In the 14 years of the City/Suburban Hoops Report, there have been dozens and dozens of academic casualties in the world of Illinois prep basketball. We see them every year. The NCAA's emphasis on core classes has spawned a bevy of prep schools that, depending on which one you are talking about, have become eligibility factories for college prospects. We continue to see top-caliber players forced to go the junior college or prep school route in order to be eligible to play Division I basketball. Some never do make it.

There are those players out there, however, that go above and beyond both on the court and in the classroom. We often don't recognize or appreciate them enough. There are still those players out there that set the perfect example. And two of those are Naperville Central's Drew Crawford and Whitney Young's Ahmad Starks. Both of their stories from a student-athlete perspective are refreshing.

Starks is an absolutely refreshing story. Here is a top high school player that fans gravitate to and pull for because of his diminutive size and the way he plays the game. Then you get a little deeper into the person and realize he's the total package. Though a bit reserved outside his inner circle, Starks is articulate, distinguishes himself with leadership characteristics, carries a 3.4 grade-point average and speaks three languages - English, Spanish and French. He's entering his junior year, yet he's still only 15 years old as he was able to skip a grade. He has committed to a high-major school in Oregon State, yet maintains his priorities - right now he's taking ACT preparatory classes as he begins his junior year.

Job well done, Mr. and Mrs. Starks. Those two have made it a point to put education at the top. There are Master's degrees up and down the two family trees, with Don Starks a graduate of Illinois Institute of Technology and his wife, Alisa, a Northwestern graduate.

"It's about balance of life," says Don Starks of what he and his wife have preached to their son. "We have told him you have to be you, but you also have to be versatile. We have been educating him on academics and the importance of it since he was a 3-year-old."

Ahmad, who had straight A's throughout grammar school, has known that if his grade-point average ever fell below 3.0 he wouldn't be playing basketball. Those are his parents' orders. He hasn't slipped a bit, even when his peers don't view A's and B's to be as cool as AAU.

"It's an incredible luxury as a basketball coach to have a kid like Ahmad," says Young coach Tyrone Slaughter. "He's as selfless of a player as you will find. His objective is to win. And his basketball I.Q. is so incredibly high that it minimizes the whole height thing. He's a mentor for our younger players."

Starks, whose I.Q. shines on the floor with the ball in his hands, committed to Oregon State this past summer. The educational background of Oregon State coach Craig Robinson played a big part in the decision, along with the opportunity to play in the Pac-10.

"You just trust this guy," Starks says of Robinson. "And he [Robinson] has such a great academic background."

Just like it was for Starks, the academic foundation was there for Crawford. His parents instilled the "academics first" early on. But Crawford, whose father is veteran NBA referee Danny Crawford, says that since junior high, striving for academic excellence has been self-motivated. Refreshing? You bet it is. As a result he sports a 4.2 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) and scored a 31 on his ACT.

In the last decade and a half the Hoops Report hasn't come across many players like Crawford. He's wise beyond his years and carries himself with such poise. He respects the game, himself and others. He's remarkably articulate and mature for his age. When talking with him you forget you're talking to a teen. He just gets it.

"It's unfortunate and I feel for them," Crawford says of the many talented players that struggle academically. "You can see the talent and the bright future they can have, but they aren't able to maximize that opportunity. I think there are some that love the game so much they definitely devote too much time to basketball."

Crawford has found the perfect mix of basketball, academics and outside interests. Despite being completely under the radar, Crawford enjoyed a terrific junior year for Naperville Central. Crawford was featured in the January issue of the Hoops Report, noting the four buzzer-beaters the smooth 6-5 guard hit in a two-month span. He then came into his own over the course of the summer playing for Larry Butler's Illinois Warriors, which opened the eyes of college coaches.

With Crawford's priority in academics and a clear vision of his future off the court, it's no wonder Northwestern is at the top of his list. He's still sorting things out but admits the Wildcats are a slight favorite. Wake Forest is right there as well, with Loyola and Oklahoma State among his top four. He hopes to set up a visit to Wake Forest in the coming weeks.

For all those players that have not taken care of business in the classroom and with all the negativity that comes with it, it's hard not to outwardly pull for class acts like Starks and Crawford.

Thornton. Homewood-Flossmoor. Bloom. Hillcrest. Crete-Monee?

Don't look now, but is Crete-Monee the new power in the always talented south suburbs?

There has been a renaissance in Crete. Recently a new high school building was built and opened with magnificent facilities, which is a huge draw to families throughout the south suburbs. Sprinkle in a little Rocky Hill magic, the highly successful coach that won big at Thornton in the 1990s, and the basketball program is on its way. The folks around the school and community are ecstatic with the direction the program is headed after so many downtrodden years.

Crete-Monee, which has had little to no success over the past couple of decades, won a regional last season and is primed for a big two-year run starting this winter. The nucleus of last year's team returns, led by talented 6-6 junior Mario Redmond and sophomore point guard Kentrell King, both Division I prospects. And a bunch of talent is headed Crete's way. The latest is junior big man Ray Lester, a promising 6-6 inside player that averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds a game last season at Bremen. Lester joins two other move-ins, the explosive 6-4 Zach Crockett, who played as a freshman last year at Rich Central and is one of the top 15 players in the Class of 2011, and 6-4 junior Josh Humphrey, who transferred in from Hales Franciscan.

Hill will put the controls in the hands of King, much like he did with the great Thornton teams with Antwaan Randle-El at the point. King, who is a talented point guard who had an excellent offseason with the Mac Irvin Fire AAU team, will be surrounded by superior athletes. Lester, one of the more overlooked players in the Class of 2010, just may be the missing link. He is the inside presence Crete-Monee lacked and is poised for a breakout season.

The most promising aspect of the rise of the Crete-Monee program is that all five of its top players will return the following year. Plus, incoming 6-4 freshman Jalen Love is another young talent that can now be eased into the program and not rushed.

Crete-Monee will surely be a factor in the south suburbs. But in a watered down Class 3A due to the four-class system, Crete-Monee could very well be a major player this March in state tournament play.

Crete-Monee is not the only south suburban school on the rise. Rich East is a program that has constantly lived in the shadows of the schools just to the north, like Thornton, Thornridge, Thornwood and Homewood-Flossmoor. This is the school where former Michigan head coach and current San Diego State coach Steve Fisher was the head man throughout the 1970s. Since then there has been very little success. That should change this year.

Coach George Leonard welcomes back four quality seniors, including big, strong 6-5 Shea Sumpter, athletic 6-4 wing Stephen O'Neal and guards Ja'Mere Dismukes and Freddie Lay.

When all the rankings come out in November, it's a three-team team race for the frivolous distinction of being preseason No. 1. Whitney Young, North Lawndale and Zion-Benton will all be in the mix - and probably all be in the top spot at some point in the season. However, with the addition of St. Rita star Terry Johnson, who has made the move to Chicago Public League's Red-West, North Lawndale just may be the one.

North Lawndale is the defending Class 2A state champs. They return nearly everyone from that team, including the high-profile inside tandem of 6-4 Jonathan Mills and 6-10 Paul Bunch. But coach Lewis Thorpe's depth and experience is downright scary. Athletic 6-4 wing Jermaine Winfield is back after averaging over 12 points a game last season, along with 6-3 Miles Mayfield (6 ppg) and guards Zilijan Jones (7 ppg) and Stephen Thorpe. The talented John Taylor, an explosive 5-11 guard that averaged 14 points in the 13 games he played last season before running into some academic issues, is expected to be eligible again. Now add Johnson, who becomes a potent scorer on the perimeter after averaging 21 points a game as a junior, and North Lawndale just may be the top team in the state.

