Experts weigh in on Abrams

Here are some expert opinions on Mount Carmel sophomore Tracy Abrams, Illinois’ newest recruit:

From Roy and Harv Schmidt of Illinois Prep Bulls-Eye Report:

“After observing Abrams for a mere couple of minutes vs. De LaSalle in the sectional semifinal at Proviso East, our immediate reaction was that we can't believe that he is only a freshman in high school. Simply put, Abrams doesn't have the demeanor of a high school freshman, has more of a demeanor resembling a college senior.”

“He plays with an extremely high level of confidence, has no fear and is as tough as nails. He is an outstanding ballhandler with blazing quickness which allows him to get to the goal with ease. In addition, he plays under control, makes good decisions and has a nice medium-range jumpshot. To top everything off, he is also a good perimeter defender.”

Joe Henricksen of the City/Suburban Hoops Report:

“You tend to forget he's just a freshman in high school. Mount Carmel's Tracy Abrams opened eyes in March with scintillating performances in state tournament play. Now he has people drooling. And when you combine these three elements -- raw talent, unlimited potential and current productivity -- he's really unmatched and the best of a ridiculously loaded Class of 2011.”

“He scored 22 points in a semifinal win over DeLaSalle and followed it up with 15 big points in the second half to help the Caravan upset Whitney Young in the sectional championship. In the win over Whitney Young in particular, it was more than the point production. It was about a point guard playing extremely composed and just making plays. When Mount Carmel needed a big play, Abrams was there to provide it.”

“That is rare for a player that age, in that position, against that type of competition and in that type of environment. In a word he was fearless.”

“His style of play shows flashes of a Chris Paul-type, a slender-framed, slightly undersized point guard who gets into the lane and to the basket, finishes and plays in control and -- again, in a word -- fearless.”

“Abrams is the most athletic point guard in Illinois. As a prospect he's better and way more advanced than any of the top players in the Class of 2009 (D.J. Richardson, Brandon Paul, Diamond Taylor, Joseph Bertrand) were at the same age.”

“He has incredible open floor speed with a devastating first step that makes him a nightmare to defend. Abrams is at his best when attacking the basket as he's a dazzling, fearless finisher with great body control. He also shows the ability to develop into a great lockdown defender as his length allows him to play bigger than his 6-0 or 6-1 size.”

“He still needs some work on his shooting mechanics and will have to speed up his release on his perimeter shot. But make no mistake, he can get his shot whenever he wants to in the halfcourt.”

ESPN:

“Tracy is a scoring combo guard. He is strong and athletic. He is a good scorer that can slash to the basket and shoot 17 footers. Tracy is a natural scorer that will need to continue to improve his point guard skills. He is a solid rebounder and defender for his position. Tracy is a top 50 prospect in the 2011 class nationally."