Evaluation of Sandy Cohen from Ryan James at Gopherillustrated.com
• Any player that likes scoring easy baskets and pushing up their point totals should sign up to play with Sandy Cohen. This unselfish point guard has the quick handles to separate and the strength to edge the corner. Sandy consistently gets lane and when he does his focus is always dropping off assists to cutting teammates. If you cut to the rim when Sandy draws the help he will find you with a dime nearly 100 percent of the time.Another evaluation of a guy we are in on: Quadri Moore
Four-star big man Quadri Moore deserves some recognition for hitting the gym. A kid who has always had some skill, Moore hasn't always been in the best of shape. That's not the case now. A 6-foot-9 center with soft hands who can hold his ground, Moore has shed any remaining baby fat and is in great condition. He's a grinder that can play physically versus being an above the rim guy but he can step out and hit a jumper from between 12 and 17 feet with regularity.Ranking of Illinois 2014 players from Illini rivals site:
1. Jahlil Okafor Chicago Whitney Young
The top big man in the state may also be the top big man in the country for 2014. Possessing an advanced back to the basket game, and continually getting better, he's a future lottery pick.
2. Cliff Alexander Chicago Curie
The clear #2 player in the class, Alexander is a 5 star recruit that can run the floor and finish at the rim. He lacks the offensive arsenal of Okafor, but may run a little better.
3. Keita Bates-Diop Normal U-High
He continues to grow as a player and get better, but he isn't always as productive as he should be with his skill set, size and athletic ability. With a sweet stroke, great length, and understated athleticism, he's a high major lock.
4. Paul White Chicago Whitney Young
Although he sometimes disappears, he is still a player with great talent and excellent skills for his size. As he improves his motor and becomes more comfortable in his role, he can become an elite talent.
5. Larry Austin Springfield Lanphier
Austin had a great spring and continues to win games and change minds. He does everything except shoot it well, but that will come with his work ethic and dedication. Expect him to continue to grow as a player and he always brings it on the floor.
6. Tyler Ulis Chicago Marian Catholic
Although small, Ulis can play. He gets into the lane, has the ball on a string and can shoot it from the perimeter. Some will back off due to size concerns, but that would be a mistake.
7. Sean O'Mara Benet Academy
He's a solid big man, with good skills and is emerging as a better athlete. He's a notch below the other two big guys because he doesn't run and move as well, but he is a very solid consolation prize for some high major.
8. Malek Harris Orland Park Sandburg
Harris had a great spring until an ankle injury derailed him a bit in early May. He can score and rebounds well, but is a bit of a tweener as a forward. Still, he has enough game and athleticism to be a power forward at the high major level.
9.Marlon Jones Chicago Orr
After one viewing Jones one weekend, I would have him higher, but after a second viewing
10. Tyquone Greer Chicago Orr
Probably too low, but Greer still has work to do as a perimeter scorer. He is a slasher and great at finishing in transition. I'd like to see him develop his ball handling and jump shot.
11. Milik Yarbrough Zion-Benton
Although he is extremely productive, questions surround his lack of list and overall athleticism. He is an old school scorer that will probably make everyone that downgrades him look silly down the road.
12. Paul Turner St. Joseph's
The talent is there, but there are times when he forces shots and is very inefficient. He can shoot it and he is athletic enough, but sometimes doesn't play up to his abilities.
13. Peyton Allen Chatham Glenwood
High major shooting guard that can stroke it from deep and knows how to get his shot off. I like his ability to pass it and handle it, but he lacks some athleticism that he may need at the high major level.
14. Amanze Egekeze Huntley
He is still a bit of a project, but he rebounds and defends and has a little bit of an offensive game. If he grows 2 inches he becomes a player everyone wants.
15. Josh Cunningham Chicago Morgan Park
Extremely athletic, Cunningham still has much room to grow as a player. This one is filled with potential, however.
16. Ore Agundande St. Viator
Was very good in the high school season, but wasn't as good this spring. He can make shots and score, but has some work to do as a perimeter distributor.
17. Darreon Reddick Belleville East
Solid guard that needs to continue to develop his shooting and overall game. Great size for his guard position.
18. Victor Law St. Rita
Athletic wing that needs to develop his ball skills, but continues to improve. He is one that could move up this list over the summer when we see him more.
19. Dominique Matthews St. Rita
His brother gets more hype, but the older Matthews is still a good player. He is a volume scorer and forces some shots, but there is potential present.
20. Darius Austin Cahokia
Austin continues to progress as a basketball player, and he fits the mold of a high major athlete. As his ball skills improve, he will move up the list.