"It's a great feeling knowing how competitive the practices are going to be," says Johnson of the talent he will face each day at North Lawndale. "It's a chance to get better as a player. Hopefully I can finish off my senior year with a bang and win a state championship."

Johnson, who sports a 4.1 grade-point average and was among the top 20 in his class at St. Rita, attended North Lawndale on the first day of classes on Thursday.

"It was definitely different going from a Catholic school to a public school," Johnson said.

Although Johnson and his family are excited about a new opportunity, Terry's father, Terry Johnson, Sr., says they are "sad and disappointed because St. Rita is a great place." However, personal reasons came up and the family felt this move would be best for Terry at this point in time.

Other transfer rumors
The talk in the south suburbs has been that Reggie Smith of Thornton would be leaving and heading to DeLaSalle. That rumor is apparently dead as the talented and athletic Smith is supposed to be staying in Harvey.... Could Foreman star Lavonte Dority be on the move? There have been a few schools mentioned for the dynamic Class of 2010 point guard, most noteably Crane and Proviso East being mentioned as possible destinations. If Dority stays put he will team up with classmate Mike McCall to form one of the top backcourts in the state.

All-Transfer Team
Here is a look at the five biggest transfers this offseason and the impact each one will have on the upcoming season.

Crandall Head (Rich South to Crane) .... After the Sherron Collins era the program took a hit and looked to be heading downward. Then came along Crandall Head (and his brothers) to elevate the program. No, Crane will not be among the top two or three teams in the Chicago Public League, but it's one worth watching again.

Diamond Taylor (St. Joseph to Bolingbrook) .... Many people felt this was going to happen last year. Taylor is exactly what an already talented Bolingbrook team needed - a go-to type player that provides a lot of versatility for them on the perimeter. Taylor solidifies the Raiders as a Top 25 team.

Terry Johnson (St. Rita to North Lawndale) .... A big-time talent and pure scorer joining a defending state champ. Johnson, who just committed to Illinois State, just might make North Lawndale the top team in Illinois and an overwhelming favorite in Class 3A.

D.J. Cooper (Hales Franciscan to Seton Academy) .... The talented point guard makes Seton Academy the top team in Class 2A - and one of the best teams in the state regardless of class.

Nik Garcia (Niles West to Evanston) .... This transfer scenario may not be finished yet. The question is will Garcia, one of the best shooters in the state, ever wear a Wildkit uniform? The odds look as if he will end up at a prep school for his senior year. Stay tuned.

The commits keep coming for Illinois State and head coach Tim Jankovich. Zeke Upshaw became the first player ever out of Chicago University Lab to land a Division I scholarship, giving Jankovich and ISU a commitment on Sunday following a campus visit on Saturday. Upshaw's commitment follows those from the duo of 6-7 Jon Ekey and high-scoring 6-5 Justin Clark from William Chrisman High School in Missouri, as well as talented combo guard Terry Johnson of St. Rita.

While the Hoops Report has noted that Johnson has been overlooked nationally and on the recruiting trail overall, Upshaw has been vastly underappreciated locally. The Hoops Report has labeled Upshaw a "big-time sleeper" for the past five months and for good reason. Playing for Chicago Lab and a loaded Mac Irvin Fire AAU team, Upshaw's opportunities to shine on a regular basis have been limited. He has barely been a blip on the radar and undervalued in recruiting circles. But there aren't many players in the Class of 2009 that bring the type of versatility to the floor as Upshaw. ISU now has a talent in the fold that brings great size and length at 6-6 to the perimeter. He's in the Brandon Rush mold as he can handle the ball and shoot like a 2-guard. He will be a nightmare matchup problem for opponents due to his size and versatility, be able to defend big guards and stretch defenses with his shooting.

The old phrase "his best basketball is ahead of him" most definitely fits Upshaw, maybe more so than most players in the senior class. He will need a little time to adjust to the physical play of the Missouri Valley, the demands of college basketball and prove his toughness, but his upside is enormous. Upshaw is just so extremely skilled for a player his size and has barely scratched the surface as a basketball player. And an added plus, just as it is with Johnson and Ekey, is the fact Upshaw is an elite student with great character. Upshaw has excelled in a demanding academic high school, Johnson sports a 4.1 GPA and Ekey is ranked No. 7 academically in his class. What a great combination for a college program when you can add talent along with character and hard core academic student-athletes. In this day that is pretty rare.

Illinois State, which returns arguably the best player in the Missouri Valley this season in former Phillips star Osiris Eldridge from a 25-win team, has now put themselves in position to be a threat in the MVC for years to come. With the trio of Simeon's Keyon Smith, Decatur Eisenhower's Jeremy Robinson and Hillcrest's Kellen Thornton as incoming freshmen, to go along with the four commitments in the last week, the cupboard is loading up for the Redbirds. As has been stated before by the Hoops Report, ISU has made their presence felt with their recruiting aggressiveness. A lot of credit in both the Johnson and Upshaw recruiting goes to assistant Paris Parham. Both players and parents have raved about and been impressed with the relationship the well-connected assistant and Chicago native has developed with prospects during the recruiting process.

The Hoops Report hinted at a Brian Conway to Northern Iowa match in the Aug. 13 blog and the athletic Bloom star is indeed headed to play for the Missouri Valley Conference school. The 6-3 wing gave a commitment to coach Ben Jacobson and the Panthers.

Conway will upgrade the area Northern Iowa definitely needs an upgrade in - athleticism. This is a player that will wow the folks in Cedar Falls with his pure physical attributes. He can run up and down the floor with the best of them, finish in transition and gives the Panthers the long, athletic player on the wing that the program seems to lack. He's bouncy, active and, in time and with more understanding, can develop into a disruptive defensive force with the length, quickness and athleticism he brings to the table.

While he still has plenty of room for improvement with his overall skill package, from his shooting to his ballhandling, Conway has made big strides in the past 12-18 months in those areas. His shot and handle have both improved. And with continued improvement in those areas and with his decision making with the basketball, Conway could be a real force down the road. Conway played for Mike Mullins and the Illinois Wolves, which is the same AAU program that Northern Iowa tapped into last year, landing talented Jacobs point guard John Moran.

Northern Iowa is just another Missouri Valley school - joining Illinois State, Bradley, Southern Illinois and Indiana State - that is hitting the Chicago area hard in recruiting. Jon Montgomery of Lincoln Park will be a sophomore guard this year, while Moran will be a freshman point guard this season. This trend of targeting the Chicago area and the state of Illinois will continue as assistant coach Kyle Green, the current recruiting coordinator for Northern Iowa, has strong ties in recruiting the state of Illinois. Green was an assistant coach at Marquette (2003-2004) and head coach at Lewis University in Romeoville for two seasons.

Fresh off a 25-win season and NIT bid, the Illinois State basketball program is enjoying its finest recruiting week in decades. Go ahead and put an exclamation point on ISU's Class of 2009. Coach Tim Jankovich just landed St. Rita guard Terry Johnson, the No. 11 rated player in the City/Suburban Hoops Report's latest Class of 2009 player rankings. Johnson is the third Redbird commitment in the last four days, following the tandem of 6-7 Jon Ekey and 6-5 Justin Clark of William Chrisman High School in Missouri.

