MidStateHoops.com :: The Best in '09?

The class of 2009 is very deep when regarding the state of Illinois. Since the class began high school, they have been missing one element: a surefire #1 player. Their has yet to be a dominant player who proves he is the state’s best at all times. However, that is starting to change.

There has been many different prospects brought up when discussing who is the state’s best rising junior. D.J. Richardson, Cully Payne, Jordan Prosser, Joseph Bertrand, Marcus Jordan, James Kinney, Michael Haynes, D’mitri Riggs, Jordan Walker, Xavier Humphrey, and Darius Smith have all been considered for the role.. However, only one of them has consistently proven that he should be perceived as the state’s best: Chris Colvin.

Colvin, a 6’2” 175 lbs point guard from Chicago Whitney Young, has been performing on a high level since he was a freshman. He started for Mac Irvin’s Illinois Fire in his first season on the 17U level and was considered the team’s top guard behind Mustapha Farrakhan. Mind you, this was a team featuring elite 2007 and 2008 prospects including Jeremy Montgomery, Bryant Orange, Elliott Brown, Dion Dixon, Donovan Foster, and Ryan Hare. At the current point in time. Chris is the only prospect in this class that brings no doubt to why he is a highly regarded prospect every time he steps onto the floor.

Recently, he has developed a name on the national scale, performing well at numerous exposure camps and AAU tournaments.

Though most consider D.J. Richardson #1 and we don’t, we still feel D.J. is an elite guard. He is a hardworker who has really improved his game throughout his high school career. He rates no lower than the state’s #2 guard and is certainly a top 5 player. He’s had the most exposure and with his work ethic, he will be a tremendous collegiate athlete. Consistency will be key in his development.

Inside, it would be hard to consider anyone better than Eureka’s Jordan Prosser. He has the best combination of size, athleticism, and skill. At 6’8” 215 lbs, Prosser runs the floor extremely well, is a good shot blocker, and is a master of footwork and scoring around the basket. Many big time programs have already offered the 15 year old junior and, with his potential, he will grow to be an outstanding college player with a possible future at a greater level.

In our opinion D’mitri Riggs of Bloomington is, by far, the most talented prospect in this class. No one can provide the things he does on the offensive end when playing to his potential. He has a great body, great ability, and great instincts but hasn’t shown the work ethic needed. If he consistently played to a level he is capable of playing at, there would be no discussing among whose the best in Illinois…he would be unanimously chosen as he was when he first entered high school.

There are still many questions to answer when concerning Illinois’ 2009 class. One thing we do known for sure though…there will be many stars coming out of this class!