MaxPreps 2016-17 Illinois preseason high school boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

By Aaron Williams Nov 7, 2016, 4:00pm

Curie leads the way, but also watch out for Morgan Park, Simeon, Benet Academy and Althoff Catholic in the Illinois boys basketball #MaxPrepsFab5.

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MaxPreps 2016-17 Illinois preseason high school boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Curie (Chicago)
2015-16 record: 21-4
Head coach: Michael Oliver

The defending Illinois Class 4A champions have a host of returners from last season's title team, including senior captains Elijah Joiner and Allante Pickens. Joiner had 10 points in the title win over Benet Academy, while Pickens added eight points. The backcourt duo will be joined by twin tower juniors in 6-9 Tyler Clarke and 6-0 Treavon Martin. Martin posted a double-double in the championship game. Also in the mix is 6-5 swingman Terry Smith Jr. The Condors did lose Landers Nolley II, a transfer to Georgia.

See the Illinois boys basketball computer rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

2. Morgan Park (Chicago)
2015-16 record: 10-2
Head coach: Nick Irving



The Mustangs, already one of the best programs in the state, saw their fortunes soar with the arrival of 6-7 Division I prospect Aaron Cash. The oft-traveled Cash comes to Chicago from North Carolina. Cash joined a talented roster that includes Ayo Dosunmu, one of the top point guards in the Midwest. Dosunmu was third-team All-Public League and All City last season and is getting D-I looks throughout the country. Lamond Johnson, Tamell Peason and Lenell Henry also will help the Mustangs in their quest for a 3A title.

See the Illinois boys basketball stat leaders

3. Simeon (Chicago)
2015-16 record: 18-2
Head coach: Robert Smith
Evan Gilyard, Simeon
Evan Gilyard, Simeon
Photo by Patrick Gorski
The Wolverines, losers in the Class 4A semis, boast a championship pedigree that's produced NBA talent such as Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker. Simeon will be led this season by senior Evan Gilyard and junior Talen Horton-Tucker, 6-5 big-bodied wing. Joining them is sophomore KeJuan Clements and Marquise "Kezo" Brown, much-hyped as a freshman who sat out last year due to health issues.

See the MaxPreps Illinois boys basketball photos

4. Benet Academy (Lisle)
2015-16 record: 29-2
Head coach: Gene Heidkamp

The senior-heavy Class 4A runner-up team led by Danny Sobolewski will give way to a quartet of incoming seniors. Jack Nolan and Justin Enochs have the most court-time experience, Nolan playing 31-plus minutes and scoring 11 points in the title game and Enochs contributing eight points in 18 minutes. Joining them will be Liam Lyman, Matthew Teglia and 6-8 Mitchell McKay.



See the MaxPreps Illinois boys basketball playoff brackets

5. Althoff Catholic (Belleville)
2015-16 record: 30-2
Head coach: Greg Leib

The Crusaders, who breezed to a 62-37 Class 3A title game win, have Saint Louis University commit Jordan Goodwin back for his senior season. Goodwin, a 6-3 guard, averaged 20 points for Althoff, which finished the season on a 20-game win streak. Goodwin poured in 19 points, 10 boards and five assists in the title game. He will be joined by seniors C.J. Coldon, a 3-star wide receiver, and Marvin Bateman, a 6-5 swingman.