brings to the floor.

#7: The Class of 2014 is worth the hype.
With massive attention thrown Jahlil Okafor's way as early as 8th grader--and the Whitney Young big fella living up to the expectations through his high school career--the Class of 2014 has received a heavy dose of hype and college interest from the get-go.

Soon, Curie's Cliff Alexander joined Okafor among the top 10 national talents in the Class of 2014, while Normal U-High's Keita Bates-Diop became a consensus top 25 prospect in the country. The class had its star power at the top, so the hype ensued.

But what materialized over the course of this past season is a group of juniors that solidified themselves as legitimate prospects. Yes, the eye-catching, high-level talent at the top is impressive, but the class also has tremendous Division I depth. Right now the Hoops Report envisions not just 30-plus Division I prospects, but 30-plus mid-major Division I prospects.

The most recent Rivals.com player rankings has 10 players from Illinois ranked among its top 100 players in the Class of 2014 and 14 among the top 150.

While the Hoops Report doesn't always agree with the national rankings when it comes to players it watches the most here in Illinois, the fact 10 percent of the top 100 players in the country are from Illinois is an eye-opener.

And although the Hoops Report may not truly believe there are more than two dozen legit high-major players in the junior class, as is being projected, it won't be a surprise if that number ends up signing with programs in high-major conferences next November.

The Class of 2011 in Illinois was loaded, the best this state has produced since 1998. The Class of 2014 is on track to be better and deeper than 2011.

#8: Malachi Nix was the most underappreciated senior
While it's true you could replace Malachi Nix's name here with a number of different "underappreciated" players from this 2012-2013 season--New Trier's Steven Cook, Oswego's Elliot McGaughey, Benet's Pat McInerney and Lemont's Juozas Balciunas to name a few--and I wouldn't argue with you, the 5-6 point guard gets the nod. He's just done so much as a player for a once-downtrodden Niles North basketball program.

In fact, he's been so influential that Niles North basketball may have to count years by using the abbreviation BN--"before Nix."

Prior to Nix entering the halls of Niles North, the basketball program won 34 games the previous eight seasons. This past year alone Nix and the Vikings won 27.

Before Nix, the Niles North basketball program had won one regional title and produced two 20-win seasons--in the previous 50 years. During Nix's sophomore, junior and senior years, Niles North averaged 24 wins a year, won three straight regional championships and won the school's first-ever sectional title. Yes, "BN" works for Niles North basketball.

"First and foremost, he is a competitor and a winner," says Niles North coach Glenn Olson of his star point guard. "People question his size, but I have watched him every day and realize how little of a factor his size is."

Even with all the team success (84 career wins, 3 straight regional titles, 1 sectional championship and two CSL North titles) and despite significant numbers Nix put up (Nix scored 44 in a win over Morton), he's been underappreciated, somewhat overlooked.

Nix didn't receive the headlines or attention other top guards in the senior class have received. He didn't land on the Chicago Sun-Times all-area team. The recruiting interest has been tepid.

Nix graduates with 1,532 career points after averaging 18 points a game as a senior. He's also the career leader in steals with 215.

Loyola Academy coach Tom Livatino watched Nix beat his Ramblers team twice during their 22-6 season, including a regional final loss to end the season as Nix poured in a whopping 39 points.

"He's a warrior with a toughness and a will to win," says Livatino, who says Nix reminds him of a former player he coached at Lincoln Park, Northwestern standout point guard Michael Thompson. "I would not be concerned about his size. You can't stay in front of him and has a knack for scoring. He's relentless on defense."

#9: Simeon's place nationally is solidified
Rob Smith really doesn't need any further validation that his goal of becoming a national program has been accomplished, but here is some anyway.

You know the notion of Simeon being recognized nationally is valid when you're at a swim up bar in a resort pool in Mexico and, without any provoking, Simeon basketball pops up in the conversation. When a man sipping a Bahama Mama finds out you're from Chicago, he brings up -- of all things -- Simeon.

The conversation with this Boston sports fan -- who I can't even put in the avid sports fan category since he forgot his very own Celtic Rajon Rondo was out with an injury (Although he was a wee bit inebriated) -- began casually. But within minutes of Boston/Chicago conversation, he brings up Jabari Parker, how he was aware of Parker and Simeon with all the media attention thrown their way, and "Isn't that where Derrick Rose went to high school as well?"

