There are hundreds if not thousands of players who have an argument to belong in this series from across the region. So we move on to five more who have excelled over the past several months on the hardwood and should be popular targets. 

Mohammad Badwan - 2027 - SG - Salam

During his junior season, Badwan was one of the leading scorers in the entire Midwest but still is still an under the radar name. As well as his incredibly well-rounded offensive game, he also has some size in the backcourt at 6’3” along with being a strong guard and knows how to play. He has proven to be a knockdown shooter who can create his own shot but also use his physicality to overpower opposing guards. Badwan holds an offer from division one Morgan State. 

Kobe Drake - 2028 - G/F - Ypsilanti Lincoln

Drake was one of the breakout stars of the NY2LA Association this year playing with the Michigan Warriors. Even while playing up a level at 17U, he was one of the top scorers and more impactful players. As well as being a strong 6’5” wing, Drake has a well-rounded game with his ability to run the point, defend multiple positions,  and score in bunches with his aggressive downhill driving. Drake is currently drawing interest from both division one and two programs and is poised for a huge junior season.  

Nigel Mosley - 2027 - G - Shorewood

Mosley had a strong junior season with Shorewood in which he averaged 12.8 points and 3.2 rebounds but was even better in his grassroots season playing with MTXE. He is a skilled two-way guard with good positional size in the backcourt at 6’4” along with his plus length. He has shown a three level scoring ability as a consistent three point shooter as well as being an aggressive driver who can play through contact. With his size in the backcourt, Mosley also defends multiple positions effectively. With all his tools, the under the radar senior should be getting himself on college coaches radars. 

Evan Okey - 2028 - PF - Libertyville

Between his sophomore season at Libertyville and then his grassroots season with ALL IN, Okey showed a ton of growth in his game to be among the top power forwards in Illinois’ 2028 class. As well as being 6’8”, Okey has also shown a growing game. He uses his size and physicality to be a true interior scoring weapon but can also play out on the perimeter and attack the basket moving well at his size in addition to hitting some threes. There are few juniors in the area with his combination of size and versatile scoring tools. 

Kyler Payne - 2028 - PF - Waubonsie Valley

While he excels on the gridiron which includes having multiple high major offers, Payne has also developed into one of the top big men on the court in Illinois’ 2028 class. As well as his physical tools as a strong 6’7” power forward along with a big motor, Payne has also shown a growing offensive game. He has proven to be a dominant interior scorer with his size and physicality but can also put the ball on the floor and moves well at his size. Not just a division one football recruit, Payne also holds an offer from Northern Illinois for basketball.