Johnson, who sports a 4.1 grade-point average, and his family were wowed and thoroughly impressed by their visit to Illinois State, which resulted in a commitment while on the visit. Johnson, who visited ISU Thursday with good friend and AAU Mac Irvin Fire teammate Tony Nixon of Seton Academy, will fit in perfectly with the style Jankovich's team plays. The 5-11 combo guard, who just recently added a scholarship offer from Miami-Ohio and was considering Drake, Pacific, Loyola and Fairfield, is a gifted scorer with a mid-range game that extends beyond the three-point line. His dribble-drive and kick capabilities, as well as being able to knock down shots from all over the floor, will certainly flourish in ISU's system. The Hoops Report, which has often compared Johnson to former college star Hollis Price at Oklahoma earlier this decade, believes Johnson has been one of the real overlooked and underappreciated players in Illinois over the past couple of years. He blossomed as a sophomore at Seton Academy and then enjoyed a terrific junior year at St. Rita, averaging 21 points a game. As a senior, Johnson has the capability of putting up numbers and have the type of impact Kevin Dillard had at Homewood-Flossmoor last season when he burst on the scene and elevated his stock with monster offensive numbers.

This now gives Jankovich and the Redbirds three big-time scorers in this recruiting class. Ekey is an athletic four-man with terrific shooting ability from the perimeter, while Clark is also an outstanding shooter and scorer who led the state of Missouri in scoring with 28 points a game as a junior. When you think about it, ISU is adding a pair of scorers in Clark and Johnson that, together, averaged nearly 50 points a game - as juniors.

When Jankovich was hired in March of 2007 after serving on Bill Self's staff at Kansas, he quickly set out to assemble a staff with the focus being recruiting the state of Illinois. ISU had floundered since the departure of Kevin Stallings, going just 107-131 between Stallings leaving for Vanderbilt and the arrival of Jankovich a little over a year ago. In former coach Porter Moser's four years, the Redbirds landed just two players from the Chicago area - little used big man Ronnie Carlwell of Proviso East and current star Osiris Eldridge from Phillips.

Jankovich put together a stellar, top-notch coaching staff of Rob Judson, Paris Parham and Anthony Beane. As a result, ISU has increased visibility and is aggressive on the recruiting scene. The staff has certainly elevated Illinois State's presence, especially in Illinois - and in a hurry. ISU has been heavily active in recruiting the state, signing Simeon's Keyon Smith and Decatur Eisenhower big man Jeremy Robinson last fall, while landing former Hillcrest star, 6-7 Kellen Thornton, earlier this summer.

The recruiting wave continues for Jankovich and the Redbirds with the trio of commitments this past week.

Let the debate begin. The City/Suburban Hoops Report breaks down the top 60 college prospects in the Class of 2009, with several players rising and falling following the summer circuit. The loss of Peoria Central's D.J. Richardson is a definite blow to the star power in the senior class. With Richardson in the mix, the Hoops Report felt there was a "super seven" in the class, with a drop after those seven players. Now, after the top six, there can be questions raised and plenty of debate among the next dozen or so players. Nonetheless, here is a look at how the players stack up.

