When it comes to coveted, must-have senior prospects in Illinois, they are pretty few and far between in this year’s class.
But when it comes to DePaul Prep’s Rashaun Porter, he fits the mold.
The winning gene — he has been a part of three consecutive state championships — along with his impressive play this past spring and summer saw Porter’s recruiting skyrocket. He became the hot name in recruiting circles.
There were high-major programs poking around, while the mid-major programs were salivating at the thought of adding the big-bodied 6-7 big man. He was a definite priority for a number of schools.
Porter took final visits in September and then committed to Toledo.
Toledo’s background and history recruiting the Chicago area resonated with Porter. There have been a number of players who starred at the Mid-American Conference school. During the recruiting process he talked with Simeon’s Sam Lewis and Bloom’s Dante Maddox about their time playing at Toledo.
While talking with players he knew who played for coach Tod Kowalczyk at Toledo contributed to his decision, there were other selling points that helped seal the deal.
“Their playing style, how they are going to play me and develop me stood out,” Porter said. “I fell in love with the development piece for sure and how they plan to elevate my game to help me get to the next level.
“Having the decision made does feel like it has taken some weight off my shoulders. I didn’t want to be an undecided senior. I didn’t want to wait and live with any regret.”
Blessed with a strong frame and base, Porter’s reshaped body is college-ready. So, too, is the tenacity and both the physical and mental toughness he plays with.
With all of that he brings impressive coordination and mobility for his size and position. While his offensive game continues to improve and evolve, what college coaches rave about is both his rebounding and ability to defend multiple positions.
DePaul Prep coach Tom Kleinschmidt knows exactly what Toledo is getting — a player who produces and is about the right things.
“They are getting a player with a high basketball IQ and a player who has been tested,” Kleinschmidt said. “Plus, he’s a player who is hungry to get better.”
Porter said the college recruiting process was the focal point of the summer. Now he says his attention can turn back to what he can accomplish as a senior.
Porter, the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s No. 4-ranked senior in the Class of 2026, leads a DePaul Prep team that has its sights set on capturing a fourth consecutive title.
“With this out of the way it’s time to focus on what’s next,” Porter said. “And what’s next is trying to get that fourth one. It would be great to leave my name in history and leave a legacy.”