Simeon is arguably -- no, not arguably anymore -- Simeon basketball IS, nationally, this state's most recognizable high school athletic program in history. Prior to Simeon basketball, that distinction probably went to Frank Lenti and Mt. Carmel football when the Caravan played in 10 state championships from 1989-2003, winning nine, and were prominently mentioned nationally.

Now it's Simeon, thanks to Derrick Rose, Jabari Parker, mass media exposure, national TV appearances and championships. The Wolverines reached the national level prior to this season, but the program reached new, greater heights during this 2012-2013 campaign.

#10: The IHSA needs set rules for state tournament dates and cancellations
Now that we have been reminded that snowstorms can occur in March, can the IHSA -- no, the IHSA must -- put something in place to properly handle the cancellation of regional and sectional games?

The fact teams had to play sectional semifinal games Thursday night, while the other sectional winner had the night off while waiting for its sectional final opponent, is ludicrous.

Every step of the way along the state tournament trail becomes more taxing and emotionally draining. There is no question there was a distinct disadvantage for any team that played and won the Thursday night sectional game this year.

While one sectional semifinal winner had the luxury of "coming back down" emotionally from its win, having a night off and preparing for the sectional final with an actual practice, the other winner had to come back and play less than 24 hours later the following night for a sectional championship.

You can say teams play back-to-back nights all season or they do it for the State Finals in Peoria the very next weekend. But EVERYONE is doing it then, not just one of the two teams, so it remains competitively fair.

These high school teams--the players and the coaches--put in so much time and energy, both out of season and during the season to prepare for this moment. The least we can do is when games mean the most and they are playing for what they've worked so hard for is give them all a balanced playing field and an equal, fair shot.
 
The IHSA can claim this was the only way due to scheduling conflicts and availability with sectional sites, facilities and workers. Maybe scheduling snafus were an issue at a sectional site or two--I know the Class 3A sectional at Nazareth was one (the sectional was moved to Riverside-Brookfield as a result).

I also know I called three sectional hosts and asked if moving the championship game to Saturday night would have been a problem. Each one said there would be no problem in moving the title game one day back.
 
But the bigger question is why isn't there something more concrete already in place for situations like this?

I guess that shouldn't be a surprise since the IHSA leaves regional scheduling to the discretion of the host school. Huh? This is a whole other story, but look at the various regional scheduling around the state. They're all different from regional to regional with the opportunity (power) to add competitive advantages when they see fit. Why wouldn't they all be uniform across the state?

When it comes to hosting a sectional, would it be that difficult to put in writing that sectional hosts must, in the rare event there is a cancellation, have their gym available all week, including Saturday night?

What took place this past year can't happen again. And I would think every high school coach would agree.

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QUESTION: It's early. It's like projecting and predicting the success of those new fall TV shows after one episode. But right now, with the season now complete, who is the best freshman prospect in Illinois?
-- B.A. from Lisle

HOOPS REPORT: You're right, B.A. That is an absolutely perfect comparison. Think of all the television shows put on the air that are canceled. The networks will keep canceling shows as quickly as they introduce new ones that will hopefully stick.

And it's a perfect comparison to use for young prospects as well. Take "Grey's Anatomy," for example. With the wife watching it at the urging of her friends, I gave the show a fair shot back in 2005. Awful. It was just a bad, more unrealistic version of "E.R." The wife recognized it and, thankfully, moved on. However, "Grey's Anatomy," I see, gets renewed year after year. "Grey's Anatomy" is like the prospect that everyone keeps talking about despite very little production throughout their high school career.

Do you know how many young freshmen are propped up and pumped up before they've done a single thing in high school? Just like all the billing those new shows get every fall, hot shot freshmen prospects -- just like TV shows -- come and go quickly.

Prospects discussed in 2009 are forgotten about by 2013. You could replace shows like "Missing" with Ashley Judd, "Rob" with Rob Schneider, "Pan Am", "Terra Nova", "Man Up!", "The Playboy Club" and "Are you there, Chelsea?" -- all canceled in the past 12 months -- with many of the so-called hotshot freshmen prospects that come and go by the time they are seniors.

