While there are many prominent players in Illinois’ 2024 class including some top one hundred national players there is also great depth to the class. Here are five players that are having breakout junior season and are names for college coaches to know. 

Hank Alvey – 2024 – C – Illini Bluffs HS – MidPro Academy 

The 6’9” post has been one of the breakout juniors of the season so far who has really emerged as a prospect for colleges to see. On the season he is averaging 16 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.5 blocks, and 2.4 steals per game. Much more than just a big man, Alvey is a skilled, impactful, and versatile player recording multiple triple doubles this season. As well to being effective down in the paint and running the floor, he can also stretch the floor and knock down jumpers. He has plenty of tools that should make him a popular name this spring. 

Jurrell Baldwin – 2024 – SF – Hyde Park HS 

It’s been a real breakout few months for Baldwin and it has started to pay off as he recently picked up his first division one offer from St. Louis. University. He is a double-double machine that has been a force for Hyde Park who is having a tremendous season so far sitting at 19-4. This includes a recent victory over Kenwood Academy in which the long and skilled wing forward had 23 points and 15 rebounds up against one of the most talented teams in the region. 

Jamal Craig – 2024 – PG – Legal Prep 

Throughout his high school career, the guard has continued to greatly improve his skills and is in the midst of a stellar season with 15.8 points, 3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. Craig is a quick and shifty guard that is at his best playing on the attack. As well to being a tough attacking guard that gets into the paint often, he is also an energetic on ball defender with his intensity. 

Connor May – 2024 – SF – Palatine HS – Breakaway Basketball

Another on this list who has continued to improve his game all throughout his high school career and now May has truly emerged this season. There is so much to like about his game with his size, length, and versatile skill set. He has become one of the more impactful players in the area and he recently picked up his first offer from Lewis. 

Grantas Sakenis – 2024 – C – Andrew HS – DeNard Bros. 

The 6’10” junior is starting to show plenty of his great upside this season as the post has begun to show some of his dominant play inside. He just put up a huge double-double with 31 points and 18 boards last week. Not only does he have his height but also a strong build and aggressive play to just bully opponents inside. A very intriguing post in the 2024 class with who continues to show even greater upside.