By Steve Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
In a state loaded with talented teams and players, one name stands out above all others: Derrick Rose.
The electric 6-4 guard is the state's top player, regardless of class, and is universally considered a top 10 senior in the country. Rose ended his highly-publicized recruitment last month when he signed to play for John Calipari's Memphis Tigers. It had long been rumored that Rose might choose Indiana University, and play with AAU teammate Eric Gordon from North Central High School in Indianapolis.
Rose is by no means Simeon's only weapon. Forward Tim Flowers - headed to Illinois - and Kevin Johnson, another potential Division I recruit, man the frontcourt.
Coach Robert Smith's squad will certainly get tested along the way. Simeon plays a slew of high profile national games this season, most notably a matchup with perennial powerhouse Oak Hill Academy.
Simeon isn't the only Chicagoland school returning a loaded team. The St. Joseph's Chargers feature Ohio State-bound guard Evan Turner. Turner has a 6-6 frame, and is versatile enough to play wherever coach Gene Pingatore needs him. Complementing Turner is floor general Demetri McCamey. At 6-3, McCamey's strong build allows him to be a physical presence on the court from the point guard position.
Perhaps no high school player in Illinois has a more recognizable name than Jeffrey Jordan. MJ's oldest leads a talented Loyola Academy squad, which also includes younger brother Marcus Jordan, one of the state's top sophomores.
The Jordan brothers are not the only familiar names on the Ramblers' roster. Robert Wennington, a 6-8 freshman and the son of former Bull Bill Wennington, may see some varsity minutes toward the end of the season. Joe Suhey, a 6-3 senior and star of the Loyola football team, will be a valuable contributor to the basketball team, as well. Suhey is the son of former Bears fullback Matt Suhey, who gained popularity among Chicago fans for his warm personality and his steadfast run blocking for Walter Payton.
One of the big surprises around the state came when Jereme Richmond, one of the top players in his class, announced his intentions to play college ball for Illinois. The catch is that Richmond is only a freshman. At 6-6, the North Shore Country Day frosh already has impressed Bruce Weber's staff enough to merit a scholarship offer.
Other players and teams to keep an eye on in Illinois this season:
- Lincoln Park and Northwestern-bound guard Michael Thompson.
- Boys to Men and 6-9 forward Nayal Koshwal, headed to DePaul.
- Marshall and 6-5 guard Mike Stovall.
- Washington's duo of DeAndre Liggins and Michael Haynes, the latter being one of the top sophomores in the state.
As a whole, Illinois is deep in talented teams and individuals, and judging by the many intriguing underclassmen who will contribute on the varsity level this season, it appears it will stay that way for years to come.