I'm not real sold on the young Class of 2016 as a whole right now. It's still very early, however, so we'll see how that group of young players progresses and develops. Simeon's Ben Coupet had the big name and high national ranking coming out of grammar school -- and he's still one of the better prospects -- but for my basketball taste buds I'm going with Zach Norvell, the 6-3 guard from Simeon.

Norvell isn't a marvel athletically, but he has a feel for the game, knows how to play, is productive, versatile, can shoot the basketball and is a nice big-bodied guard at 6-3 with a frame college coaches covet. Right now Norvell is the most impressive freshman in Illinois.

QUESTION: I see Darius Paul is leaving Western Michigan. Any chance he transfers back home and plays at Illinois or Northwestern? As of now, where do you think he will end up? Thanks and really enjoy your coverage.
-- Paul P from Highland Park

HOOPS REPORT: With the calls I've taken from college coaches regarding Darius Paul, you would think we were talking about another Anthony Davis! The stream of inquiries has been endless from mid-major plus programs to high-majors.

I am going to go the obvious, sensical route here with Darius Paul and say, yes, he does return home and ends up at Illinois. It just makes too much sense. Brandon Paul, his brother, played at Illinois and, at times under first-year coach John Groce, flourished. The family has a comfort level there and a relationship with the coaching staff.

And why wouldn't Illinois want him? You're talking about a 6-9, big-bodied inside threat with touch around the basket and face-up ability shooting the basketball and can rebound. He put together a fantastic season as a freshman at Western Michigan. College coaches LOVE known commodities, players that produced at a certain level in college. Plus, he has three years of eligibility after sitting him for one year where you can work with him, develop his body and raise his level of play.

Darius Paul proved he was a recruiting steal for Western Michigan. Now, because of an improved motor and his productivity as a freshman in the Mid-American Conference -- he averaged 10 points and 6 rebounds a game this past year -- he becomes a prospect all over again. And this time a high-major one.

QUESTION: Love when you give us the unknowns, or maybe just the ones who will be recruited at a high level before they really are. You warned me, all of us, 18 months ago as the conductor of that Tyler Ulis Train, that he would be recruited at the high-major level. It took some time but I see that he now is. Give me a name, any name, who is the most under-recruited young player in the state right now that will be recruited at a high level, maybe even high major level once those coaches overcome their reservations about him like they did with Ulis.
-- P. Rabjohn from Crossroads of the Nation

HOOPS REPORT: Last week I wrote about a pair of west suburban kids, Plainfield East's Aaron Jordan and Geneva's K.J. Santos. Jordan has received some love and looks so far -- and will get a whole lot more very soon -- as will Santos when he's back healthy and playing. But Aaron Jordan can score that basketball, has size at 6-3, pushing 6-4, so he's one to really watch.

But I know you're looking for that Tyler Ulis-type prospect. The one who people find a flaw with, keep overlooking, etc. So the one player who I think has minimal interest from high-major programs right now but will prove that he's worthy over time is Simeon's Edward Morrow, especially if he were to add another inch, inch and a half to his developing 6-6 frame. That's what high-major coaches will say, "But he's an undersized 4-man, Joe!)

Waa-waa-waa! ... They all aren't 6-9, 235-pound behemoths.

Nonetheless, even at 6-6, I love this kid. If he ends up being an undersized 4-man, so be it. He just goes out and PLAYS. He's going to be highly productive because he has a motor, runs the floor, rebounds, finishes around the basket, competes, has the right mindset and his body will fill out. In my mind, he's among the top half dozen prospects in the Class of 2015 right now. There will be plenty of high-major programs involved sooner than later after watching him play with the Mac Irvin Fire this summer.

QUESTION: Tommy Hamilton is headed to DePaul. Steal? Big-time recruit? Bust? No big deal? I'm miserable watching my Blue Demons and don't have a whole lot of hope. So give it to me straight.
-- Depressed DIBS from Lincoln Square

HOOPS REPORT: Well, if Tommy Hamilton had committed to DePaul in April of 2010 then it would have been a HUGE deal. The stock fell and the Hamilton commitment this month certainly isn't game-changing for a program that is in need of difference-makers.

However, it's still a solid recruit in that it's a player with the potential to improve the program. How much he can add to the Blue Demon win total? We shall see. He's big, skilled and talented. Now it's up to Hamilton as to how good he can be and how much he can do for coach Oliver Purnell and DePaul. And it's a name locals are familiar with, including other potential recruits in the Chicago area.

