Class 3A semifinalists Morgan Park and Althoff Catholic in the title picture once again. Also watch out for Simeon, Stevenson and Manual in the Illinois #MaxPrepsFab5.
Justin Smith, Stevenson
Photo by Patrick Gorski
2015-16 Illinois Preseason Boys Basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Morgan Park (Chicago)Head coach: Nick Irvin
2014-15 record: 21-5
Despite losing Marcus LoVett Jr. to St. John's, Morgan Park is L-O-A-D-E-D. Back from last year's roster are
Cortez Bailey (5-9, So., G),
Melo Burrell (6-8, Jr., F),
Alonzo Chatman (6-8, Sr., F),
Lenell Henry (6-9, Jr., F) and
Charlie Moore (5-11, Sr., G). Plus the Mustangs welcome touted transfer Ayo Dosumno (6-0, So., G).
See last season's Illinois boys basketball computer rankings2. Althoff Catholic (Belleville)Head coach: Greg Leib
2014-15 record: 29-4
The Crusaders beat Morgan Park in the Class 3A semifinals a year ago before falling in the state championship game. Now a junior,
Jordan Goodwin (6-3, G) led that group by piling up 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. He will be supported by seniors
Tarkus Ferguson (6-0, G) and
Brendon Gooch (6-4, G/F).
See Illinois boys basketball pro photo galleries3. Simeon (Chicago)Head coach: Robert Smith
2014-15 record: 27-3
Derrick Rose's alma mater lost eight seniors from last year's team but few programs in high school basketball reload like Simeon. This year's Wolverines will led by
Ben Coupet (6-7, Sr., F),
Zach Norvell (6-4, Sr., G),
Evan Gilyard (5-9, Jr., G) and
Marquise Brown (6-1, So., G).
See last season's Illinois boys basketball playoff brackets4. Stevenson (Lincolnshire)Head coach: Patrick Ambrose
2014-15 record: 30-3
With Stevenson's best player in program history Jalen Brunson off to Villanova and sidekick Connor Cashaw off to Rice, 2015-16 had the look of a re-tooling year for the defending 4A state champs. But that was before the Herenton brothers transferred over from Whitney Young.
Rodney Herenton (6-2, Sr., G) and
Willie Herenton (6-1, Jr., G) will join forces with standout returner
Justin Smith (6-7, Jr., F) to give the Patriots a dangerous trio.
See last season's Illinois boys basketball stat leaders5. Manual (Peoria)Head coach: Derrick Booth
2014-15 record: 23-7
Manual won four straight state titles between 1994-97 and could be on the verge of another big run behind returning all-staters
DaMonte Williams (6-2, Jr., G) and Romon Douglas-Watkins (6-5, Jr., G/F). Williams is the son of former University of Illinois star and NBA player Frank Williams.
