Nojel Eastern
G, Evanston, Sr.
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College: Purdue
Star quality: The leader of a Wildkits team that went 28-4 against a loaded schedule and reached a Class 4A supersectional, Eastern averaged 15.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Eastern’s unselfishness has long been among his greatest strengths on the court: The 6-foot-6 point guard operated in the post throughout the playoffs. Eastern, the Pioneer Press All-Area Boys Basketball Player of the Year, showed an ability to play his best basketball in big moments. He averaged 22 points and 8 rebounds at the prestigious Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina. He scored 29 points and grabbed a career-high 19 rebounds in a sectional final win over Waukegan. And he scored 31 in the supersectional loss to Young. Eastern, a four-year starter, finished second in voting to Edwardsville’s Mark Smith for Mr. Basketball this season, was an Illinois Basketball Coaches Association All-state First-team pick in Class 3A/4A and an Associated Press Class 4A All-state First-team selection. “He’s a guy who is going to represent the program and high school well at Purdue,” Evanston coach Mike Ellis said. “He’s a first-class person who loves the game. He’s a model for future student athletes to follow.”
Fun fact: After games, Eastern was usually the last player to leave the locker room. He said he would hang out and relax in the locker room, and that he expects to do the same thing next year at Purdue.
Favorite NBA player: Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers: “He’s a floor general and can do it all — great passer, facilitator, also scoring,” Eastern said. “The NBA has a lot of scoring (point) guards, but Chris Paul is a true point guard.”
Dan Shalin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press