QUESTION: I'm going to try and keep it simple using a baseball analogy. Northwestern's hire of Chris Collins is a double (has to be at least a double, right?), triple, home run or grand slam?
-- Keeping Fingers Crossed in Kenilworth

HOOPS REPORT: How about a walk-off home run? I stated before the hire was made what I felt in this blog and expressed it again after the hire in this blog. For what Northwestern is, what it needed and what Collins brings at this particular time, it's without question a potential and realistic turning point for the program. And to keep an experienced, polished veteran with NU ties in the fold in assistant Tavaras Hardy? Well, that makes it a two-run walk-off homer, down 1 in the bottom of the ninth.

QUESTION: This Rick Malnati to Fenwick deal and hype reminds me of those NBA guys coming back to the college game, like Calipari, Pitino, Lon Kruger. First, has there been jumps like this before? Second, now that Malnati is back in the high school game, where would you put him among the top coaches in high school basketball?
-- Friar Bob from LaGrange

HOOPS REPORT: I like that comparison, Friar Bob! You really don't see it much, the jump from high school to college and back again.

One example -- and those in the Chicago area really aren't familiar with him -- is Mike Miller at Rockton-Hononegah. As a 25-year-old coach he led Rockford Guilford to a state runner-up finish in 1995. Then he took the Galesburg job and led the Silver Streaks to a second-place state finish in 1998. He joined coach Kevin Stallings' staff at Vanderbilt. After a short stint at Vandy, he returned to high school coaching, first at Elgin, taking over for legendary coach Jim Harrington, and then Rockton-Hononegah, where he's coached since 2001. He's thrived and turned the program into a consistent winner, with nine 20-plus win seasons in his 12 years there.

My respect for Rick Malnati as a coach was extremely high BEFORE he went on his two-year college venture at Loyola. Now, after two years of doing JUST basketball, I expect Malnati to be new, improved and even more energized.

Malnati, though, is the complete package. Yes, he's a coach -- a great one when it comes down to it. But he is so inspired and intrigued with helping kids. That's why this was a huge win for Fenwick basketball. He brings name recognition and credentials, for sure, but he cares about his responsibilities as a figurehead and role model for student-athletes. He wants to be a motivator and a guy who can make a difference with a high school kid.

Overall, Malnati is one of the top handful of head coaches in the state the day he took over at Fenwick.

QUESTION: I have watched a lot of the Illinois Wolves younger team in AAU and those players with their high school teams. They have a bunch of talented guards who have received a lot of attention. Putting you on the spot here but give me the player on that team who is the best prospect or will be the best player down the road. Love your insight you provide with your blog.
-- Will in Lockport

HOOPS REPORT: I am assuming you're talking about the Wolves 16U team with "a bunch of talented guards" -- and if so, you're right, Jerry. There are four pretty high-level guards on that Illinois Wolves team that are all among the top 10 players in the Hoops Report's Class of 2015 player rankings.

Now I may be in the minority right now with this one, but anyone who has read the Hoops Report regularly knows how much I've touted Roosevelt Smart of Palatine. That's why, at the end of the day -- two, three years from now -- I think Smart will be the best of that talented bunch.

That's not taking anything away from the others on that team. Some are more developed at this point, impact games differently and have a greater individual strength here and there than maybe Smart. But this kid has so much going for him with his size at a legit 6-2, a smooth looking jumper and his improving activity. I just think he has the most upside of any prospect on that team.

QUESTION: Please rank these players as prospects, in order, as you see them going forward: Tyler Ulis, Jalen Brunson, Larry Austin. I know they aren't all in the same class. But just as prospects. Thanks.

HOOPS REPORT: Easy and quick question. I like it. ... 1. Jalen Brunson, 2. Tyler Ulis, and a distant third -- Larry Austin.

QUESTION: Crystal ball time for you. Take one player in the senior class and forecast which one not named Jabari Parker will have the biggest impact on his college team as a freshman?
-- Tom Badillo of Mokena

HOOPS REPORT: When you combine pure talent + level of play + opportunity, then for the Hoops Report that equals Miles Simelton. For the level he signed, the Oswego guard is the biggest recruiting steal in the Class of 2013. He has a chance to be a dynamic player in the Patriot League.

