[2023] Illinois State Lands Another 4 Star To Complete Top 25 Class

[Ape]

Welcome Back Redbird Nation! We know the on court results are less than thrilling this year (and Coach Ape has admitted to this already) so we won’t linger long on this years team but instead look towards our future dominance in the MVC. 
 

As previously written about, Coach Ape has already gotten 5 ⭐️ PG Avery Johnson and 4 ⭐️ SG James Johnson to sign NLI to play in Normal next season. Coach Ape had one more open slot and many predicted that he’d have to settle for a high ceiling 3 Star player but Coach Ape actually did it and pulled a rabbit out of his hat and landed another 4 Star player, let’s take a more in depth look at the newest Redbird.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ SF Roderick Prince from Lexington Catholic in Lexington, KY 

There you have it folks, we knew Coach Ape was looking for a Forward or Center to round out this class after taking on two guards earlier this cycle. Coach Ape had been linked to many other 5/4 and 3 stars on the trail but his pursuit of Prince really shaped up the last couple of weeks. Prince clocks in at 6-6 and was ranked 26th by Rivals, 84th by ESPN and 58.84 on 247.  Prince will come to normal with above average finishing skills and Interior defense already. He’s an average 2pt and free throw shooter but needs work on the rest of his game. His potential has been questioned by some that rank recruits, with some saying it’s only around a D. We here in Redbird nation will gladly take the risk with Prince as he took on coming to Normal. 
 

When asked about Prince’s role next year Coach Ape was blunt: “He’s in my starting 5.”

As it stands now it looks like next years starting 5 might be something like this 

Center: Sr Manuel Enriquez 

PF: Either Jr Lawrence Davis or So Patrick Gartland 

SF: Fr Roderick Prince

SG: Fr James Johnson

PG: Fr Avery Johnson

There are rumors that the NCAA may institute a transfer portal, if they do watch for Coach Ape to cut ties with some of the players on roster that he didn’t recruit and bring in fresh blood. Either way next years team already looks better off than this years thanks to this recruiting class