You Don't Know 'Em, But You Better Start To: Part 3

Before we begin with part 3 of our series, I would like to note that SF Abdel Nader (6-6, 190 lbs) has opted not to attend prep school which would have made him a member of the class of 2012 and signed a letter of intent with Coach Mark Montgomery and Northern Illinois University to play basketball for them next year. What this means is one of the top Illinois prospects in the class of 2012 will play college ball earlier than we thought. This is huge get for NIU as Nader joins what already is a very good class for NIU standards, which includes Future of Basketball favorite Andre “Dre” Henley. What this also represents is that the 9 players that were part of my ‘Previewing the Class of 2012’ are really 8 players and 1 graduating senior who is no longer part of that class. Because of this, I feel obligated to merge my two series (‘Previewing the Class of 2012’ and ‘You Don’t Know ‘Em But You Better Start To’) into one (just for this week) like the Schwarzenegger’s and the Shriver’s minus the house maid. So I bring you one of my top 9 incoming seniors who is also one of my sleepers.

SG Jerron Wilbut (6-2, 180 lbs, offers from Bradley, UIC, and being looked at by Illinois)-  For a shooting guard, Wilbut does not have the size you would want in an upper level shooting guard and he does not have the explosiveness that will make top plays night after night. The tools that Wilbut does possess are an excellent feel for the game and sharp shooting capabilities. On numerous occasions, Wilbut made some nifty passes around the hoop as well as the perimeter. Wilbut made some crafty one hand passes as if he had the ball on a string, though I never got that expression because how do up play basketball with a string attached? He made some nice moves to get around defenders only to dish the ball off Steve Nash style around the hoop to a more open player. This type of ball handling and unselfishness makes players like Jerron a reliable secondary ball handler- the type of player that will run the offense when the defense is denying the point guard. This is a weapon that not a lot of shooting guards have at his age. I would almost go as far to say if Wilbut was a step quicker and craftier ball handler, he would be an ideal point guard and a big time program. But if I was 7-4 and Chinese I’d be Yao Ming, but I’m not and Wilburt isn’t a step quicker and he’s not a supreme ball handler. Wilbut isn't as slow as someone walking through quicksand, but his speed will never wow you. I would say he’s got average speed but uses quick decisions and good ball fakes to make up for his speed.

A Part of Wilbut’s game that will get him a free ticket to college is his long distance shooting. Rather it is in the corner, at the top of the key, or on the wings, Wilbut seemed to be knocking down a good majority of his shots. Even with a defender in his face, he was able to shoot over them and get the ball through the net. Jerron doesn’t do anything fancy link dance around with the ball or jab step for 20 seconds like LeBron seems do on occasion before he makes a fool of the defense hitting a fade away 20 foot jump shot. Jerron just goes straight up and shoots the ball. His shooting stroke and motion is a bit vanilla, but in a good way. He doesn’t feature a wacky shooting motion or shoots off balance, his stroke looks the same from anywhere on the court at any distance. I wouldn’t say he’s the best long distance shooter in the class of 2012 in Illinois, but he’s up there. A couple times the defense cheated and got up in Wilbut’s face when it looked like he was about to drain another three, but Jerron ball faked and drove to the hoop only to dish the ball off to a cutting teammate. This is the type of play that makes coaches look good.

Overall, Wilbut’s stock continues to rise this AAU season and bigger schools are starting to take notice. His ability to find ways to put the ball in the hoop will always garnish attention. His size is not favorable and his speed and quickness or lack thereof will hold Wilbut back from becoming a four star player when it’s all said and done. This does not mean, however, that Wilbut cannot be an impactful player in college; mid-major or a major program. Scouts have noted his commitment and persistence to become better which is why his stock is on the rise. I’m not saying this guy is the Apple stock in 1984, but maybe more like the Microsoft stock in the mid 1990’s- established but rising each day. Thus concludes a fine example of why I should never buy stocks or analyze them, but watch for Wilbut to have some big name colleges looking very hard into acquiring a sharp shooting, facilitating shooting guard this winter.

NEXT WEEK: I PAUSE THE ‘YOU DON’T KNOW ‘EM BUT YOU BETTER START TO’ SERIES AS I ATTEND THE BEST BUY CHICAGO CLASSIC OVER THE WEEKEND. I WILL BLOG ABOUT SOME STAND OUTS FROM THE LAND OF LINCOLN BEFORE I CONTINUE THIS RIVETING SERIES OF FUTURE STARS.