by Rickhouse on November 13 at 3:29PM
Chicago has always produced more basketball talent then any other town, from Kevin Garnett to Isaiah Thomas. In the second part of our college hoops preview, we take a look at some of college basketball’s best players with Chicago connections. Part one, the Big 10 preview, can be found here.Derrick Rose, Memphis, Fr.- The current ESPN Magazine cover boy could be the best freshman in the county and is a likely top 3 selection in next year’s NBA draft. Rose is being touted as the best point guard college basketball has seen in some time, and instantly makes Memphis one of the best teams in the country. He's has received loads of national press recently, but Chicagoians have known he’s a special talent for years. After leading Simeon to back-to-back state titles, Rose could be considered one of the best Illinois high school basketball players ever.
“Derrick Rose is a unique player in that his athleticism and awareness are both extremely high. He's the kind of player that makes electrifying plays, and keeps an offense running, and for a freshman that's incredible,” said Scott Phillips of WindyCityHSHoops, who named Rose their player of the year last season.
Patrick Beverly, Arkansas, So.- The Marshall product enters 07/08 as the reigning SEC freshman of the year after averaging 13.9 points per game last season. A 6’1 combo guard, Beverly figures to be one the SEC’s top players once again this year. Beverly wanted a scholarship to U of I coming out of high school, but he never got an offer.
Sherron Collins, Kansas, So.- Disappointing news came out today that Collins will be out six weeks with a foot injury. A 5’11 point guard out of Crane, Collins leads Kansas in scoring after two games this season. After dealing with weight problems throughout his senior season in high school, Collins worked himself into shape and was a substantial contributor as a freshman, averaging over 22 minutes and nine points per game.
Jon Scheyer, Duke, So.- An Illinois high school basketball legend, Scheyer was the one missed recruit that really hurt the Fighting Illini. Scheyer’s high school coach at Glenbrook North was Dave Weber, younger brother of Illinois coach Bruce Weber, but the Illini still couldn’t land the shooting guard. Scheyer started for Duke as a freshman last season, but came off the bench in the first game of this year, scoring 22 points. Scheyer has one of the best shots in college basketball and will surely remind Duke fans/haters of JJ Redick.
Shaun Pruitt, Illinois, Sr.- Pruitt finally emerged as a dangerous low post scoring threat last season, and figures to be one of the best big men in the Big 10 this season. The former West Aurora star is the clear leader of Illinois this season. After flirting with entering the NBA last season, Pruitt could be in for a big season to see his professional stock boast.
Jamarcus Ellis, Indiana, Jr.- Ellis joined the Hoosiers this season after being named junior college player of the year last year. The former Westinghouse swingman was considered the state’s second best player in 2004, just behind future top five draft pick Shaun Livingston. Ellis should fill up box scores all season long for Indiana, who may have the most talented roster in the Big 10.
Bobby Frasor, North Carolina, Jr.- After starting the majority of games as a freshman, Frasor has a niche backing up Tywon Lawson, one of the nation’s best point guards, on the Tar Heels bench. The former Brother Rice standout will be a four-year contributor for North Carolina, and gives the Tar Heels steady guard play when needed.
Demetri McCamey, Illinois, Fr.- McCamey teamed with Ohio State recruit Evan Turner last season at St. Joseph to form one of the state’s best one-two punches. McCamey figures to standout at Illinois this year, and could secure the starting point guard role very soon. Walk on Jeffery Jordan gets much publicity, but it’s McCamey who will be Illinois’ best newcomer this season.
Jerel McNeal, Marquette, Jr.- A defensive stopper and a capable offensive shooting guard, McNeal figures to be one of the Big East’s best guards this season. An injury forced him out of the NCAA Tournament last year, but McNeal has healed and could be Marquette’s best player this year. The former Hillcrest star will be joined by his high school teammate Maurice Acker, who transferred from Ball State, this season.
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