When it’s all said and done, the upcoming senior season for a few select players at the very top of the class will determine just who’s the best college basketball prospect in the state.
The trio of Yorkville Christian’s Jaden Schutt, Glenbard West’s Braden Huff and Young’s AJ Casey are all in the mix as the state’s top senior prospect. If not for Buffalo Grove’s Kam Craft transferring out of state, the Class of 2022 would have four players vying for the No. 1 spot.
But as the game moves inexorably in the direction of elite shooters, the state’s best shooter takes over the top spot as we head into the season.
1. Jaden Schutt, 6-4, Yorkville Christian
He’s been known as the state’s best shooter. Now he’s also known as a Duke recruit, the first Illinois native Jon Scheyer, Duke’s coach-in-waiting, has landed from his home state. Schutt is a sneaky athlete with textbook shooting form and improved shot and scoring creation.
2. Braden Huff, 6-10, Glenbard West
There are very few players in the state and country with the type of skill set Huff plays with at his size. That’s why he’s headed to Gonzaga for an official visit this weekend. He’s a player you can run an offense through due to his dribble-pass combination while also being able to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting.
3. AJ Casey, 6-8, Young
An up-and-down summer for the multi-faceted Casey, who has been a fixture in the rankings since the day he entered high school as a hot shot freshman. He maintains the “high-major recruit” label due to the size and tools he possesses. Consistent high-level production is the next step.
4. Jalen Quinn, 6-3, Tuscola
The Loyola recruit offers terrific size and a strong body at the point guard position. The unselfish Quinn can get into the lane and to the basket while absorbing contact. His offensive game will take a jump as the perimeter shot becomes more consistent.
5. NJ Benson, 6-7, Mt. Vernon
A breakout player this past offseason, Benson has become a must-have mid-major prospect. While still a bit unrefined, he’s an athletic big man who rebounds, blocks shots, finishes around the rim and plays with a. motor.
6. Tavari Johnson, 6-0, Lyons
Silky smooth with the ball in his hands who empowers teammates, Johnson plays with pace and patience. He blends scoring and table-setting ability beautifully at the point guard position.
7. Trey Pettigrew, 6-3, Kenwood
A combo guard with a nice blend of size and athleticism in the backcourt. He offers impressive glimpses of talent and boasts some offensive explosiveness but has battled some inconsistency.
8. Ben VanderWal, 6-6, Timothy Christian
Fresh off a monster summer, Vander Wal chose Furman last month over a dozen-plus offers. He brings energy and a blue-collar approach with the ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting ability.
9. Xavier Amos, 6-8, Young
The recent Northern Illinois commit is a versatile frontcourt player with tantalizing upside and physical profile. He has a growing game on the block and is comfortable facing the basket.
10. Cade Pierce, 6-5, Glenbard West
The value the highly-versatile Pierce brings at both ends of the floor is endless. A difference-maker defensively with his size, length and toughness, Pierce is the ultimate glue player at the next level with upside remaining.
