Chicago area lacks big-time prospects, analyst Van Coleman of Future Stars Magazine says
Justin Cerasoli, West Aurora
The 6-foot-5-inch guard, headed to Seton Hall, is considered the No. 49 player in the nation by Coleman. Two other recruiting services rate him among nation’s top 10 shooting guards.
Shaun Pruitt, West Aurora
Injuries have hampered the 6-9 power forward, who has signed with Illinois. “He has . . . quickness, and I believe he will be a better player in college than in high school,” Coleman said. “He has the potential to be very good.”
Ollie Bailey, Farragut
Being an undersized power forward at 6-7 didn’t discourage Rutgers, which signed the blue-collar warrior. Coleman predicts Bailey will become an excellent role player in the Big East.
Eric Vierneisel, Jacobs
Rated among the top 100 players in the country, the 6-7 forward has signed with California. “I love him when he’s on, and he can be a terrific shooter,” Coleman said. “But he needs to gain more consistency.”
Gordon Watt, Evanston
Another local product shunned by the Big Ten, the 6-5 forward signed with Boston College. Some analysts think Watt has been underrated and will eventually make other college programs regret passing on him.