Top 2025's in Illinois
August 9, 2023 by Max Feldman
With the summer coming to a close and our state-by-state rankings future up and live, it's time to zoom in on a collection of states to break down the top long-term prospects. Here, I'll zoom in on the top 2025's in Illinois, an extremely deep pool of talent from all across the state. All the prospects listed currently play in the state.
1. Phoenix Gill
The upside has been palpable since he was a freshman, but the scholastic period with St. Ignatius made it clear the game is beginning to slow down for the 6-3 guard. Gill, the son of top-5 pick in 1990's draft Kendall Gill, has spent the spring and summer's in the gym rather than at AAU tournaments, making him one of the most under-discussed top 50 prospects in the country. Fantastic at getting to the line and shifting gears, he's quickly grown more heady picking his spots and understanding where to leverage his pace. High level scoring guard with a competitive edge and plenty of upside.
2. Aleks Alston
Now pushing 6-10, lights out shooters with high level feel don't grow on trees. As shown by Aleks Alston's growing list of offers and interest spanning all across the map. Still maturing physically and finding his way in terms of consistent winning impact, but the allure is clear cut as an oversized wing a nuclear shooting stroke and polished ball skills. Lands in the Top-65 nationally at this stage.
3. Bradley Longcor
One of the state's breakouts of this summer, Longcor dazzles with his playmaking ability and ball screen creativity. The 6-3 floor general led all of UAA 16U in assists per game (6.5) and brings natural table-setting instincts to the table. Breaks down defenses in assortments of ways off the bounce and plays with a mature pace. Now hearing from a variety of high majors, the Quincy G is beginning to make his presence felt on a national front.
4. Tristian Ford
Tough class to rank out given it's depth, but Ford might be the one that proves to be too low here. 6-4 southpaw with a slick handle, impressive pace and space creation ability, he can get hot quick as a pull-up shooter and has a deep bag of counters off the bounce. Adding strength and finishing through contact at the rim are some of the next steps, but the Chicago Prep G is a prolific shooter, converting 40% from 3PT range and 94% from the free throw line this spring and summer in the EYBL. Smooth and creative with a very promising shooting profile and upside physically, another leap could be on the way.
5. Dietrich Richardson
New name for some, but the upside is off the charts for the 6-6 guard with innate creation ability. Fluid and athletic, he's tough to bottle up off the bounce with his first step, deceleration and length. Continuing to add range on his jumper and strength long-term will be key, but there's plenty of intrigue with his foundation as an oversized guard with counters off the dribble and downhill playmaking chops. The headliner for an impressive Mid Pro 2025 group.
6. Antonio Munoz
The monster flashes have been there for years for the explosive 6-7 wing, and now Munoz is set to slot into a primary role for one of the state's elite program in Whitney Young. Plays above the rim, block shots and handles well in transition, and is beginning to flash improved feel and decision-making. A unique offensive threat as a big wing that can break down a defense, now it'll be about making them pay consistently. On the other end, he can wreak havoc off the ball with his shot-blocking, length and instincts. On the brink of a potentially big season.
7. Mike Jones
At last years' Midwest HSA in Chicago, it was clear Jones was nearing a big leap in his game. Now, he's fresh off a strong spring and summer with Mac Irvin putting up 14 points and 7 boards per game. 7th on the list, but hard to argue there's anyone who plays harder. All energy, all the time, and for a 6-7 forward with immense athleticism, he seems to find himself in the middle of the action game in and game out. Switchable, aggressive and unafraid, I'd bet on him translating to the next level at an early stage compared to some other 2025 counterparts.
8. Nick Allen
Big's always take a bit longer to come around, and I think the best is yet to come with Allen. 6-10 with interior touch, strong ball skills and improvisation instincts in deep. Operates well out of handoffs and runs the floor very well, he's beginning to grow more impactful in traffic as his frame continues to mature. Seems to have gotten better with each viewing over the last year, and is yet another impressive prospect in the class outside of the Chicagoland area.
9. Lorenzo Shields
After playing a reserve role on Chicago's top team, and a veteran-laden one at that, as a sophomore, Shields is my pick for the breakout of this coming high school season. 6-3 and full of craft off the bounce, he's a potent pull-up shooter from the mid-range and has excellent feel shifting on or off the ball. Number of others who've been more productive to this stage, but I'm big on Shields' upside and it seems like this winter is when opportunity aligns at Simeon. Fresh off a nice spring and summer with Young & Reckless, a potentially big season awaits.
10. Al Brooks Jr
There's been no shortage of buzz on the 6-7 wing, and it'd be no surprise to see him much higher in this group a year from now. Long, rangy and a high level athlete, he's stuffed stat sheets each step of the way over the last few months as a versatile offensive piece and havoc wreakor on the other end. It's been a quick rise, but against heightened competition, things could heat up even faster. One I'll be keeping close tabs on in Chicago.
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