Most every college coaching staff will tell you how excited they are about their recruits. When talking with a Lehigh assistant a couple of weeks ago on the recruiting trail, they are ecstatic about Simelton. And they should be. He has an opportunity to come in and start from day one. Simelton has work to do going forward, but it wouldn't surprise me if he were the Patriot League's Freshman of the Year next season.

QUESTION: I think I read somewhere that L.J. Peak left Whitney Young and went back to wherever he came from down South. Is that correct? And if so, how will that impact Whitney Young next year? I know everyone has them No. 1 but do they remain No. 1 or even a state title contender when the season begins without Peak? I know you were a big fan of Peak.
-- South Side Peace Officer

HOOPS REPORT: Yes, L.J. Peak, who was a top five player in the Hoops Report's Class of 2014, has returned to South Carolina. Those Chicago winters will do that to you.

When Russell Westbrook went down for OKC, the Thunder still had this guy named Durant. Same with Whitney Young. Peak is gone, but the big fella, Jahlil Okafor, is still around. And he will be surrounded by experienced seniors in multi-talented Paul White and guard Miles Reynolds. This will be a big year for 6-6 junior-to-be Joseph Toye.

So to answer your question, while Whitney Young would have been an overwhelming preseason No. 1 with Peak, they still get the edge on paper without him as long as Okafor is still in the middle.

QUESTION: I think I've heard you mention or write about how scholarship offers aren't always what they seem or might not be legit? Could you explain or expand on that a little? I'm a novice when it comes to this.
-- Signed ... "My-Son-Has-One-Offer-I-Don't-Think-Is-Legit"

HOOPS REPORT: Lets see, I know this isn't Mr. Okafor asking this question.

Yes, the scholarship offer has taken on a life of its own. The offer is now sort of like a billboard along the highway for a prospect. Get the offers out in public, no matter how real or sincere they are, and generate more business for yourself along the way.

This is really a whole other topic and deserves its own discussion -- this whole value of a scholarship offer thing. But clearly and obviously many of the scholarship offers out there are legitimate.

However, simply put, the scholarship offer just isn't quite what it used to be in terms of a guarantee, especially when talking about the ones prospects receive early on.

Here is a common quote from college coaches, including one high-major coach just this week when I asked, "Did you really offer Player A?" ... "Yes, we threw him an offer to show we're interested," said the coach.

Translation: There was an offer put out but if the kid tried to commit to us today we would backpedal and not take the kid's commitment at this time.

That's what it's come to in some situations -- an offer to show interest. That way in six months, 12 months or 18 months from now when the coach and program really does decide it wants Player A, it can say, "Hey, we offered you a year ago!" or "Remember, we were the first school at our level to offer you."

I have so badly wanted to run a little secret, covert operation and test the value of these scholarship offers. Although it would be impossible to ever figure out or become a reality, I would love to see what the percentage would be of actual commitments if every player took a school's offer the day they were offered.

QUESTION: I am a basketball and recruiting junkie. I follow Twitter and websites religiously. But it seems there is way too much information out there. Every single one of these people writing and tweeting can't be in the know, can they? It seems that it is difficult to believe all that you hear and so much of it seems incorrect at the end of the day? As a fan it is all just dizzying. Would you agree?
-- Austin V. in Peoria

HOOPS REPORT: You bring up valid points, Austin. In this Smartphone/Internet/Twitter era, people are so excited to get information out faster and faster. And, unfortunately, it doesn't always have to be right. But the real price of all this is tremendous cynicism, because I don't believe anything (well, not everything) anymore that I see or read on Twitter and the Internet. That's part of the reason I'm not on it anywhere near what the average person is.

Just one of many examples happened recently when a player committed to a school. All the stories read that the player chose school A over school B, school C and school D. The reality was school C and school D hadn't even talked to the kid in the year 2013.

There is so much information available out there regarding recruiting, information you used to take as fact, that you now have to sort through what is junk, what isn't or just raise your eyebrow at. So for fans, they have to either A) Find someone they really trust that provides the information, B) Pick and choose what they think is correct (because there is no way it's all correct), or C) Just continue to accept that much of what they read is inaccurate and the value of it all is entertainment.

Hey, a lot of great questions. Sorry there were a few I didn't get to, including a few where the expiration date came and went.

