Unsigned seniors hoping basketball showcase helps them gain college looks

EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — It’s late March and there are still plenty of area high school basketball players looking for a college home.

That’s where Tyler McAllister comes in. He is a regional scout for Prep Hoops Illinois, a statewide site for recruiting information and high school player rankings.

“We’ve got great hoops around here. The past couple years especially has been awesome for hoops,” McAllister said. “A lot of talent around. We just want to showcase all these guys left unsigned.”

Based in Peoria, he noticed “a lot of good players” still unsigned for the next year. So he invited unsigned players to a showcase and ran them through some drills and organized scrimmages at Illinois Central College on Sunday.

“It’s great. I think it will open up something for everyone in this gym, hopefully,” said Peoria Heights senior Camron Williams. “At the end of the day, I hope to get my name around.”

McAllister said the NCAA Transfer Portal has hurt high school recruiting the past few years as college coaches are searching for older transfers over incoming freshmen.

“A lot of us are under the radar,” said Richwoods senior. “A lot of us need this attention, or some way to get our name out there. This is a great opportunity to get our name out there. Look for coaches to get us on the radar.”

Jackson played for a Richwoods team that made it all the way to state. But many of the players had their seasons end nearly a month ago, which may have been the last time they played in front of any potential college suitors.

“Central Illinois is sometimes under the radar a little. We have Chicago, you know. I’m surprised at some of the guys that are here because they are really good,” said IVC senior Stephen Braun. “Everyone here has a chance to play college basketball somewhere. I just hope it goes well for them and I get the chance to play at the next level too.”

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