Smaller colleges think big while recruiting high school basketball talent

Recruiting battles aren’t just for Division I basketball programs and prospects. There is a surplus of players being courted by Division II and Division III schools.

Here is a short list of some of the top small-college prospects in the Chicago area in this year’s senior class, including a few who already have made their decisions.

Bryce Wegrzyn, Libertyville

Currently the best small-college commitment in the class. Winona State, a Division II school in Minnesota, wrapped up one of the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s top 30 prospects in the Class of 2026.

Wegrzyn, who put up an impressive 19 points and 8.5 rebounds a game as a junior, showcases a unique game. He’s a 6-8 big who can step away from the basket with consistent range out to the three-point line.

Adam Anwar, McHenry

The recruitment of Anwar is a little different as elite academic standards are a priority. He remains focused on those schools.

The Ivy League is poking around at the Division I level, while Division III academic stalwarts are drooling at the thought of landing the 6-8 big with shooting range and a beautiful stroke to go with it.

Cedrick Carter, Intrinsic

A complete unknown following his junior season at Intrinsic, a small school downtown, Carter opened just enough eyes this past summer to warrant some attention.

The 6-8 big man is full of raw but promising upside. He recently ended a very brief recruitment with a commitment to Division II D’Youville in New York.

AJ Chambers, DePaul Prep

A key role player the last two seasons for state-championship teams, Chambers will see his opportunities expand for the Rams this season, just as his game has over the last six months.

Chambers became a hot commodity among Division II programs this summer, thanks to an improved offensive game — both as a scorer and floor general. He recently committed to Michigan Tech.

Adam Flowers, Downers Grove South

The combination of size and length in the backcourt is ultra-attractive as a versatile 6-4 guard. Fresh off a junior campaign where he put up 18.2 points and 6.8 rebounds a game, he is more than just a premier transition scorer. He has turned himself into a three-level scorer and is a vastly overlooked player in the class.

Justin Oliver, Curie

The 5-11 guard enjoyed a breakthrough junior season. He led Curie to 24 wins, including city-championship and sectional-title appearances. Now the smooth scoring lead guard has a chance to be a jewel for a Division II program — if they can snare him.

Oliver showed he’s at his best when it mattered most. There was the city-title game where he finished with 22 points and eight assists. He scored 27 in a regional-title win over Hinsdale Central and 20 in the sectional championship.

Sam Golden, Loyola

After a stellar but under-the-radar junior season, which included 12 points a game while knocking down 78 three-pointers at a 42% clip, Golden is set for a big senior year.

It’s a smidge unfair to label Golden as just a shooting guard, but his space-the-floor ability sets up his entire game. And it’s why he’s a high-priority, high-level Division III prospect.

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