1. Brandon Paul, 6-3, 2G, Gurnee (Warren) .... The Illinois commit remains the top prospect and will most definitely stay there, especially now that D.J. Richardson has moved on to Findlay Prep in Nevada.
2. Chris Colvin, 6-2, PG, Chicago (Whitney Young) .... The top uncommitted player in the state moves up a few notches after a solid spring and summer. It will be interesting to see how he is used this winter with Whitney Young, which boasts three other top perimeter players (Jordan, Johnson and Starks) that are best with the ball in their hands.
3. Jack Cooley, 6-8, PF, Glenview (Glenbrook South) .... Steady and consistent. Rugged and blue collar. The Notre Dame-bound Cooley is clearly the top big man in the state.
4. Matt Vogrich, 6-3, 2G, Lake Forest .... No player improved his stock more in the eyes of the Hoops Report this past summer than the high-scoring, sweet shooting Vogrich.
5. Angus Brandt, 6-9, PF, Lake Forest (Academy) .... Really opened eyes this summer, starting with a terrific performance at the Chicago Summer Classic where he showcased his versatile game. He can shoot it with range, put it on the floor and finish with a dunk in traffic.
6. Darius Smith, 6-2, PG/2G, Chicago (Marshall) .... The versatile, get-it-done guard has been a fixture in the top 10 since his arrival three years ago. He impacts the game in so many ways.
7. Joseph Bertrand, 6-5, PG/2G, Sterling .... All players develop at different rates. The trend of up-and-down play has continued, but you can't ignore the potential and versatility this long athlete brings to the table.
8. Nik Garcia, 6-5, 2G, Evanston .... He's got an edge to him and can flat-out shoot the basketball. He's a better athlete than people give him credit for.
9. David Brown, 6-3, 2G, Rockton-Hononegah .... He had his struggles late in the summer, but he remains a versatile weapon with his vastly improved shooting from a year ago.
10. Diamond Taylor, 6-3, 2G, Bolingbrook .... Physically was never quite right all summer and that did hinder his overall game. Still must find a way to add weight and strength, as well as be able to finish around the basket to become a complete scorer.
11. Terry Johnson, 5-11, PG/2G, Chicago (St. Rita) .... Blessed with talent, character and 25-plus potential scoring ability. This combo guard remains one of the best pure scorers in the class and is poised for a monster senior season. Still underappreciated by many.
12. Michael Haynes, 6-6, PF, Chicago (Washington) .... Where he ends up playing high school ball is still in question. He may be the classic 'tweener, but his body and athleticism would make for an ideal four-man at the mid-major level.
13. D.J. Cooper, 5-9, PG, South Holland (Seton Academy) .... Aside from Chris Colvin, he's the best pure point guard in the class. He's a gamer who competes and plays bigger than his size.
14. Tony Nixon, 6-4, 2G/WF, South Holland (Seton Academy) .... Put on shooting exhibitions throughout the summer and showed a willingness to put the ball on the floor and little more. As a result his stock has soared.
15. Marcus Jordan, 6-2, PG/2G, Chicago (Whitney Young) .... By all accounts, raised his stock nationally. A great athlete with a great body and strength, but he's still rough around the edges when it comes to his overall skill level.
16. Shaun Pratl, 6-8, PF, Oak Lawn (Richards) .... The big man battled an illness all summer long, dropping 25 pounds and never playing at the level he was at late last season and early spring. But when healthy - and when he's entirely focused on basketball - he can run, jump and be physical with just about anyone his size.
17. Drew Crawford, 6-5, 2G/WF, Naperville (Central) .... A big, long and versatile threat on the perimeter. He continues to improve his jumper and always comes up with big plays in big moments.
18. Jonathan Mills, 6-4, PF, Chicago (North Lawndale) .... Still remains an undersized four-man, but you can win with players like Mills. Pound for pound, Mills is the best rebounder in the state.
19. Cully Payne, 6-1, PG, Schaumburg .... Tough, hard-nosed and smart. Could evolve into a Jason Richards-type point guard at the next level. But will his lack of overall foot speed and athleticism be overmatched in the physically gifted SEC?
20. Zeke Upshaw, 6-5, WF, Chicago (Lab) .... This underrated all-around talent still putting it all together as a player. But he can shoot it with range and put it on the floor awfully well for a player his size.
21. Dyricus Simms-Edwards, 6-2, PG, Washington .... What was supposed to be a big summer for the late bloomer turned into a frustrating one that ended in injury. Questions remain. Can he blow by and separate from defenders? Does he shoot it well enough? A terrific character kid with talent who will be analyzed closely this season.
22. Jordan Prosser, 6-7, PF, Eureka .... Yes, his ranking and stock dropped considerably from 12 months ago. But he's a valuable commodity - a big man who can play, which are difficult to find.
23. Malcolm Herron, 6-3, 2G, Downers Grove (South) .... Never found the right fit playing AAU this summer. But he can really score. Needs to improve his motor and learn to bring it every day.
24. Jordan Walker, 6-6, PF, South Holland (Seton Academy) .... If he's eligible to play at Seton, watch out! Long athlete who runs the floor and has really improved his face-up game after sitting out all last year.
25. James Kinney, 6-0, PG, Champaign (Centennial) .... A little erratic in his decision-making and point guard skills, but he remains a lead guard that can put points on the board.
26. Seth Evans, 6-1, PG, Seneca .... Another underappreciated, undervalued guard. Tough, composed, heady and a model of consistency. Wisconsin-Green Bay got an awfully good one here.
27. Jeremy Jones, 6-1, PG/2G, Chicago (Simeon) .... Shined at times with his ability to knock down shots and improved play-making ability. Should really blossom this winter for coach Robert Smith's Wolverines.
28. Brian Conway, 6-3, WF, Chicago Heights (Bloom) .... A high-flying, athletic, wiry wing that would be perfect for a program in need of just that (Northern Iowa, perhaps?). Still lacking ball skills and the ideal decision-making.
29. Conrad Krutwig, 6-5, WF/PF, Algonquin (Jacobs) .... The interest is there but the offers have not followed. There aren't many players that play harder than Krutwig, a perfect combo forward for a low-Division I school.
30. D'Mitri Riggs, 6-3, PG/2G, Bloomington .... He will wow you at times with his ability. Then make you leave the gym wondering if he was on the floor.
31. John Taylor, 6-0, 2G, Chicago (North Lawndale) .... The crossover, the quick first step and acceleration gets him by just about anyone. But he needs to find his calling as a player.
32. Eriq Harris, 6-5, WF/PF, Chicago (Marshall) .... When he's in control, focused he has the ability to be a difference-maker around the basket.
33. Derek Needham, 5-11, PG, Chicago (DeLaSalle) .... Hoops Report loves his powerful game. He can penetrate and get to the hole on just about anyone.
34. Malcolm Griffin, 6-3, 2G, Chicago (Hyde Park) .... Has the ability to be a big-time scorer.
35. Stanford Brown, 6-7, PF, Chicago (Whitney Young) .... Was much more assertive and active this spring and summer. In position to be the guy inside for loaded high school team.
36. Troy Snyder, 6-5, WF, Bolingbrook .... He has some consistency issues, but he's a versatile player who can put it on the floor in the halfcourt and knock down shots from the perimeter. Will he put it all together?
37. Cortney Bell, 6-5, WF/PF, Chicago (Lincoln Park) .... A big-time athlete who continues to show flashes of an improved face-up game.
38. David Bryant, 6-4, 2G/WF, Batavia .... Shot it well, played his heart out and was a rock for a Wolves team that desperately needed someone to feed off after being decimated by injuries. The concern remains his foot speed and quickness.
39. Colin Nickerson, 6-3, PG/2G, Waukegan .... Showcased a variety of skills throughout the summer and really blossomed as a player. A tall point guard with length who can shoot it. Still needs some definite weight gain and added strength.
40. Nick Washburn, 6-8, PF, Mahomet-Seymour .... Another player hurt by injury that may benefit from waiting to the spring signing period if he truly wants to play Division I basketball.
41. Markus Yarbrough, 6-7, C, Zion-Benton .... Really had a nice, productive summer. He's blessed with a lot of offensive tools for a wide-bodied big man and has a nice touch.
42. Kyle Cain, 6-7, PF, Calumet City (T.F. North) .... Really has been overlooked and has made a huge jump in the Hoops Report player rankings. He was highly productive and active for the Illinois Warriors in AAU play.
43. Lawrence Thomas, 5-7, PG, Springfield (Southeast) .... He is tiny. But Thomas knows how to play the point guard position and can be an absolute pest defensively with his quick feet and hands.
44. Chris Eversley, 6-3, 2G/WF, Chicago (Payton) .... Very versatile player on the perimeter who is just growing into a basketball player. A lot of upside with Eversley.
45. Daron Guyton, 6-4, WF, Maywood (Proviso East) .... A no-namer on the scene until he blossomed and showed both athleticism and a smooth shooting stroke this summer.
46. Troynell Adams, 6-5, PF, Chicago (Farragut) .... Another undersized four-man, but he's a big-time athlete who gets a lot done around the basket and is extending his game out to 15 feet.
47. David Smith, 6-2, PG/2G, Lake Forest (Academy) .... A perfect combo guard who is blessed with a terrific body and athleticism. Still learning the ropes as far as how to run a team and gaining consistency with his shot. But has a good feel and can get to the rim.
48. Luke Scarlata, 6-7, PF, Berwyn-Cicero (Morton) .... There aren't many players that can use both hands as effectively as Scarlata, who is also an exceptional passer for a big man.
49. Mike Black, 5-11, PG, Oak Park (Fenwick) .... Fresh off a terrific spring and summer in which Black showed his ability to break people down and get in the lane.
50. Kendrick Morse, 5-7, PG, Richton Park (Rich South) .... An absolute jet who can really handle it. Flourishes in up-tempo game. Size, though, will always be an issue.
51. Ronald Steward, 5-9, PG, Zion-Benton .... Will hit big shots and play well in big moments.
52. Robert Covington, 6-6, WF/PF, Hillside (Proviso West) .... Versatile forward prospect who can get a little done both inside and outside.
53. Brandon Pullman, 6-6, WF, Rock Island .... A bit of an enigma. If you catch Pullman on the right day he will showcase great versatility and a very high ceiling. Still hasn't put it all together on a consistent basis.
54. Mikel Brigham, 6-5, PF, Danville .... A freaky athlete who runs, jumps, rebounds and dunks but is also a top-notch football prospect.
55. Danhi Wilson, 6-3, WF, Park Ridge (Maine East) .... Competes and gets after it, finishes around the basket and rebounds well for his size. Still needs work on his overall handle and consistency shooting the basketball.
56. Delino Dear, 6-8, PF, Chicago (Mt. Carmel) .... Still a long way to go but you can't ignore the potential with his size, length and ability to beat other bigs down the floor.
57. James Pointer, 5-10, PG, Chicago (Leo) .... Capable of putting up huge offensive numbers, but needs he fully understand his role as a point guard and opportunity to make others better.
58. Tyler Ponticelli, 6-7, PF, Northbrook (Glenbrook North) .... Continues to round into more and more of a complete player.
59. Matt Sullivan, 6-4, WF, Wilmette (Loyola Academy) .... Has quietly put together a very solid AAU season. He can score and is big-time academic kid that should land him in the Ivy League or Patriot League.
60. Brandon Orange, 6-3, WF, Chicago (Simeon) .... The physical tools are there. Will this be his breakout year?

Rumblings last week were that Peoria Central's D.J. Richardson, fresh off a terrific spring and summer and arguably the top prospect in the state of Illinois, was leaving Peoria for a prep school. The rumors became a reality as Richardson is off to Findlay Prep in Nevada for his senior year.

Anytime there is movement such as this - a high-profile player leaving town and heading elsewhere - immediate alarms sound. Is the player going to qualify academically? Is the player listening to others and is it in his best interest to be making the move? Is the player still firmly committed to the college he verballed to? But as it happens more and more, particularly in the state of Illinois for the second straight year (DeAndre Liggins leaving Washington last last season for Findlay Prep), it is slowly evolving into a common practice.

With Richardson, it would be shocking - as long as he ends up as a qualifier - if he didn't end up playing for Illinois. He's been a solid commitment for nearly a year. He has the Illinois/Peoria ties, with his dad having the utmost respect for Illinois assistant Wayne McClain, the former Peoria Manual coach. And he has a strong relationship with the staff in general, which obviously includes another Peoria native, assistant Jerrance Howard. Plus, Richardson has been one of the pied pipers in terms of doing his own recruiting for the Illini as a committed player.