Here are links to previous Hoops Report Mailbags:
Hoops Report Mailbag I

Hoops Report Mailbag II

Hoops Report Mailbag III

Hoops Report Mailbag IV

Hoops Report Mailbag V

Hoops Report Mailbag VI

Follow Joe Henricksen and the Hoops Report on Twitter @joehoopsreport

Former Whitney Young star, Ahmad Starks, announced he was leaving Oregon State with a year of eligibility remaining. The 5-9 junior plans on visiting the Illinois campus later this week.

"We have a plan in place and will talk to several schools and see what their interest is and see what kind of fit we can find," Donzell Starks, Ahmad's father said. "This is all new to us."

While other local schools could be looked at, Starks' father did confirm a trip to Illinois is planned for this week, with Bradley also in the mix.

Bradley assistant coach Ron Coleman was an assistant coach at Whitney Young while Starks starred for the Dolphins.

With an ailing grandmother, Starks wants to be closer to home. As a result, Starks will apply for a medical hardship waiver due to his grandmother's health, which would allow him to be immediately eligible.

Starks has been a major contributor at Oregon State since he arrived on campus three years ago. Last season he averaged 10.4 points and 2.3 assists a game, knocking down 64 three-pointers while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc.

As a sophomore, Starks averaged 12 points and 2.7 assists while connecting on 79 three-pointers after playing 22 minutes a game as a freshman, averaging 7.8 points a game.

A veteran presence with high-major experience like Starks would add to the Illinois backcourt, where sophomore Tracy Abrams and junior Joseph Bertrand are the lone returning perimeter players. Transfer Rayvonte Rice, who sat out this past season, and incoming freshmen Kendrick Nunn and Jaylon Tate will join Abrams next season.

Plus, Starks has always been a low-maintenance, high character kid with strong academics and brings zero baggage to a program.

During Starks' senior year at Whitney Young, he helped lead the Dolphins to a state runner-up finish in Class 4A. He averaged 13.4 points and 6 assists a game while shooting 45 percent from the three-point line (45 of 99). As a junior, Starks played a key role for the 2009 Dolphins state championship team.

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But K.J. Santos and Aaron Jordan are coming. And they're coming fast. 

Santos, a 6-5 combo guard from Geneva, and Jordan, a 6-3 shooting guard from Plainfield East, opened the City/Suburban Hoops Report's eyes with their play this past season as sophomores. 

Santos' impact at the varsity level was limited early on. He was promoted to the varsity in early February and made his presence felt for a Geneva team that won 21 games and upset Hinsdale Central in the regional.

Jordan blossomed a little earlier. He put together an extremely impressive sophomore campaign, averaging 15.5 points a game on the year. His most eye-opening statistic, however, is the fact he knocked down 63 three-pointers on the year while shooting 49 percent from beyond the arc. He also made just over 80 percent from the free-throw line.

Now they're at it again this spring while playing with the Illinois Celtics, a collection of talented players in the Class of 2015. It's an under-the-radar travel basketball team with some underrated and talented players. The Celtics, who also feature 6-6 Joseph Toye of Whitney Young and 6-8 Myles Carter of St. Rita, will be watched a lot this spring and summer by college coaches as the word gets out.

Both Santos and Jordan are among the Hoops Report's top 15 prospects in the Class of 2015 already. While Jordan has grabbed some attention from college coaches, Santos is barely a blip on the radar. They've climbed fast and, because of their vast upside and physical tools and dimensions, figure to continue their ascent. They both appear to be just scratching the surface of their abilities.

"His length, size and athletic ability are one thing," says Geneva coach Phil Ralston of Santos. "But he proved he could handle himself. He knocked down some big shots for us down the stretch."

Geneva fans and those up and down the Fox Valley area that follow basketball closely know the Santos name as Ashley, K.J.'s sister, starred for the Lady Vikings. Although a knee injury derailed her senior year at Geneva two years ago, she still scored over 1,000 career points, was a nationally-ranked player and signed with Marquette out of high school.

Another sister, Sidney, is a star on Geneva's girls' basketball team. She battled back from two ACL injuries and was an honorable mention all-stater as a junior this past season.

His mother played basketball at Wichita State, while both his father and uncle played in professional leagues and Puerto Rico's national team. Now K.J. is adding to the Santos basketball heritage and pipeline.

