Chicago is often seen in a negative light nationally. But one thing inside Chicago is shining, and we need to pay more attention to it.
The city has continued to produce some of the top high school basketball talent in the country and that trend looks like it won’t stop anytime soon. Names like, sadly the late, Ben Wilson, Isiah Thomas, Ronnie Fields, Kevin Garnett, Derrick Rose and more recently Jabari Parker and Jahlil Okafor.
That’s just some of the talent that Chicago has produced over the past 30 years or so. Now, one event is giving the city some attention for a positive reason.
The McDonald’s All American Game made its return to Chicago last year and is signed to be here until 2015 with an option for 2016. The last time the game was in the area was 1982, when the city of Rosemont hosted it at the former Allstate Arena – Rosemont Horizon. The game provides entertainment and gives a chance to enjoy one of Chicago’s more positive things.
“The game creates more interest for people here,“ said Douglas Freeland, the director of the McDonald’s All American Game. “Chicago has a history of putting out good basketball players. There’s great talent here and the players really understand the game.”
Freeland wants the game to be back in Chicago as it has provided a great atmosphere, national media to show off the city to a national audience and has really caught on in Chicago.That can be credited to the local players who have played in the game and what they bring to the city.
“The players from Chicago are great,” said Freeland. “They are nice kids, they are good kids and that’s something Chicago should be proud of.”
This year, Okafor, a native of Chicago, took the court at the United Center for his final high school game in the city. Just two weeks after winning the Illinois High School Association State Championship, Okafor had another big game to play. It was an emotional time for Okafor, who finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds and earned Co-MVP with North Carolina recruit Justin Jackson. It was the perfect ending for a player who tries to put a positive impact on his hometown, despite the negative attention it might receive sometimes.
“Every time I step on the floor, I look to put Chicago in a positive limelight,” said Okafor. “It’s a great feeling for me to know I’m shedding some positive light on the city of Chicago.”
Okafor said it was very emotional for him once he was introduced to the hometown crowd for the final time. “I had chills when the crowd started cheering for me,” said Okafor. “When the lights went out, it hit me. It was emotional but awesome at the same time.”
The past few years have really resurrected the talent level in Chicago and arguably is at its peak overall. The city has produced two No. 1 NBA Draft picks since 2009 in 2010-2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose and 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Anthony Davis. There could be a third in Parker, as he’s projected to be a top pick in this year’s NBA Draft. Okafor and Alexander will have their chance to add to that list in 2015 if they decide to leave college after their freshman years.
“It’s always been a battle between Jabari and I,” said Okafor. “We have really helped get Chicago back on track with the talent and just try to provide entertainment for the fans. It was nice having Cliff dominate in the same year as me, it was really fun.”
The city continues to produce elite talent year after year and has seen some very good matchups over the years. Derrick Rose and Evan Turner had their battle in 2007, Parker and Okafor had their battles for a few years and recently, Okafor and Alexander did battle. It’s what city fans want to see and usually draws sellout crowds.
It brings some light and provides entertainment for a city that is riddled with high crime rates and dangerous neighborhoods. If there is a list of positives for the city of Chicago, high school basketball has to be high on the list.
The future
The talent in the Chicago area should be rich for a very long time. When one class loaded with stars graduates, another class moves in. With Okafor and Alexander leaving their mark on the game, it’s now time for the 2015 class to try and do the same.
Next year’s class is loaded with talent at the guard position; starting with the No. 12 overall recruit, Charles Matthews, in ESPN’s 2015 Top 60. Matthews attends St. Rita, who is predicted to be a favorite for the state championship next season, and has already committed to Kentucky. Matthews headlines a class that will only improve with Illinois talent.
Stevenson’s Jalen Brunson has been getting positive reviews for his play in the AAU circuit after finishing third in the state this past season. Brunson has offers from Michigan State, Ohio State, Michigan and Illinois but has yet to commit.
Other talent to look for in next years’ class is D.J. Williams, Glynn Watson and Joseph Toye. The 2014-2015 IHSA Basketball season will be another interesting one for the city of Chicago.
Okafor wins another award
In the week leading up to the McDonald’s All American game, Okafor added another award to an already illustrious career. Okafor was named the Morgan Wootten Player of the Year at a press conference in Chicago. Okafor joins Parker as the only Chicago players to win the award – Parker won it last season.
Okafor had a great senior season and was ranked at the top of recruiting rankings all season long. He looked dominant down low and it looked as if no forward or center could contain him. He proved to be the best player with great performances at the McDonald’s All American Game and Jordan Brand Classic. The award helps sustain Chicago’s rich high school basketball history and creates a standard for upcoming players in years to come. Okafor is on his way to cementing his name in Chicago basketball history.
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