What is of more concern is the trend we're seeing. While all situations are different and some of the moves to prep schools may very well be warranted and what is best for the student-athlete, prep basketball in the state of Illinois does take a hit. You would hope the trend would be that these prospects take care of business right from the start when it comes to academics. We have seen academic casualties in the past as well. But the trends don't seem to be changing.

There are several players in the Hoops Report's top 30 in the Class of 2009 that have some serious academic woes. Many of them may not (will not?) qualify. And then there is the Class of 2010, where a few of the truly elite players have already dug themselves a big hole academically. Who knows just where those players may be 12 months from now. Could they, too, be prep school bound to help them get things in order?

This is just another reason why players like Lenzelle Smith of Zion-Benton is such a valuable commodity. The day Smith, who is the Hoops Report's No. 3 player in the Class of 2010 and a terrific student, commits to a school, that college coach can be at ease. Smith's academics are one less thing the college coach will have to worry about. Throw in the fact that Smith will in all likelihood be a four-year player in college instead of a one-and-done or two years and out, and it's easy to see why he is so coveted. Smith, who already enjoyed a magical season last year in leading the Zee-Bees to the Class 4A state championship game and a state runner-up finish, can enjoy his final two years as a prep player. He can receive individual attention and success, play with his friends and play for something (tournament, regional, sectional titles, etc.), live at home and enjoy the high school life. Too bad all prep players can't do the same.

The march towards the November signing period is now just a little over three months away. With the state's premier college basketball program - coach Bruce Weber's Illinois Fighting Illini - stockpiled with commitments from the state's top two senior prospects, Warren's Brandon Paul and Peoria Central's D.J. Richardson, as well as top 10 player Joseph Bertrand of Sterling, there is plenty left for the other basketball programs in Illinois. Now it's a matter of fighting off one another and out-of-state programs to land these coveted prospects.

As verbal commitments start trickling in following the July evaluation period, the City/Suburban Hoops Report takes a look at a few of the other Division I programs in the state of Illinois and who the Hoops Report believes would be ideal matches for the various programs and their needs.

ILLINOIS
Chris Colvin, Chicago (Whitney Young)
Ahhhh, thought Illinois was done? Well, technically, with the Jamar Smith situation the Illini would have a 13th scholarship available for the 2009-2010 season and then some shuffling would have to be done the following year. Forget the fact Richardson, Paul and Bertrand (and Crandall Head a year later) are all guards. None of them are true point guards, which Colvin most definitely is. And he's the best point guard in Illinois in the Class of 2009 - and probably better than any point guard in the 2010 class as well. This is why Colvin remains a target of the Illini and why it would be an ideal match.

There is no question Illinois loves the talent and lead guard ability Colvin brings to the table. And Colvin, with his ability to break people down in the halfcourt and his aggressiveness in transition, could thrive playing with the likes of Richardson, Paul, Head and Jereme Richmond on the wings. One only needs to look at how Illinois plays and how past guards have flourished under Bruce Weber to know Colvin could and would fit in Champaign.

DE PAUL
Darius Smith, Chicago (Marshall)
Coach Jerry Wainwright will welcome hometown kid Jeremiah Kelly, a 6-1 guard, to the program this year. And Bolingbrook's Will Walker will be a junior guard this season. But the DePaul program is not exactly loaded with Chicago Public League products--or even Illinois players, for that matter. That's just one important plus in landing Smith, a dynamic presence whenever he steps on the floor. DePaul needs to get more involved with the top talent in Illinois.

He may not always look pretty (he can struggle with his shot, he may or may not be a true point guard, etc.), but Smith has had an outstanding spring and summer. He was outstanding in Kansas City. It's about production, getting things done and winning games, aspects of the game Smith thrives in. He is always putting pressure on the opponents, whether its with his quick feet and hands, defensive instincts or putting pressure on opponents in transition. Smith is a throwback of sorts. Put him on the floor and good things happen.

NORTHWESTERN
Matt Vogrich, Lake Forest
Despite some dreadful results in the Big Ten, coach Bill Carmody has definitely made progress in recruiting over the last two years. In 2007 the Wildcats landed Public League star Michael "Juice" Thompson out of Lincoln Park. Thompson had a solid first year at NU averaging 11.6 points and 4.3 assists a game. Last November Carmody secured the signing of one of the real breakout players in Illinois--Glenbard West's 6-9 John Shurna, a consensus top 10 player in the state. Northwestern then added big man Kyle Rowley last spring out of Lake Forest Academy. But the this year's big prize, the Hoops Report believes, would trump even those high-profile recruits.

Landing Vogrich, the sweet shooting guard and Hoops Report's breakout performer of the summer, would mean so much. It would mean Northwestern landed a top five player in the Hoops Report Class of 2009 rankings (Vogrich is currently No. 5). It would mean keeping a kid in its own back yard with a Northwestern profile (i.e. elite student with academics at the top of his wish list for colleges.) And it would mean Northwestern held off the likes of Notre Dame, Wake Forest, Stanford, Michigan and some other high-major schools that have come to the north shore looking for a dynamic shooter and scorer.

It's certainly not going to be easy as I wish NU would have extended an offer to Vogrich before he blew up, but a Thompson, Shurna, Rowley and Vogrich nucleus in a couple of years in Evanston? Now we're on to something. But will Vogrich be willing to make that leap of faith for a school that definitely meets the academic side of it but is not quite at the level basketball wise as some of the other schools that are in on him?

BRADLEY
Jordan Prosser, Eureka
Of all the schools on this list, Bradley and coach Jim Les is the only one that has already landed one of the Hoops Report's "top targets." Prosser committed to Bradley just days ago.

Although Bradley was in on Marshall's Darius Smith early, coveted the talented guard from the get-go and remains a priority, he may have played himself out of the mid-major level. But with Bradley having brought in four guards in the last recruiting class and seeing a lack of size in the near future, getting a legitimate big man like Prosser locked up is huge. A year ago there wouldn't have been many who thought Bradley could land the big kid from Eureka. Prosser's stock in the last year has certainly dropped, which is partially why the Braves were able to land him. Nonetheless, he is a quality four-man who ended up at the right level for him. And finding any quality big man at any level is a daunting challenge for college coaches. Prosser fits the bill perfectly for a program that needed an inside player in this recruiting class.

LOYOLA
D.J. Cooper, South Holland (Seton Academy)
Like DePaul, the Loyola program is going to have to get more involved and close the deal on more prospects from the city and suburbs. Currently the Ramblers have West Aurora product Justin Cerasoli, who transferred to Loyola after brief stays at Seton Hall and Ole Miss, and Conant's Geoff McCammon, a non-descript recruit signed in the late signing period two years ago. That's not nearly enough Illinois talent for a college program in the heart of fertile recruiting grounds.

Thus, Cooper becomes coach Jim Whitesell's biggest and most important Illinois target. Loyola needs guards. In landing Cooper, the very respected Whitesell will have a floor leader for the next four years that could team with another talented guard, Courtney Stanley out of Philadelphia, who will be a freshman this season. But more importantly, Cooper would be a huge advocate, personality and recruiter for Whitesell's program. There are some players that have that dynamic among peers and Cooper is one of them. Loyola will have to go head-to-head with some bigger schools, more high-profile basketball programs, but Whitesell and the Ramblers can get this done. Cooper is said to have Loyola very high on his list.

ILLINOIS STATE
Terry Johnson, Chicago (St. Rita)/Tony Nixon, South Holland (Seton Academy)
Yes, there are two names here linked with Illinois State as the Hoops Report couldn't separate the two in this recruiting situation. Both Johnson and Nixon are recruiting priorities, would have great opportunities there and would flourish in ISU's system.

