With the summer circuit wrapped up and the Class of 2025 set to begin its final season in just over two months, it’s time to take a closer look at a dozen of the state’s top senior prospects.
1. Dietrich Richardson, Peoria Manual
He’s a connective playmaker on the perimeter with size, versatility and endless length in his 6-6 frame. With Richardson it’s not only about his talent but also his high ceiling and where he will be physically and as a player in a few years.
2. Ian Miletic, Rolling Meadows
The strides the 6-7 Miletic has made since his freshman year have been steady and impressive, particularly with his perimeter shot. The Marquette recruit is now a real threat in spreading the floor with his shooting while still retaining his blue-collar ethic.
3. Antonio Munoz, Young
The athleticism and motor stand out, which translates into Munoz being an active rebounder, a versatile defender, a lob threat and a finisher at the rim. He has the overall qualities to be a hybrid forward down
the road.
4. Matthew Zobrist, Metamora
The 6-5 Zobrist is a lethal threat from three-point range with his quick release and range, but he also has evolved into more of a crafty shot creator as he has added off-the-dribble skills. Bradley was able to keep the local product home.
5. EJ Mosley, St. Laurence
A do-it-all scorer with the ball in his hands who can provide a bit of a thrill ride while doing it in the backcourt. He’s now a threat from all areas of the floor who puts defenses on their heels with his speed and explosiveness with the basketball.
6. Tyreek Coleman, Waubonsie Valley
Coleman is simply a “baller” He can do it all from the guard position — from pushing the pace in transition with his sneaky bursts of speed, running an offense or providing offensive punch as a multifaceted scorer.
7. Phoenix Gill, St. Ignatius
The multifaceted guard is such a positive contributor in so many facets. He does the little things with intangibles. Gill, who is committed to Northwestern, will become a more well-rounded scorer as his jumper improves.
8. Tristian Ford, Chicago Prep
The Rockford native, who went the prep-school route two years ago, recently committed to Murray State. The 6-3 combo guard is an electric bucket-getter who has the size and length to go with it.
9. Aleks Alston, Kenwood
A skyscraping 6-9 forward, Alston brings outstanding size, length and floor-spacing upside as he shoots an easy ball from three-point range. When he gets over the inconsistency hump, he has the ability to take off.
10. Leshawn Stowers, Peoria
A downhill attacking scorer with a big guard’s body and strength to punish defenders, Stowers is a finisher with a midrange game and an improving three-point shot. He exudes toughness and physicality.
11. Daniel Pauliukonis, Benet
The position versatility as a 6-9 four-man with a smooth shooting stroke out to the three-point line stands out. But the still-developing upside is what excites you when projecting Pauliukonis long term.
12. Nick Allen, Bradley-Bourbonnais
The emerging tools, touch and size made Allen, who is headed to Illinois State, a coveted mid-major prospect. He’s a bona fide big at 6-10 who is comfortable with his back to the basket, and in time he will be an interior presence both offensively and defensively.