A Maryland recruiting update on BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten basketball SB Nation page, had a couple blurbs about Alex Illikainen and Jarvis Johnson. I didn't know that Alex used to play hockey.
http://www.btpowerhouse.com/2014/7/...ting-updates-six-offers-made-in-the-past-week
"Alex Illikainen -- 6-9, 210 lbs. Power Forward. No. 24 PF, No. 103 National.
A stretch four with a solid low post game, the former hockey player has become a basketball revelation in the ice-dominated state. Illikainen will be taking his talents to Brewster Academy (N.H.) this year to finish his high school career against competition more suited to his skill level.
Illikainen was in the midst of an exceptional EYBL campaign before breaking his nose at the Peach Jam. The senior finished the EYBL season shooting 43% (29-67) from behind the arc, proving his worth as a true stretch forward. Illikainen's game is extremely polished for this stage in his development, being labeled as a "high IQ" player by nearly every coach or scout that he comes into contact with. Minnesota is the current front-runner for his services, with recent reports saying it's almost a done deal that the talented prospect returns to the Land of 10,000 Lakes for what should be an exceptional college career.
Jarvis Johnson -- 6-1, 170 lbs. Point Guard. No. 25 PG, No. 128 National.
If Johnson has proven anything in his short time as vaunted basketball prospect, it's that he's a winner. The Minnesota native has won three consecutive state titles for De La Salle High School (Minn.).
Despite running the point, Johnson is really more of a scoring threat. He's explosive, exciting and erratic. His shot selection is wildly inconsistent, but when he's on the diminutive guard can put points up faster than the scoreboard technician can add them. In terms of playing style, Johnson is more Nate Robinson than John Stockton, but his stature will relegate him to to point guard.
Athletically, few are as gifted. Johnson is intense, animated and exciting. If he can learn how to approach the game with a bit more aplomb he could be one of the more dynamic scoring threats in the Big Ten.
Following from recent reports, it is very likely Johnson ends up a Golden Gopher, remaining to play in the state he calls home."
http://www.btpowerhouse.com/2014/7/...ting-updates-six-offers-made-in-the-past-week
"Alex Illikainen -- 6-9, 210 lbs. Power Forward. No. 24 PF, No. 103 National.
A stretch four with a solid low post game, the former hockey player has become a basketball revelation in the ice-dominated state. Illikainen will be taking his talents to Brewster Academy (N.H.) this year to finish his high school career against competition more suited to his skill level.
Illikainen was in the midst of an exceptional EYBL campaign before breaking his nose at the Peach Jam. The senior finished the EYBL season shooting 43% (29-67) from behind the arc, proving his worth as a true stretch forward. Illikainen's game is extremely polished for this stage in his development, being labeled as a "high IQ" player by nearly every coach or scout that he comes into contact with. Minnesota is the current front-runner for his services, with recent reports saying it's almost a done deal that the talented prospect returns to the Land of 10,000 Lakes for what should be an exceptional college career.
Jarvis Johnson -- 6-1, 170 lbs. Point Guard. No. 25 PG, No. 128 National.
If Johnson has proven anything in his short time as vaunted basketball prospect, it's that he's a winner. The Minnesota native has won three consecutive state titles for De La Salle High School (Minn.).
Despite running the point, Johnson is really more of a scoring threat. He's explosive, exciting and erratic. His shot selection is wildly inconsistent, but when he's on the diminutive guard can put points up faster than the scoreboard technician can add them. In terms of playing style, Johnson is more Nate Robinson than John Stockton, but his stature will relegate him to to point guard.
Athletically, few are as gifted. Johnson is intense, animated and exciting. If he can learn how to approach the game with a bit more aplomb he could be one of the more dynamic scoring threats in the Big Ten.
Following from recent reports, it is very likely Johnson ends up a Golden Gopher, remaining to play in the state he calls home."