There are a handful of players in Illinois --outside the "big names"-- the Hoops Report has gushed about for quite some time. Johnson has definitely been one of them, since spotting him as a sophomore at Seton Academy and then watching him and his vast offensive repertoire last season after transferring to St. Rita. Johnson remains one of the underrated players in the state.

Nixon, arguably, had as productive of a summer as any player in Illinois. He showcased his greatest strength - shooting the basketball - time and time again. If Lake Forest's Matt Vogrich is the state's best shooter, Nixon is right behind him. He also has a terrific body and, though he still needs work in this area, is starting to become more comfortable putting the ball on the floor. Of all the schools on Nixon's growing list, Illinois State seems to make the most sense as of right now - system fits, program will need an influx of perimeter scorers, close to home and a rising program in a terrific league (Missouri Valley).

Illinois State has got it going. The Redbirds are fresh off a 25-win season, NIT bid and the return of arguably the best player in the Missouri Valley Conference, Osiris Eldridge. Coach Tim Jankovich's program will be in need of scorers, with Eldridge being a junior this coming season and 6-4 Chamberlain Iguchi a senior. Johnson and Nixon would fill those roles. Johnson, who just has the knack for putting the ball in the hole in a variety of ways, is a scoring combo guard in a system that would fit him perfectly with his dribble drive, kick and shooting abilities. And Nixon can just flat-out fill it up.

RECRUITING TIDBITS....
Lake Forest's Matt Vogrich will be visiting Michigan later this month. Vogrich says he believes the Wolverines will be "officially" offering him when he's on campus, as the Michigan staff has indicated to him.... The interest for DeKalb big man Jordan Threloff continues to pick up. The 6-10 junior is receiving a wide range of interest, including an offer on Monday from Southern Illinois....While DePaul, Oklahoma State, Northwestern and Cincinnati are the four schools from high-major conferences that have offered Rockton-Hononegah's David Brown, the talented 6-3 guard is enamored with a pair of schools that have yet to offer. "I really am interested in Iowa State and Wake Forest," says Brown. "They have shown some interest but have not offered." ... While there has been a huge increase in young players committing earlier and earlier, don't look for Rock Island's Chasson Randle to be one of them. Indiana, Illinois, Purdue and Iowa State have been in on the talented sophomore-to-be - with many other high-majors scurrying to get involved - but as of now he's looking to take his time in the process and is in no rush, according to those close to him.... Bloom's Brian Conway, an athletic 6-3 perimeter player, has offers from Northern Iowa and UW-Green Bay. Conway will be visiting both those schools, while AAU Wolves coach Mike Mullins says TCU and Cincinnati have also picked up their interest since seeing Conway play in Arizona during the July evaluation period.... David Bryant, the 6-4 guard from Batavia who had a solid summer for a banged up Illinois Wolves team, will be making an East Coast swing with visits to Albany, Fairfield, Wagner and William and Mary, all of which have offered.... The Hoops Report still believes people are missing the boat on Conrad Krutwig of Jacobs. Yes, he's an undersized combo forward, but no one plays harder, he's skilled and is a better athlete than people realize. Krutwig has several Division II offers while waiting for a Division I school to pull the trigger. He will be on campus to visit Lehigh, Lafayette and Ohio. Both Murray State and Evansville have been involved but have taken a wait-and-see approach.

With July coming to an end and a time of rest (August) upon high school basketball followers, it's time to take a look back at what has transpired over the last few months. The City/Suburban Hoops Report already broke down the Class of 2011 in the previous blog, with an updated Class of 2009 and Class of 2010 rankings to follow in the coming week. Here is a look at the Hoops Report's summer winners.

Biggest Winner
Matt Vogrich, Lake Forest
The sweet shooting guard went from a mid-major prospect and ranked in the mid-teens in the last Hoops Report Class of 2009 rankings to a high-major player that has vaulted himself to the No. 5 spot in the senior class in Illinois. While his shooting ability has always been his biggest strength, he continued to show time and time again that he's a better athlete than people give him credit for. As a result, he showed the ability to get shots off and score in bunches against top-quality players and superb athletes. Now he's one of the most coveted uncommitted players in the state of Illinois.

Other Big Winners
D.J. Richardson, Peoria Central
He began the summer as the Hoops Report's No. 2 player and remains there, just behind Warren's Brandon Paul. But Richardson elevated himself in the eyes of the national gurus with his play this spring and summer with Larry Butler's Illinois Warriors. It will be interesting where Richardson lands in the national rankings (a likely consensus top 30-40 player) after a stellar summer, which saw him really smooth out some of the rough edges to his game.

Marcus Jordan, Chicago (Whitney Young)
While the Hoops Report still has doubts as to how high of a level Jordan can play and succeed at due to some of his limitations, there is no question he erased some of those doubts among college coaches after standing out in July. But getting a grasp of just where he stands on the recruiting front is as difficult to do as any player in Illinois.

Tony Nixon, South Holland (Seton Academy)
This 6-5 sharpshooter went from being a mid-major prospect to an absolute "must have" mid-major recruit. Now it's a question of whether a bigger school has a need for a shooter that can really extend defenses. He can put on a shooting exhibition and, slowly but surely, is getting a little more comfortable putting the ball on the floor.

Drew Crawford, Naperville (Central)
After the Hoops Report did all it could in hyping the talented and versatile 6-5 perimeter threat for the past 12 months, it's good to see he's getting the notoriety from others as well, including more and more college interest. Crawford was sensational in what was an obscure junior year and continued to get better and better over the course of the spring and summer. The old cliché "his best basketball is ahead of him" clearly fits Crawford.

And the biggest underclassmen winners are....
If Meyers Leonard played 20 or 25 years ago people may not have known of the Robinson big man until he was a senior--if they were lucky. He may have been a classic slip-through-the-cracks type that would have possibly ended up being a steal for a local college program due to where he played. Fast-forward to 2008 and no player with size and talent can go too long without being noticed, not in this day of constant AAU action, an obscene amount of "talent evaluators" and the internet. While Leonard still ended up staying close to home in the end, committing to the major state university, his stock was just beginning to go through the roof before coach Bruce Weber nabbed a commitment. In six months this kid went from no one knowing who he was to being a top 50 player nationally in his class, according to one national recruiting service.... While state evaluators, including the City/Suburban Hoops Report, have praised the impact Zion-Benton star Lenzelle Smith has on a team and game, the 6-3 junior and No. 3 rated player in the Class of 2010 now has national admirers--from high-major college coaches to national recruiting analysts. His stock soared over the past couple of months.... A couple of other juniors that made big names for themselves over the past few months playing with the Rising Stars and moved up in terms of what level college coaches viewed they could play at include Mundelein guard Ben Brust and DeKalb big man Jordan Threloff. Brust, with his great scoring ability and surprising bounce to his game, and Threloff, with tremendous size to go with a true interior player's build and mindset, will now both likely land in high-major conferences when it's all said and done .... In the Class of 2011, Rock Island star Chasson Randle, the talented sophomore who spent the offseason playing with the Illinois Wolves, put his name on the national map.

They've been hyped. They've been talked about. They've fulfilled early expectations. And they've gotten their feet wet. Now it's time to start fully enjoying and appreciating what the Class of 2011 has to offer in the state of Illinois. As noted many times by different people, it's a special group.

With many of the top sophomores-to-be in Illinois getting a taste of varsity basketball last year as freshmen and after competing at high levels during the spring and summer with their AAU teams, these young talents are set to take the next step. Some will take off and get better by the year, some will plateau, and some will likely drop in status and ranking between now and their senior year. But when it's all said and done, this group has the potential to rank among the top classes in recent memory. That is definitely something to look forward to after a couple of average (or even sub-par) years in both the Class of 2007 and the Class of 2008.

