The high school is in full swing and all states including, but not limited to, Illinois have a number of unsigned seniors still on the board. Here’s a quick look at the top 5 guards still in play in Illinois in the Class of 2020…
TYLER BEARD - 6’2 - PG - WHITNEY YOUNG
Beard is one of the best guards available in the country. The Dolphin is often times over looked because of his teammate DJ Steward. But I think even DJ would tell you that Tyler controls the pace of the offense. Beard is a guard that can handle anything that you throw at him. He has a strong frame and is one of the best guards in the country at getting downhill. Beard is also a great passer being able to break down zones with relative ease. Beard is the #9 ranked player in the 2020 NY2LA Illinois TOP 40.
AQUAN SMART - 6’3 - PG - NILES NORTH
Smart recently de-committed from East Tennessee State University. He is a very similar player to Missouri PG Xavier Pinson who graduated from Simeon in 2018. Smart is an athletic guard that is hard to stop in transition. He is an elite finisher at the rim that will continue to get HM looks, not because schools are running out of options but because of his overall skill level which continues to develop. Smart is the #10 ranked player in the 2020 NY2LA Illinois TOP 40.
JEREMIAH WILLIAMS - 6’4 - SG - SIMEON
Williams is one of the most under-appreciated players in the state. He is a guard that is very good with the ball in his hands in the half court. He can take care of it and is super crafty around the rim. He's a big enough guard that he can find a body and post up. Long arms with a frame that will continue to develop once he gets in a college weight room. Williams is the #15 ranked player in the 2020 NY2LA Illinois TOP 40.
JAYDEN JOHNSON - 6’6 - SG - BATAVIA
Johnson is one of the finest shooters in the state. He consistently shoots it well from deep with a very quick release. I love his frame, it allows him to shoot the ball over closing defenders. Johnson has range that extends a couple feet behind the three point line. Jayden also boasts enough athleticism to get around closing defenders and make them pay at the rim. Do not be surprised if some bigger schools that need shooters get involved down the stretch. Johnson is the #23 ranked player in the 2020 NY2LA Illinois TOP 40.
ANTOINE BLOXTON - 6’3 - SG - BOGAN
Bloxton makes me feel like I'm watching Alonzo Verge Jr. all over again. The young man has taken Chicago by storm during his senior campaign showing he is not scared of anyone. Bloxton is a shifty guard with elite vision. He can break down defenses with his ball handling skills and can fill it up from deep if left open. Expect more schools to get involved if he keeps up his dominant senior season. Bloxton is the #25 ranked player in the 2020 NY2LA Illinois TOP 40.