"He has to gain some bulk and strength, but the more confidence he gets, the more success he has," says Ralston. "The more versatile we can make him the better opportunities he will have at the next level."

That versatility, along with the size and length for a perimeter player, is what jumps out at you when watching Santos. He is a long, rangy, versatile, ultra-smooth combo guard who handles the ball as a point guard and knocks down shots with a pretty release and range.

Like Santos, Jordan is a burgeoning talent on the perimeter who already has a penchant for knocking down 3-pointers in bunches. He has the size and athleticism you look for in the 2-guard position, while his feel for the game and ability to create shots off the dribble is coming along. 

When the latter does come along, you can easily envision a lethal capacity for scoring from Jordan. The size, length, shooting ability and improving understanding of how and when to attack the basket get you excited when projecting him.

Plainfield East coach Branden Adkins recognizes Jordan's exploits as a shooter. When you're connecting on nearly 50 percent of 3-point attempts as a sophomore, it's easy to point out shooting efficiency as a strength. But it's the drive Jordan possesses that sticks out for the coach who sees him play the most.

"Aaron's work ethic and competitiveness is off the charts," says Adkins. "He is constantly working on things to make himself the best he can be. He wants to be the best."

Adkins believes with the competitive drive and work ethic his star sophomore has, along with some tantalizing physical tools, big strides are still to be made.

"His instincts and decision-making are improving, and he's a great kid to be around and coach," Adkins says. "I believe his ceiling as no limit."

That ceiling for both Jordan and Santos, their individual upside and potential, makes it all the more intriguing when projecting these two under-the-radar players as college prospects.

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The 6-4 senior from De La Salle will be heading to Michigan State to play for coach Tom Izzo next year.

Prior to putting together a terrific senior season, Ellis signed with Minnesota last fall. However, the two parted ways ways following the firing of coach Tubby Smith. Now he's headed to Big Ten power Michigan State.

"Michigan State offered some of the same things we thought we found at Minnesota, which is having good men in place," said Ellis' father, Alvin Ellis, Sr. "It was important for us that he be around good men, great role models. That's what we found in Michigan State."

Ellis, who scored over 1,000 career points, averaged 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals a game in helping the Meteors to a 17-8 record this past season.

"We had some opportunities and looked at them all," Ellis, Sr. said regarding the re-opening of his son's recruitment. "But Michigan State will be great for him."

An athletic perimeter player who is ranked among the top 10 prospects in the City/Suburban Hoops Report's Class of 2014 player rankings, Ellis became a hotter commodity than at any time during his previous recruitment last summer or fall. That tends to happen when you're an uncommitted talent in April.

There were several high-major programs inquiring about Ellis, including Missouri, which was set to receive a visit from Ellis. But following a weekend trip to East Lansing two weeks ago, Ellis made the decision to become a Spartan.

He now joins former De La Salle teammate Gavin Schilling, a 6-9 forward who played his junior year with Ellis before transferring to Findlay Prep in Nevada for his senior year.

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The 32-team field of teams will include Wheaton-Warrenville South, Naperville North, Glenbard East, Wheaton North, Lyons Twp., York, Schaumburg, Conant, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Elk Grove Village, Waubonsie Valley, Metea Valley, Sandburg, Stagg, Bremen, Providence, Brother Rice, Gordon Tech, St. Ignatius, Kenwood, Robeson, Lindblom, Lane Tech, Highland Park, St. Patrick, Minooka, Lake Forest, Riverside-Brookfield, Timothy Christian, Ridgewood and McHenry.

The dates of the tournament, which will be played in two gyms, are Dec. 26, 27, 28, 30 and 31.

With the expansion of the Jack Tosh Holiday Tournament, there will now be 64 teams playing between two tournaments and sites -- York and Proviso West -- that are just five miles apart.

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With the hiring of Rick Malnati as its next head coach, Fenwick has made its biggest splash since McDonald's All-American and pro Corey Maggette led the Friars to Peoria and the Elite Eight in 1998.

Malnati, who most recently was a college assistant coach to Porter Moser at Loyola, returns to the high school game, where he was once the head coach at New Trier for nine seasons.

While working for Moser and Loyola was a memorable learning experience, Malnati felt this move was the right one for him at this time.

"It was a great opportunity working for Porter these past two years in helping trying to build that program," says Malnati. "I learned a ton, and it was awesome. But it's a 24/7, 365 days a year job. One thing high school coaching allows you is a little more flexibility. That's important to have with a family that is getting older."