There were an abundance of players that made major impacts last season as freshmen, whether it was Limestone's Donivine Stewart averaging 24-plus a game, Mt. Carmel's Tracy Abrams starring in March or watching the much-anticipated debuts of the biggest of names, DeLaSalle's Mike Shaw and Curie's Wayne Blackshear. But this offseason there were more players that stepped up, shined and impressed the Hoops Report. A couple of those players vaulted up the rankings, including St. Patrick's Jacob Williams. This kid is a high-major, versatile talent that is just beginning to tap into his potential. And the Hoops Report has gushed over Hayden Hoerdemann of Bloomington Central Catholic.

Here is a look at the Hoops Report's top college prospects in the Class of 2011.

1. Tracy Abrams, 6-1, PG, Chicago (Mt. Carmel) .... When you combine raw ability, upside and potential--as well as big-time production in big moments--it's tough to top Abrams. He's a special talent with the likes of Kentucky and Memphis hot after him.
2. Mike Shaw, 6-8, WF, Chicago (DeLaSalle) .... Still some questions about his motor, drive and consistency, which could come with age. But his size and skill level are awfully impressive.
3. Sam Thompson, 6-6, WF, Chicago (Whitney Young) .... Highly versatile wing has the potential to be the top player in this class but is just in the beginning stages of putting it all together.
4. Wayne Blackshear, 6-4, 2G, Chicago (Curie) .... An athletic presence, great body and another 2011 player loaded with upside and potential. The sky is the limit for a young player that will be a national recruit.
5. Donivine Stewart, 5-10, PG, Bartonville (Limeston) .... Definitely a different prospect than the four players ahead of him. He does it with smarts, grit, moxy and drive. Although limited in size and athleticism, Stewart just gets it--and gets it done.
6. Chasson Randle, 6-1, PG, Rock Island .... Still blossoming as a scoring point guard. When he adds a little strength and size, watch out.
7. Jacob Williams, 6-5, WF, Chicago (St. Patrick) .... There aren't many players that have as wide array of skills as the long and lanky Williams, who will beat you off the dribble or step out beyond the three-point line.
8. Jay Parker, 5-8, PG, Harvey (Thornton) .... Size will always be an issue, but he's an absolute jet with the ball and is always looking to create.
9. Dre Henley, 6-4, WF, Chicago (DeLaSalle) .... Good body and strength. A versatile wing who continues to show improvement with his perimeter skills.
10. Andrew Jordan, 6-5, WF, Peoria (Manual) .... He definitely passes the look test. However, will his skill and drive ever catch up to his raw physical abilities?
11. Hayden Hoerdemann, 6-2, 2G, Bloomington (Central Catholic) .... Love him! A little overlooked by some right now, but you have to see him a lot to fully appreciate what he does and how he plays.
12. George Marshall, 5-9, PG, Chicago (Brooks) .... The little guy can go. He's a true point guard who penetrates, makes those around him better.

Rounding out the Top 20 in 2011....
13. DeShawn Greer, 6-4, WF, Chicago (Simeon)
14. Jamie Crockett, 6-4, WF, Crete-Monee
15. Ryan Boatright, 5-10, PG, Aurora (East)
16. Keonte Minor, 6-2, 2G, East St. Louis (Sr.)
17. Nana Egwu, 6-9, C, Chicago (St. Ignatius)
18. Kentrell King, 5-9, PG, Crete-Monee
19. Sondale Connor, 6-4, WF, Chicago (Brooks)
20. Kevin Gray, 6-6, PF, Chicago (Brooks)

Note: The City/Suburban Hoops Report has not yet seen highly-regarded Charles Joy of O'Fallon. Thus, he is not included in these rankings.

Larry Butler's Illinois Warriors have had better teams and more high-profile, glamorous players over the past two decades, but this year's 17-U team is still special. In a spring and summer AAU circuit where other Illinois AAU teams have received more hype, it's been the Warriors who have been a model of consistency.

The latest was starting 5-0 at the Nike Peach Jam and reaching the quarterfinals, where it lost 92-91 without its best player, Peoria Central's D.J. Richardson. The Illinois commitment headed home early to take care of some summer classwork. The Warriors have been a factor in each and every tournament it has played, reaching the quarterfinals of both the Boo Williams Invitational and King James Classic, falling in the title game of the Real Deal on the Hill, and winning the Howard Pulley Tournament.

"This is a special group," says Butler of his team. "We may not have the frontcourt other teams have, and we may not be in the category of our '96 or '98 teams, but it's still a special group of guys that has had a lot of success. They get along, share the ball, play hard and know that to reach their potential as a team they have to play a certain way and at a certain level. They are great character guys."

And while other programs in the state have many individual players that have been a tad bit overhyped and a bit overrated, the Warriors are stacked with a roster that truly features the underrated and overlooked.

Yes, Richardson is a star who will now likely be among everyone's top 50 nationally--possibly top 25--when the July evaluation period is over. But even Richardson has made a name for himself and elevated his status during the spring and summer when a lot of people questioned whether he was simply a really good player or a great one.

"He has improved every time out, gets better and better and continues to take his game to another level," Butler says of Richardson, who has cut down on his ballhandling misfortunes he has struggled with at times in the past.

As one coach of a high-major school told the Hoops Report after watching him play at the Peach Jam, "I didn't know D.J. had that in him."

Although Butler admitted guard David Brown of Rockton-Hononegah did not play his best basketball at the Peach Jam--or at least as well as he has throughout the spring and early part of the summer, no player has elevated his stock in the last 12 months more than Brown.

Marshall's Darius Smith is yet another vastly overlooked college prospect. There are questions about Smith's position at the next level and whether he shoots it good enough. While it's true Smith does struggle with his shot, he finds so many different ways to get things done. He's an absolute winner, a stellar defender, rebounds, distributes and fills a box score.

"Darius can dominate a game even without the ball," says Butler.

Several schools, including Bradley, Minnesota, DePaul, Marquette, Oklahoma State and Wyoming among others, are in pursuit of Smith.

And it seems the stock of two more Warriors, Drew Crawford and Jeremy Jones--two players the Hoops Report has been high on for quite some time--is taking off.

Crawford, without anyone really paying attention, had a terrific junior year for Naperville Central and has been a fixture among the Hoops Report's Top 25 in the Class of 2009. Crawford put that team on his shoulders and helped lead them to a conference title. He has an uncanny knack for hitting big shots. Crawford hit four buzzer-beaters alone last season that either gave his team a win or sent games to overtime. And what he showcases on his high school team is the ability to truly make those players around him better. Crawford, who is the son of NBA official Danny Crawford, is a big-time character kid, smart, articulate and unselfish.

What is interesting is that through last February, Crawford had heard from just one college coach--Northwestern's Tavaras Hardy, showing just how under-the-radar this 6-5 versatile perimeter player was. That has obviously changed. Crawford's recruiting is all over the map. Recently Seton Hall has become very interested, along with Stanford, Cal and DePaul among high-major conference schools. Loyola, Bradley, Penn, Princeton, Southern Illinois and Wagner have all been involved.

Jones, the 6-1 combo guard from Simeon, showed flashes in limited action last year for coach Robert Smith's Wolverines. He was an effective spot-up shooter. Now he's added so much more to his game. He has the capability of being a big-time scorer. He was absolutely terrific at the University of Illinois Satellite Camp at Moody Bible in June. He has continued to pick up his play and has several schools from the Horizon League, Mid-American Conference and Ohio Valley interested.

