With the spring grassroots season heating up, here are five players who have already made a name for themselves recently and greatly improved their game and recruitment stock. First group up here.

Landon Lethunya – 2027 – F – Full Package

Lethunya has continued to show the great development in his game this spring. This has been highlighted by added strength, athleticism, and offensive skills. He has become a consistent shooter from three as well to moving extremely well without the ball to be finishing multiple dunks in many of his games at Swish N’ Dish and the Grassroots Showcase. He has shown all the upside to be one of the top forwards in Illinois’ 2027 class.

Cruz Mactavish – 2027 – SG – Meanstreets

A new name on the radar this spring from Australia, Mactavish showed a ton of tools for the next level. This includes his physical tools having great size as a 6’5” wing guard along with his length. This is in addition to his great athleticism. As well, the junior has proven to be a knockdown shooter as well.

Kyler Payne – 2028 – PF – Illinois Wolves

While still under the radar, Payne is a high upside big man in Illinois’ 2028 with tremendous upside. He showcased all of his potential as one of the top big men at the NY2LA Swish N’ Dish Tournament. This included scoring 25 points along with the game winning basket in the final seconds as well to 22 points in another. Along with being 6’7”, Payne has a strong build while still being mobile in addition to playing with a big motor. He uses his physical tools to be an aggressive interior scorer who can do it posting up but can also attack the basket and spot up for threes.

Markese Peoples – 2027 – G – Y&R

This spring Peoples has gone from a very good player, to one of the best in Illinois’ class. While he has consistently proven over the past couple of years to be a physical, overpowering guard who can bully his way to the basket, he has continued to add to his game. He is a highly competitive player who can also make a great impact with his ability to run the point, his on ball defensive play, rebounding, in addition to improve outside shooting. Peoples was one of the top players and recruits at the NY2LA Swish N’ Dish Tournament with all these tools. While his recruitment may be limited, it is only a matter of time before he is a popular name with division one programs.  

Will Stremlow – 2027 – G – Wisconsin Swing

The 6’4” junior combo guard has seen his recruitment take off this spring. That was with three division two offers in the month of April coming from Northern Michigan, Purdue Northwest, and UW-Parkside. This is in addition to building division one interest He was one of the top players at the NY2LA Swish N’ Dish Tournament which included a 40-point game. His overall game and confidence has continued to grow along with his ability to score it from all three levels.