He takes over a Fenwick program with some talented pieces in place and a solid foundation. That was one aspect of the Fenwick job that was appealing to Malnati.

"John Quinn has done such a great job at Fenwick," Malnati says of the former Fenwick coach he will take over for. "I am able to follow in his footsteps, much like I did with coach [Mel] Sheets at New Trier, in taking over a great and established program."

Malnati believes Fenwick's Oak Park location and the school-wide opportunities and high-level academics makes the school and basketball program an attractive place for student-athletes and for himself as a coach.

"There are kids that can benefit from a Fenwick education and the allure of a good basketball program," Malnati believes. "I have always liked the idea of using basketball as a way to help change certain kids' direction. Those are the kind of success stories you want in basketball."

Always considered one of the elite high school coaches in the state while at New Trier, Malnati was named the City/Suburban Hoops Report Coach of the Year in 2002. He led the Trevians to the state quarterfinals in 2000 and a Class AA fourth-place finish in 2002. Malnati's Trevians stunned a Proviso East team that featured Dee Brown and Shannon Brown in the super-sectional to highlight that 2002 season. New Trier also won a sectional title in 2005.

Malnati stepped down as head coach at New Trier following the 2007-2008 season and then joined Moser's staff in 2011. First, he served served as the assistant to the head coach for one season. He spent the 2012-2013 season as one of Moser's three assistant coaches.

"I learned a ton from Porter," says Malnati of his two years working at Loyola. "Porter took a lot from Rick Majerus, one of the best minds in basketball. I was also able to watch a lot of film of what other coaches and teams do. The experience I had at the college level broadened my understanding of the game."

The veteran coach says he will use "some of the stuff I was comfortable with at New Trier" and incorporate a lot of what he learned while working under Moser.

There is talent in place at Fenwick, which finished 17-9 last season and won a Class 3A regional championship. Although senior guard Luke Lattner graduates, Scott Lindsey, an athletic 6-5 junior, returns. Lindsey is among the top 40 prospects in the City/Suburban Hoops Report's Class of 2014 player rankings.

Lindsey is one of five players returning that saw extensive minutes last season. Juniors Dan Dwyer, a 6-8 post presence, 6-6 Thomas Planek and guardd Keshaun Smith all return for the Friars.

In addition, talented freshman guard Michael Smith, who was a major contributor at the varsity level all season, will be a Fenwick fixture for the next three seasons.

"I'm excited," says Malnati, who will also teach be teaching part-time at Fenwick. "This is a great opportunity for me."

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DePaul landed the quintessential high-risk, high-reward recruit as former highly-regarded prospect Tommy Hamilton committed to coach Oliver Purnell.

The 6-9, 260-pound senior was once among the top 10 prospects nationally in the Class of 2013. He came into high school with an enormous amount of buzz as Hamilton was a part of the "Big Three" in Chicago nearly four years ago, along with Jabari Parker and Alex Foster were coveted youngsters heading into their freshman year of high school.

Hamilton saw limited time at Whitney Young during his three years playing for the Public League power, due to various issues, including plenty of injury problems. Hamilton plummeted in the national rankings and interest from high-major programs began to subside. He then spent his senior year at IMG Academy in Florida this past season, working himself back into shape and gaining valuable playing time and experience.

Always blessed with a combination of size and skill -- Hamilton can step out and knock down a three-pointer with a feathery touch and is an extremely skilled passer for a big man -- the productivity has never caught up to the potential. Plus, there have always been questions and concerns about intensity, motivation and conditioning.

But make no mistake about it, Hamilton possesses an impressive package of talent if a coaching staff can tap into it and trigger a sense of urgency. He still has the size, solid footwork, soft hands and skill that made him so intriguing as a young player. How bad Hamilton wants it will ultimately dictate the level of success he has at DePaul.

Hamilton joins a DePaul recruiting class that is highlighted by Morgan Park point guard Billy Garrett, Jr. and also includes 6-4 shooting guard R.J. Currington of Oak Hill Academy in Virginia and a pair of junior college big men in 6-9 Greg Sequele and 6-10 Forrest Robinson.

Follow Joe Henricksen and the City/Suburban Hoops Report on Twitter @joehoopsreport