The City/Suburban Hoops Report can't remember a single event that has ever had more talent under one roof in the state of Illinois than this past week's Chicago Summer Classic at Joy of the Game in Deerfield. With college coaches turning out in droves and the talent stretching from the Class of 2009 all the way down to the Class of 2013, with the likes of heralded 8th graders-to-be Thomas Hamilton, Jr. and Alex Foster, there was an endless number of college prospects for all levels. Kudos to event organizers Brian Stinnette and Joy of the Game staff Mike Weinstein, David Adelman and Brian Davis. They compiled an attractive list of teams and players and put together a top-notch event.

2011 Debate....
While DeLaSalle's Mike Shaw earned the early accolades as the top player in what is a loaded Class of 2011, both Tracy Abrams of Mt. Carmel and Sam Thompson of Whitney Young are also in the discussion. There are many who wouldn't be surprised if Thompson ended up as the top prospect in this class. And I agree. Right now he's just not as physically mature or as advanced. But he arguably has more potential and upside than anyone else in the sophomore class.

The Hoops Report has often compared Thompson to a young Stacey Augmon, due to his 6-6, long and wiry build. In the end, though, Thompson will likely be a much bigger offensive weapon than Augmon ever was. He just does things that make you go "wow!" -- and did so at the Chicago Summer Classic. You can just see his talent scratching the surface of his incredible upside, including being more assertive and aggressive in taking the ball to the basket. Although still very young -- and likely will not even play varsity basketball this coming season (time will tell at Whitney Young) -- Thompson is just one of those no-brainer, high-major talents.

More talent in 2011....
Prior to the Chicago Summer Classic, the Hoops Report had only had an opportunity to watch Bloomington Central Catholic's Hayden Hoerdemann a couple of times. After getting another glimpse of the 6-1 sophomore-to-be, you can't help but love watching this kid play. In an intense battle against Donivine Stewart and Peoria Carver, Hoerdemann was outstanding. He's an absolute gamer who knows how to play -- and plays hard! He has a terrific perimeter shot, solid handle and isn't afraid. As I watched him play with Illinois assistant Jerrance Howard, I noted "Hayden could be a Sean Harrington with a little more giddy-up." Right now he projects to be a pretty darn good mid-major prospect at best, but he's still awfully young.

Peoria loading up....
Talent often goes in cycles. And this has been very true in the Peoria area. But the talent is certainly on the rise, with the arrival last year of guard Donivine Stewart and 6-5 Andrew Jordan, a pair of Class of 2011 standouts. In 2012 another pair should make a big impact in Peoria -- Antonio "Bobo" Drummond and Romeo Johnson. Drummond, a 5-10 point guard, is above his years in terms of how to play the game. He has a tremendous handle and knows how to penetrate and create. He's already more than a capable shooter and will be a big addition to Peoria Central next winter. The 6-4 Johnson, who will be headed to Peoria Manual, already has size, length and big-time athleticism for his age. Both were very impressive and have a world of potential.

Raising their stock....
There were others besides the big names that play for the big-named AAU programs that saw their stock rise with their play at the Chicago Summer Classic. Here is a list of those players that turned in top-notch performances and elevated their status.
* James Sikam, 6-7, Carbondale .... Wow, the Hoops Report saw this unbelievable body, finishing with dunk after dunk after dunk. Sikam, a transfer from Atlanta after moving here from Cameroon, was very impressive. Again, what a body, especially for being just a junior. He's still raw but he is without question one of the better prospects in the Class of 2010.
* Alex Brown, 6-7, Herrin .... Sikam wasn't the only "who is that?" player. Brown is long, lanky and a bit more skilled than Sikam. He is yet another talented prospect in the Class of 2010.
* Colin Nickerson, 6-3, Waukegan .... The Team NLP combo guard actually benefitted from Brandon Paul's absence. He's got size and length at 6-3 to be a low-Division I combo guard. He's also a capable perimeter shooter. But his lack of strength is cause for concern.
* Mike Black, 5-11, Fenwick .... He's had a solid spring and summer and it continued in this event. Black, at times, was very impressive running the point for the Windy City Spartans. Right now Black is a dynamite Division II prospect that could find his way to a low-Division I school with an improved and more consistent perimeter shot.
* Daron Guyton, 6-4, Proviso East .... The biggest jump in the next Hoops Report's Class of 2009 rankings will come from Guyton, a transfer from Leyden who opened eyes with his combination of shooting, athleticism and length. Would like to see him do a little more off the dribble, but his shooting stroke and high release point are pretty textbook.
* Kendrick Morse, 5-7, Rich South .... The Illinois Ice point guard continues to make believers out of him despite his tiny size. He's an absolute jet with a tight handle. He's getting better and better with his shot and thrives in an up-tempo setting.
* Danhi Wilson, 6-3, Maine East .... Although still needing to identify a true position, Wilson is long and active, gets after it in a lot of different areas (defensively, on the boards, etc.). The lefty is also showing a better stroke from the three-point line.

Can't help but look ahead....
Thomas Hamilton, Jr., Alex Foster and Jabari Parker are already much-talked about junior high players. But North Chicago's Aaron Simpson can be added to that mix as well. He's little but a little dynamo for such a young player as he played up an age level.

After opening eyes and leaving plenty of people talking at the Adidas Take Five in Cincinnati earlier in the week, Lake Forest's Matt Vogrich, the floppy-haired 6-3 gunner, continued to show why he is now the most talked about senior in Illinois during the July evaluation period.

Vogrich needs little time to get his shot off thanks to a quick release. He plays with an easy-going, yet confident streak. He doesn't get intimidated by pressure situations nor when facing top-notch talent. He may struggle to defend more athletic 2-guards at the high-major level with his lateral quickness.

Vogrich, who is also an elite student, just jumped his stock beyond the mid-major level. When the Hoops Report's post-July rankings come out Vogrich will surely be among the top 10 prospects in Illinois. Locally, Vogrich becomes a huge recruiting priority for Northwestern, being a north shore prospect with stellar grades and ACT score. Look for plenty of other high-majors to be getting involved and watching him during the July evaluation period.

Brust makes big splash
Mundelein junior Ben Brust, who plays in the summer with the Rising Stars, showed again why the City/Suburban Hoops Report has the scoring guard as the No. 10 prospect in the Class of 2010. While mid-majors drool over Brust, it's the high-majors that are taking a closer look. In the right system Brust, who is a much better athlete than people realize, could have success at the high-major level. He has a little bounce in his game, decent size at 6-2 and can score in a variety of ways, whether it be from beyond the arc, mid-range game or getting to the basket.

Another Rising Star
Brust was not the only Class of 2010 player to open the eyes of high-major college coaches with his play at the Chicago Summer Classic. The Hoops Report can't believe the progress big Jordan Threloff of DeKalb has made since seeing him play during the season with his high school team. Threloff, who plays with a terrific Rising Stars 16-and-under team, jumps out at you with his pure size. He's nearly pushing 6-10 and is thick, with big, powerful legs. While he still has plenty of work to do with his overall skill level, Threloff is far from being just a big bodied 5-man. Yes, he's a legit 5-man who can get up and down the floor well for a player his size. And everyone knows the difficulty in finding a true 5-man. Threloff and improving -- but inconsistent -- 6-9 Fred Heldring of New Trier form quite a 1-2 inside tandem for the Rising Stars.

Check back regularly in coming days for plenty more updates and information on the Chicago Summer Classic in Deerfield in the City/Suburban Hoops Report blog.

While it's hardly fair, a small portion of their prep basketball career -- in this case, a couple of weeks in July -- can make all the difference for a high school senior-to-be in the eyes of college coaches and national talent evaluators. After watching the Class of 2009 the last few years and throughout the spring and early summer, here is how the City/Suburban Hoops Report sees the class stacking up prior to the pivotal July evaluation period.